France – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What types of complementary and alternative medicine are available in France?

France offers a distinctive and varied landscape of non-conventional health practices. Therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture, and osteopathy occupy a significant place within French healthcare culture. Alongside these three prominent disciplines, a wide array of additional therapies is readily accessible, including sophrology — a practice uniquely popular in France that blends breathing exercises, guided visualisation, and gentle movement — as well as naturopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine (phytotherapy), reflexology, hypnotherapy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

France holds the distinction of being the largest national market for homeopathic products. Homeopathy has long been integrated into mainstream pharmacy culture, with remedies stocked routinely in pharmacies throughout the country — a contrast sharply felt when compared to nations such as Australia or Canada, where homeopathy commands a far smaller market share. Despite the withdrawal of public reimbursement (discussed below), homeopathic products remain entirely legal and freely available for purchase.

Non-conventional approaches are exceptionally common across France. Osteopathy ranks among the most widely used practices, followed by homeopathy, essential oils, and acupuncture. Sophrology and hypnosis also figure prominently. Sophrology in particular is embedded in French culture in a way that may come as a surprise to newcomers — it is routinely recommended for stress management, sleep difficulties, and mental preparation, and differs meaningfully from therapies more commonly encountered in other countries.

The University of Bobigny founded its Department of Natural Medicines in 1982. Since then, university diplomas have been awarded in acupuncture, homeopathy, phytotherapy, osteopathy, auriculotherapy, naturopathy, oligotherapy, and mesotherapy, with a University Diploma in Natural Medicines introduced from 1990. This institutional history reflects several decades of academic engagement with CAM disciplines within French medical education.

Some therapies may be less straightforward to access in France than in other countries. Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese herbal dispensing as distinct from acupuncture, and Western naturopathy as a primary-care model are available but less prominent. Naturopaths and TCM practitioners do operate across France, and they are generally discoverable online, through local newspapers, flyers in public spaces, and directory listings under broader health profession categories.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in France?

No dedicated CAM legislation exists in France. Only legally authorised personnel may treat patients, and only those holding recognised medical qualifications are permitted to practise CAM. This represents a fundamentally different approach from the profession-specific statutory regulation found in countries such as the UK — where osteopaths and chiropractors each have their own independent regulatory body — or Australia, where multiple CAM professions fall under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). In France, the guiding principle is that diagnosis and treatment are the exclusive domain of practitioners trained in biomedicine.

The French state has explicitly declined to adopt the language of “complementary” or “alternative” medicine. Biomedicine, in the official view, requires no complementing, and positioning anything as an alternative to science-based healthcare is regarded as a threat to public health. This philosophical stance pervades the entire regulatory environment, leaving non-biomedical healing in an inherently uncertain legal position.

Acupuncture, anthroposophic medicine, and homeopathy fall under the oversight of the Ordre des Médecins (the medical association), and osteopathy is subject to statutory government regulation. In recent years, the practice of chiropractic, osteopathy, and acupuncture has been acknowledged by the medical orders as constituting responsible professional conduct.

In France, only medical doctors are authorised to practise acupuncture — a significant departure from countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK, where non-medically trained practitioners routinely offer the therapy. In practice, this means that anyone seeking acupuncture in France should, in principle, be treated by a licensed physician with specialist acupuncture training. Acupuncture and homeopathy enjoy a degree of special recognition within the French CAM landscape and may be legally practised, though only by physicians or licensed physiotherapists — in the latter case, on medical prescription.

For the vast majority of other therapies — including naturopathy, sophrology, reflexology, hypnotherapy, and energy healing — there are no specific licensing requirements, no mandatory professional registers, and no government oversight bodies. Ongoing debate has highlighted the need to monitor the proliferation of diverse, largely uncontrolled health-related practices in order to curb fraudulent activity. Practitioners themselves have increasingly sought state recognition, but alternative healing continues to occupy an ambiguous space in public policy.

For the most current requirements and any changes to the regulatory framework, consult the French Ministry of Health (Ministère de la Santé) and the Ordre National des Médecins. This area is subject to change, and official sources should always be consulted before drawing conclusions from a practitioner’s stated credentials.

Is CAM covered by health insurance or the public healthcare system in France?

