Greece – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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

CAM has been woven into Greek healthcare culture for generations and is frequently used in parallel with conventional medical treatment. The selection of therapies on offer is considerable, especially in Athens, Thessaloniki, and internationally popular locations such as Crete, Corfu, and the Cyclades, where both local residents and the expatriate community sustain demand for a diverse range of practices.

Among the most prominent CAM modalities are acupuncture, herbal medicine, and homeopathy. Acupuncture in particular has gained significant traction in recent years, growing steadily in profile and patient uptake. The Hellenic Medical Acupuncture Association (HMAA), established in 1990, is a key institutional player in this space — it promotes the practice of acupuncture, delivers training and professional support to practitioners, and campaigns for formal recognition of the therapy within the Greek healthcare framework.

Homeopathy — which employs highly diluted substances intended to activate the body’s own healing capacities — enjoys notable popularity in Greece and is often administered by conventionally trained medical doctors. This positions Greece alongside countries such as France and Italy, where homeopathy has historically enjoyed greater acceptance within mainstream medicine than in northern European countries such as the Netherlands or those in Scandinavia. The Hellenic Homeopathic Medical Society (HHMS), founded in 1992, mirrors the HMAA’s role in its own discipline, supporting practitioners and promoting homeopathy’s legitimacy within the healthcare system.

Phytotherapy, or herbal medicine, is championed by the Hellenic Association of Phytotherapy (HAP), also established in 1992, which provides training, professional support, and advocacy for the discipline. Plant-based and herbal remedies carry particular cultural weight in Greece given the country’s ancient tradition of medicinal herb use; dried herbs remain a familiar sight in pharmacies and specialist stores throughout the country.

Beyond these principal therapies, practitioners of massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, yoga, meditation, naturopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can also be found — most commonly in larger urban centres and wellness retreat environments. Chiropractic and osteopathy are practised in Greece but are less firmly established than in countries such as Australia or the UK, where those professions have their own statutory regulatory frameworks and a longer clinical history.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in Greece?

The Greek Ministry of Health carries formal responsibility for CAM regulation, including the establishment of practitioner standards and the licensing of those wishing to practise. In reality, however, enforcement is uneven, and the practical work of day-to-day governance is largely carried out by professional associations rather than a dedicated central authority.

Across the European Union, approaches to CAM regulation vary considerably — encompassing who may practise, what training is required, and how services are structured and funded. Greece reflects this wider European inconsistency. In contrast to the UK, where therapies such as osteopathy and chiropractic are governed by dedicated Acts of Parliament and practitioners must maintain registration with statutory councils, Greece has no equivalent legislative architecture for the majority of CAM disciplines.

The picture differs markedly between EU member states. In Austria, France, Spain, and Italy, only licensed medical doctors may perform acupuncture, while in Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK the therapy is routinely carried out by practitioners without a medical degree. Greece aligns more closely with the first group — acupuncturists and homeopaths in Greece are frequently qualified physicians, although this is not universally mandated across all therapies.

Bodies including the Hellenic Medical Acupuncture Association, the Hellenic Association of Phytotherapy, and the Hellenic Homeopathic Medical Society serve as the effective professional registers for their respective fields, functioning as de facto regulators by maintaining membership criteria and providing practitioner directories.

Where a CAM product meets the EU definition of a medicinal product, formal regulatory requirements apply. Under Article 1 of EU Directive 2001/83/EC, any substance classified as medicinal is subject to regulation by law. The National Organisation for Medicines (EOF — Εθνικός Οργανισμός Φαρμάκων) is responsible for authorising and monitoring the safety of medicinal products in Greece, including herbal medicines. As regulatory requirements are subject to revision, readers are encouraged to confirm current obligations directly with the Greek Ministry of Health and EOF.

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

Public healthcare in Greece is delivered through EOPYY (the National Organisation for the Provision of Health Services — Εθνικός Οργανισμός Παροχής Υπηρεσιών Υγείας), which acts as the principal insurer for individuals enrolled in the Greek social insurance system. As of 2025, CAM therapies fall outside the standard EOPYY benefits package and are not routinely reimbursed. Most patients must meet the full cost of CAM consultations themselves. For up-to-date information on what is covered, visit the EOPYY website directly, as coverage criteria can change.

Private health insurance — available through both Greek and international providers — offers a supplementary option. Although professional bodies such as the HMAA, HHMS, and HAP continue to advocate for greater recognition of CAM within the Greek system, progress has been gradual. Some private insurers are beginning to incorporate limited CAM provisions within their plans, though what is included varies markedly between providers and policy tiers. Comprehensive international expat health insurance plans, particularly those at premium level, may include a wellness allowance that covers a fixed number of acupuncture or physiotherapy-related sessions annually.

If you hold private insurance and are considering CAM treatment, it is essential to speak with your insurer before committing to a course of therapy. Important questions to raise include whether the specific treatment is covered, whether a referral from a conventional doctor is required, what qualifications the practitioner must hold, and whether any annual monetary ceiling applies. No standardised CAM reimbursement threshold exists under the Greek public system as of 2025; always confirm the current position with your insurer or directly with EOPYY.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in Greece?

Pricing for CAM services in Greece reflects the type of therapy, the experience and credentials of the practitioner, and the location of the clinic. Athens and prominent island destinations tend to command higher rates than smaller mainland towns and rural communities. As a broad guide for 2025, initial consultations for therapies such as acupuncture or homeopathy typically fall in the region of €50 to €100 or above, with subsequent sessions often priced slightly lower. Massage and reflexology treatments at wellness centres or dedicated clinics generally run from around €40 to €80 per hour. These are indicative ranges only — actual costs can differ considerably, and it is always worth confirming current pricing directly with practitioners or their professional associations before booking.

Herbal products and food supplements are widely accessible in Greek pharmacies (φαρμακεία) and health food retailers, and are broadly competitive in price by European standards. Greek pharmacists typically have solid knowledge of plant-based remedies and may offer informal guidance, though this falls short of a formal clinical consultation. If you require a personalised or more complex herbal treatment plan, a paid consultation with a qualified phytotherapist will be necessary.

Because most CAM sits outside the scope of public health coverage, the financial position of Greek patients broadly mirrors that of people in many other European countries where CAM is predominantly funded out of pocket. Those planning a move to Greece with ongoing CAM treatment needs should account for these costs in their financial planning in advance. Always request a clear written fee schedule from any practitioner before beginning treatment, and confirm whether product costs or follow-up appointments carry additional charges.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in Greece?

The national professional associations — the Hellenic Medical Acupuncture Association, the Hellenic Association of Phytotherapy, and the Hellenic Homeopathic Medical Society — are your most reliable starting point when looking for a reputable provider. Contacting these organisations directly or consulting their practitioner listings, where available, is the most dependable way to establish that a practitioner has completed recognised training. Their websites (primarily in Greek) can be found by searching for their names or by approaching the Greek Ministry of Health for guidance.

1. Contact the relevant professional association. For acupuncture, approach the Hellenic Medical Acupuncture Association (HMAA). For homeopathy, the Hellenic Homeopathic Medical Society (HHMS). For herbal and phytotherapy, the Hellenic Association of Phytotherapy (HAP). Confirm that the practitioner holds current membership in good standing.
2. Request a referral from your GP or specialist. Conventional doctors in Greece are often acquainted with local CAM providers and can direct you towards those with verified medical training — particularly relevant for therapies such as acupuncture, which in Greece is frequently practised by medically qualified physicians.
3. Ask to see credentials in person. Request that any practitioner present their qualifications, training certificates, and any Ministry of Health licence or professional association membership. A trustworthy practitioner will do this willingly.
4. Inspect the clinical environment. Premises should be clean, professionally presented, and equipped to appropriate hygiene standards. For any invasive procedure such as acupuncture, the use of single-use sterile needles is non-negotiable.
5. Gather word-of-mouth recommendations. Expat community groups — both online and in person — can offer useful leads, but these should complement formal qualification checks rather than replace them.