France’s universal public healthcare system — Assurance Maladie / Sécurité Sociale — reimburses a proportion of the cost of most conventional medical treatment. However, the state scheme generally does not reimburse homeopathy, osteopathy, acupuncture, or comparable therapies, though many mutuelle contracts provide partial reimbursement for a defined number of sessions each year.

Acupuncture represents a partial exception when delivered by a contracted medical doctor. It has been recognised as a medical activity within the official classification of medical acts for over two decades and is covered by the social health insurance (SHI) scheme at a tariff currently set at approximately half the rate of a standard GP consultation. This means that acupuncture provided by a conventionné (contracted) doctor through the normal care pathway may attract partial reimbursement — but this does not extend to practitioners operating outside this structure.

Homeopathy was historically one of the most distinctive features of French healthcare coverage. In 2021, the health minister brought an end to social security reimbursements for homeopathic products. Since 1 January 2021, homeopathy has no longer been funded by the French national insurance system. This represented a major policy turning point: an assessment by the French National Health Authority (HAS) found insufficient clinical evidence of effectiveness for homeopathic treatments, and HAS concluded that the therapeutic benefit of homeopathic medicines did not justify their continued reimbursement.

For most other CAM therapies, the mutuelle — private top-up health insurance — is the primary route to any reimbursement. Because the French state system rarely covers the full cost of healthcare, the great majority of residents hold some form of complementary private insurance, known as a mutuelle or assurance complémentaire santé. These policies extend coverage to services poorly or entirely excluded from state reimbursement, including alternative therapies such as osteopathy and acupuncture, as well as dental, optical, and hearing care.

Since 2016, all private sector employers have been legally required to provide supplementary health insurance to their staff, with the result that 96% of the population now holds such cover. These contracts typically provide for reimbursement of non-conventional healthcare practices including homeopathy, osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, chiropractic, and relaxation therapies. The level of coverage, annual session limits, and reimbursement rates differ considerably between policies, so it is essential to review your specific contract and contact your insurer directly for current details. The Assurance Maladie website (ameli.fr) provides up-to-date information on what the public system does and does not cover.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in France?

CAM consultation fees in France are determined by individual practitioners and are not subject to the regulated tariff structure that governs conventional medical consultations. Prices differ according to the type of therapy, the practitioner’s qualifications, the region, and whether the practitioner holds a medical degree. Major urban centres such as Paris and Lyon typically see higher fees than rural areas.

For osteopathy, sessions generally cost in the region of €70 per visit (as of 2024–2025). Social Security does not fund osteopathy delivered by a practitioner working exclusively as an osteopath, so costs will be met entirely out of pocket unless your mutuelle policy includes coverage. Some mutuelle plans cap reimbursement at two to four sessions per year — always confirm the terms of your individual plan.

Acupuncture fees vary considerably depending on whether the practitioner is a contracted medical doctor or an independent therapist. Where treatment is delivered by a contracted doctor through the standard care pathway, the state tariff applies; otherwise, pricing is freely set. As a general guide, expect to pay approximately €50–€80 per session for acupuncture (as of 2024–2025), with specialist practices or city-centre clinics potentially charging more. It is advisable to request a devis (written quote) before committing to a course of treatment.

Sessions for sophrology, naturopathy, hypnotherapy, and reflexology typically range from roughly €50 to €100 for an hour-long appointment (as of 2024–2025), with initial consultations sometimes priced higher to account for the time required to take a full case history. Consultations with a medically trained phytotherapist are generally billed in line with standard medical visit rates.

All figures given here are indicative and subject to change. Always confirm pricing directly with practitioners or through relevant professional associations. Bodies such as the Registre des Ostéopathes de France may be able to provide guidance on typical fees in your locality.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in France?

Locating a practitioner for a regulated therapy such as acupuncture is comparatively simple: since it must be performed by a medical doctor, you can search the Ordre National des Médecins practitioner directory for physicians who declare acupuncture as a speciality. Your médecin traitant (registered GP) is also well placed to provide referrals, and consulting your GP first is the recommended approach for any CAM therapy — they can advise on suitability and flag any potential interactions with existing treatments or medications.

For osteopathy, which is subject to statutory regulation, seek practitioners registered with a recognised professional body. The principal organisations include the Registre des Ostéopathes de France (ROF), the Union Fédérale des Ostéopathes de France (UFOF), and the Syndicat Français des Ostéopathes (SFDO). These bodies maintain registers of qualified practitioners and can help direct you to someone in your area.