Exercise caution around practitioners who make sweeping claims about curing serious diseases, who insist on prepayment for extended treatment packages, or who resist showing their qualifications. The incomplete integration of CAM with conventional medicine in Greece, combined with limited scientific evidence for certain therapies, can sometimes create openings for unscrupulous providers. Consumer protection matters in Greece fall under the General Secretariat for Consumer Affairs within the Ministry of Development; if you feel you have been misled by a practitioner, a complaint can be filed through Efpolis (the European Consumer Centre Greece).

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in Greece?

Greece’s relationship with CAM stretches back to antiquity. As the birthplace of Hippocrates — whose legacy of observational, patient-centred medicine underpins the entire Western medical tradition — Greece carries a heritage of holistic and plant-based healing that predates contemporary CAM movements by thousands of years.

Traditional Greek folk medicine (λαϊκή ιατρική) remains a living presence, particularly in rural communities and on the islands. It draws on locally gathered medicinal plants — oregano, sage, chamomile, thyme, and mountain tea (τσάι του βουνού / Sideritis) being among the most culturally embedded — alongside practices such as cupping (βεντούζες), the topical and dietary use of olive oil, and lifestyle guidance rooted in the Mediterranean tradition. These customs are passed on through families and communities rather than formalised educational pathways, and they sit outside any official regulatory structure.

The Mediterranean diet — while not a clinical therapy in its own right — is regularly cited by Greek physicians and nutritionists as a cornerstone of preventive health. Some integrative practitioners in Greece weave dietary counselling informed by traditional Greek and Mediterranean nutritional principles into their broader CAM practice. This fusion of inherited folk knowledge with contemporary nutritional science is a defining characteristic of the Greek CAM environment and coexists comfortably with both mainstream medicine and imported Western therapies.

Unlike traditional Chinese medicine in China or Ayurveda in India, traditional Greek folk medicine does not enjoy formal state recognition as a distinct regulated category. Nevertheless, the use of traditional herbal remedies is culturally accepted and widely tolerated by medical professionals, provided it does not displace necessary conventional care.

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

Despite the structural challenges — including limited integration with mainstream medicine — CAM remains a meaningful part of healthcare in Greece. Attitudes among conventional doctors range from cautious tolerance to genuine personal engagement, particularly among physicians who have pursued additional qualifications in acupuncture or homeopathy. Raising the subject of CAM with your GP is both acceptable and advisable.

One area that warrants careful attention is the potential for herb-drug interactions, which patients sometimes overlook. A number of commonly available herbal preparations — including St John’s Wort (hypericum), which is sold in pharmacies across Greece — are known to affect the metabolism of prescription drugs, including anticoagulants, antidepressants, and hormonal contraceptives. It is important to disclose every herbal product or supplement you are taking to any doctor treating you, and to ask your pharmacist to screen for interactions. The EOF (National Organisation for Medicines) publishes guidance on herbal medicine safety; consult their website for current information.

Fully integrative clinics — where conventional and CAM practitioners work in formal partnership — are not yet widespread in Greece, though a small number of private practices in Athens and Thessaloniki are moving in this direction. More frequently, integration takes an informal form: a GP who also offers homeopathic consultations, or a physiotherapist who incorporates acupressure techniques. If you are managing a long-term or complex health condition, take care to ensure that everyone involved in your care — on both the conventional and CAM sides — is fully informed about your complete treatment picture.

The Ministry of Health is actively working to bring greater structure and consistency to CAM regulation in Greece, with the aim of ensuring patients receive safe and properly delivered services. Expats are advised to monitor the Ministry of Health website for regulatory developments, as the framework governing CAM in Greece continues to evolve. When purchasing herbal products or supplements from shops, markets, or online retailers, favour items that carry EU authorisation or registration and treat unlabelled or informally traded preparations with caution.

Frequently asked questions: CAM in Greece

Can I find CAM practitioners in Greece who speak languages other than Greek?

In major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, and in regions with established expat or tourist communities — including Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes — a good number of CAM practitioners are able to communicate in English and sometimes other languages. It is worth checking language capability before you make an appointment, either by telephoning in advance or reviewing the practitioner’s website. Recommendations from expat community networks and online forums can also point you towards multilingual providers.

Are therapies like acupuncture and homeopathy legal in Greece?

Yes. Acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and the great majority of other established CAM therapies are lawful in Greece. CAM practice is overseen by the Ministry of Health, which sets standards and is responsible for ensuring practitioners are appropriately trained and licensed. No blanket prohibitions exist for mainstream CAM modalities, though practitioners are expected to hold suitable qualifications and, where required, a Ministry of Health licence.

How do I check that a CAM practitioner in Greece is properly qualified?

The most dependable method is to contact the appropriate national professional association — the Hellenic Medical Acupuncture Association for acupuncture, the Hellenic Homeopathic Medical Society for homeopathy, or the Hellenic Association of Phytotherapy for herbal medicine — and enquire whether the individual holds current membership. You should also ask the practitioner to produce their qualifications, training documentation, and any Ministry of Health licence. A reputable provider will have no objection to doing so. Do not rely on a practitioner’s self-reported credentials alone.

Is CAM reimbursed under the Greek public health system (EOPYY)?

As of 2025, CAM treatments are not routinely reimbursed under EOPYY, Greece’s national public health insurer. The overwhelming majority of CAM consultations must be funded entirely by the patient. If you hold private health insurance, review your policy documents carefully or contact your insurer to determine whether any CAM treatments are included. Always verify the current position directly with EOPYY or your insurer, as coverage terms may be updated.

How is the regulation of CAM in Greece different from other European countries?

Regulatory approaches to CAM differ considerably across EU member states in terms of who is permitted to practise, what training is required, and how services are structured and financed. Greece has neither a dedicated CAM statute nor a single statutory regulatory body for CAM practitioners, unlike the UK where osteopathy and chiropractic are governed by specific Acts of Parliament. In Greece, while ultimate regulatory authority rests with the Ministry of Health, enforcement in practice is largely delegated to professional associations, placing the system closer to a voluntary self-regulation model.

Are herbal remedies and supplements easy to buy in Greece?

Yes. Herbal teas, dried plants, and botanical supplements are readily available in Greek pharmacies, health food shops (βιολογικά / οργανικά καταστήματα), supermarkets, and local markets. Greece’s strong tradition of medicinal herb cultivation means that mountain tea, oregano, sage, thyme, and chamomile are found throughout the country. Products bearing an EU authorisation mark have undergone safety assessment; treat unlabelled or informally sold preparations with greater caution.

Should I tell my conventional doctor in Greece that I am using CAM?

Yes, and doing so is strongly recommended. Certain herbal preparations and supplements can interfere with prescription medicines — St John’s Wort, for instance, is well documented to reduce the efficacy of anticoagulants, contraceptives, and certain other drugs. Informing your GP and any specialist about all CAM products and treatments you are taking is a fundamental safety measure. Most conventional doctors in Greece are aware that patients use CAM and, regardless of their personal views on it, will generally take such disclosures seriously and offer appropriate advice.

Are there integrative medicine clinics in Greece that combine conventional and CAM approaches?

Formal integrative clinics — where conventional doctors and CAM practitioners collaborate within a shared clinical structure — remain relatively scarce in Greece compared to countries such as Germany or the Netherlands, which have more developed integrative medicine infrastructure. That said, an increasing number of private practices in Athens and Thessaloniki are bringing together physiotherapy, acupuncture, nutritional medicine, and conventional care under a single roof. Before proceeding with treatment at any such facility, ask about the qualifications and regulatory status of all practitioners involved.

Is traditional Greek folk medicine still practised, and is it safe?

Folk medicine traditions — most notably the use of locally grown medicinal herbs — continue to be part of daily life in Greece, particularly in rural and island settings. Many traditional remedies have centuries of use behind them and some have been examined in scientific research. However, being “traditional” or “natural” does not guarantee safety for all individuals; certain herbs can trigger allergic responses, interact with medications, or cause harm at particular doses or in specific medical situations. Always seek advice from a qualified practitioner or pharmacist before using herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, living with a chronic health condition, or taking prescription drugs.