For unregulated therapies — naturopathy, sophrology, reflexology, hypnotherapy — the process is more complex. Practitioners advertising these services are easy to find across France — online, in local print media, and on leaflets in community spaces — but accessibility is no guarantee of competence or safety. Professional associations for these disciplines do exist, though membership is voluntary and standards are inconsistent. Key bodies include the Chambre Syndicale de la Sophrologie and the Fédération Française de Naturopathie (FENA).

When seeking any CAM practitioner, keep the following consumer protection considerations in mind:

• Exercise caution with practitioners who claim the ability to diagnose or treat serious medical conditions solely through CAM, or who actively discourage conventional medical care — this may constitute unlawful practice of medicine under the French Public Health Code.
• Enquire about training, qualifications, and professional association membership before your first appointment.
• Be alert to practitioners who push large quantities of proprietary supplements or products as part of their service — this may indicate commercial rather than clinical motivations.
• For consumer protection concerns, the French government’s MIVILUDES (Interministerial Mission for Vigilance and the Fight Against Sectarian Abuses) tracks and publishes warnings about harmful or exploitative health-related practices, including those linked to certain CAM-adjacent activities.

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in France?

Metropolitan France does not have a single dominant indigenous healing tradition in the manner that Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in China or Ayurveda in India. However, France carries a rich and culturally meaningful history of folk and herbal healing — particularly in rural areas. The University of Bobigny established its Department of Natural Medicines as far back as 1982 and has since awarded diplomas in phytotherapy, naturopathy, auriculotherapy, and oligotherapy, reflecting France’s sustained academic engagement with plant-based and natural medicine traditions.

Phytotherapy — herbal medicine grounded in European botanical traditions — has deep roots in French rural culture and is practised both by medically trained physicians who have undertaken specialist study and by independent herbalists. Medical phytotherapy, when conducted by a licensed doctor, falls within the regulated medical sphere. Independent herbalists, by contrast, operate in the same largely unregulated space as other non-qualified CAM practitioners.

France’s overseas territories — including Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion, and Mayotte — each possess their own distinct traditional healing practices shaped by African, Caribbean, South American, and Indian Ocean cultures. These include traditional healers known locally as guérisseurs or doktè fey (leaf doctors in the Caribbean context), who draw on plant-based remedies and ritual healing. These practices carry significant cultural weight within their communities but are not formally recognised or regulated by the French state, operating largely outside the official healthcare system.

In mainland France, the figure of the magnétiseur — an energy healer or magnetiser — has long been part of rural cultural life and continues to practise today. Anyone wishing to consult a naturopath, a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, or a magnétiseur in France will encounter no difficulty finding one — but, as with all unregulated practitioners, the absence of formal oversight means that quality and safety rest entirely on self-regulation.

What should expats know about using CAM alongside conventional medicine in France?

Attitudes among French conventional doctors towards CAM are mixed and have been the subject of genuine professional and public controversy. Some hospitals have carved out space for complementary therapies, with certain institutions — particularly in oncology and palliative care — incorporating complementary approaches into patient care. At the same time, 124 doctors signed an open letter published in Le Figaro in 2018 calling for a more stringent approach towards colleagues practising homeopathy and other “fake medicines”, and urging the Ordre des Médecins to take disciplinary action against such practitioners. The debate reflects real and ongoing divisions within the profession.

For expats, the most practical step is to keep your médecin traitant (GP) fully informed of any CAM treatments you are receiving. This is especially important when using herbal or phytotherapeutic remedies, which can interact with prescribed medications. Certain medicinal plants used in phytotherapy — including St John’s Wort, valerian, and ginkgo — are known to influence the absorption or effectiveness of conventional drugs such as anticoagulants, antidepressants, and immunosuppressants.

The French medicines regulator, the Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santé (ANSM), publishes safety guidance on health products including herbal medicines and homeopathic preparations. The Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) — France’s national health authority — evaluates the clinical value of treatments, including CAM, and makes its scientific assessments publicly available. Expats are encouraged to consult these resources, particularly before using herbal or supplement-based products purchased outside the standard pharmacy system.

The Ministry of Health itself acknowledges that most non-conventional practices “have not been the subject of scientific or clinical studies demonstrating their modes of action, their effects, their effectiveness or their harmlessness”. This official stance means that integrative care — in the sense of formally structured collaboration between CAM and conventional medicine — is less deeply embedded in France than in countries such as Germany or Switzerland, where integrative medicine departments are more regularly found within university hospitals.

That said, individual doctors in France may hold more nuanced views than official policy suggests. If integrative approaches matter to you, it is worth raising the subject directly with your GP and seeking a physician who has completed postgraduate training in a relevant discipline such as acupuncture, phytotherapy, or homeopathy — as some do. The Ordre National des Médecins directory, which lists practitioners’ declared specialities and additional qualifications, is a useful starting point.

Frequently asked questions about CAM in France

Is homeopathy still available in France even though it is no longer reimbursed?

Yes. Since 1 January 2021, homeopathy has no longer been funded by the French national insurance system, but homeopathic products remain widely stocked in pharmacies and can be bought over the counter. Some private mutuelle plans continue to offer partial reimbursement — check the terms of your contract for specifics. Physicians trained in homeopathy continue to prescribe and practise it.

Can I find CAM practitioners who speak languages other than French?

In larger cities — particularly Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nice — it is quite feasible to find CAM practitioners, including osteopaths, acupuncturists, and naturopaths, who offer consultations in languages other than French. Expat community forums, international school networks, and platforms such as Doctolib (which in some cases allows filtering by language) are helpful starting points. Local expat Facebook groups and InterNations communities for your region often maintain informal directories of recommended multilingual practitioners.

How do I check that an osteopath in France is properly qualified?

Osteopathy is subject to statutory regulation in France. Qualified osteopaths must hold a recognised diploma from an accredited institution and be listed in the official register maintained by the Registre des Ostéopathes de France (ROF) or an equivalent professional body. You can also consult the Répertoire Partagé des Professionnels Intervenant dans le système de Santé (RPPS), the national register of health professionals maintained by the French government, to verify regulated practitioners.

Are there any CAM therapies that are illegal in France?

Under the Code de Santé Publique, individuals who are not licensed physicians and who habitually or on a regular basis diagnose or treat illnesses — real or alleged — or who carry out activities constituting medical acts, face prosecution for the unlawful practice of medicine (exercice illégal de la médecine). While no specific CAM therapy is outright prohibited, many non-medical practitioners technically risk legal liability if they diagnose or treat defined conditions. The legal framework creates substantial grey areas.

Is acupuncture safe to access in France if it can only be legally practised by doctors?

In France, acupuncture is legally restricted to medical doctors. In practice, some practitioners without medical qualifications do offer acupuncture-style treatments, occasionally under alternative labels, but this falls outside the legal framework. For both safety and regulatory compliance, acupuncture should be sought from a doctor who has completed recognised postgraduate training in the discipline — your médecin traitant can provide a referral, or you can search the Ordre des Médecins directory directly.

Will my French mutuelle cover CAM treatments?

The state system generally does not reimburse homeopathy, osteopathy, acupuncture, or similar therapies, but a large number of mutuelle contracts do include partial reimbursement for a set number of sessions per year. The scope of coverage differs considerably between plans — some reimburse only two or three osteopathy sessions annually at a fixed rate, while more comprehensive plans may offer broader CAM coverage. Always read your contrat de mutuelle carefully and speak to your insurer to clarify what is covered before booking any treatments.

How does MIVILUDES protect people from harmful CAM practices in France?

The MIVILUDES (Mission Interministérielle de Vigilance et de Lutte contre les Dérives Sectaires) is a government body tasked with monitoring and issuing warnings about organisations or activities that exploit vulnerable individuals in the name of health or wellbeing. It has a specific mandate covering harmful or manipulative practices with links to the CAM sphere. The MIVILUDES website publishes alerts and practical guidance, and members of the public can submit concerns directly.

Are there integrative medicine clinics in France where CAM and conventional medicine are offered together?

A number of French hospitals have created space for complementary therapies, especially within oncology and palliative care services. Some private clinics and wellness centres offer integrated approaches that bring together conventional medicine and CAM therapies such as acupuncture, sophrology, and massage therapy. However, formalised integrative medicine departments remain less common in France than in Germany or Switzerland. It is worth asking your GP or specialist whether complementary therapies are offered within your hospital or care network, or searching for clinics providing médecine intégrative in your region.