Germany – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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

Germany presents an exceptionally wide variety of CAM options, underpinned by a centuries-old affinity for natural and holistic healing. Germany has a long-standing tradition of natural and holistic health approaches, such as homeopathy, herbal medicine, and naturopathy. Whether you are seeking an acupuncturist, a naturopath, or a practitioner of traditional herbal medicine, you will find representatives of virtually every major discipline in most German cities.

In terms of familiarity with TCIM procedures, acupuncture (96.7%), fasting (94.6%), homeopathy (95.1%) and yoga (95.8%) are among the best-known approaches in Germany. Other well-known methods include Ayurveda, hydrotherapy/water treatments/Kneipp baths, phytotherapy/herbal medicine, manual medicine/osteopathy/chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), whole-food plant-based nutrition, stress management/relaxation methods/meditation (Mind–Body Medicine), movement/dance therapy, and art/music therapy.

Several therapies hold a particularly entrenched place in German culture. Homeopathy traces its origins to German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the late eighteenth century and continues to enjoy a level of cultural prestige that sets Germany apart from most other nations. Over 200 million people use homeopathy on a regular basis worldwide, and even though homeopathy originates from Germany, it is used globally. Naturheilkunde — Germany’s tradition of naturopathic medicine — has ancient roots and encompasses hydrotherapy, phytotherapy, nutritional medicine, and therapeutic fasting.

Anthroposophic medicine, a holistic therapeutic system conceived by Rudolf Steiner, is especially prominent in Germany and remains comparatively unfamiliar in most other parts of the world. Herbal, homeopathic, anthroposophic, and traditional medicinal products are highly accepted by the population. Kneipp therapy — an integrated system drawing on water applications, movement, nutrition, medicinal plants, and psychological equilibrium — is a distinctly German contribution to natural medicine, with dedicated Kneipp resorts and rehabilitation facilities found across the country.

Chiropractic and osteopathy are both available in Germany, though their professional standing differs from countries where these are fully regulated standalone professions. In the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK, acupuncture is widely performed by non-medically qualified practitioners, whereas in Austria, France, Spain, and Italy, only medical doctors can practise acupuncture. TCM, Ayurveda, neural therapy, and orthomolecular medicine are also widely practised throughout Germany’s urban centres.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in Germany?

Germany’s approach to regulating CAM differs markedly from the profession-by-profession statutory frameworks seen in countries such as the UK or Australia. Rather than establishing separate regulatory bodies for each individual therapy, Germany’s system centres on determining who is authorised to practise any form of medicine at all.

In Germany, only health professionals holding a licence to practise medicine (e.g. medical doctors, dentists, psychotherapists, veterinarians) or registered non-medical practitioners — the so-called Heilpraktiker — can practise any form of medicine, including complementary and alternative medicine. This stands in clear contrast to, for instance, the UK, where osteopathy and chiropractic each have their own dedicated statutory councils governing their respective professions.

Medically qualified health professionals are regulated by the Bundesärzteordnung. Medical doctors with a medical specialisation need to obtain additional qualifications in CAM — known as Zusatzbezeichnungen — for example in naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic/manual therapy, or homeopathy, in order to practise these therapies. Continuing professional development for medical doctors, including the additional training required to obtain these Zusatzbezeichnungen, is regulated and supervised by the medical association (Ärztekammer) of the respective state.

The second legal route to practice runs through the Heilpraktiker licence, governed by the Heilpraktikergesetz (Heilpraktiker Act) of 1935. Heilpraktiker training is voluntary and not regulated, but candidates must pass an exam before a health commission. To be admitted for the exam, a candidate must be at least 25 years old, have no criminal record, have completed primary schooling, and not suffer from chronic infectious diseases or addiction. The exam is a certificate of compliance aimed at establishing whether a candidate possesses sufficient knowledge and skills as to not pose a threat to patients or negatively affect public health. In 2018, the Ministry of Health published guidelines for assessing the knowledge and skills of Heilpraktiker candidates, which form the basis of the exam.

It is essential to understand the limits of this framework. The Heilpraktiker is not an occupation requiring formal training either in basic medical knowledge or in CAM. Because no prescribed course of study precedes the state examination, the level of preparation among licence-holders can vary considerably — a situation that continues to spark debate. In contrast, osteopaths and chiropractors in the UK must register with their respective statutory councils, while in Australia, Chinese medicine practitioners must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Germany’s Heilpraktiker model functions more as a baseline safety threshold than as the kind of comprehensive professional regulation seen in other countries.

On the premise of pluralism in pharmacotherapy, the German Medicines Act explicitly mandates that the characteristics of the “particular therapeutic systems” are respected. To that end, the legislator has established specific commissions — Commission C for anthroposophic medicinal products, Commission D for homeopathic medicinal products, and Commission E for herbal medicinal products — to support the work of the BfArM. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) serves as the principal authority overseeing CAM product regulation in Germany. For the most current practitioner licensing requirements, consult the Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesgesundheitsministerium), as rules may evolve and can differ between Germany’s federal states.

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

Statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, or GKV) covers only a restricted range of CAM therapies, though coverage is more generous than in several comparable healthcare systems. The overall picture is nuanced, as individual insurers offer varying voluntary supplements and policy positions have evolved over time.

As a rule, statutory health insurance covers acupuncture for chronic knee and back pain — but not for other indications — and only if treatment is provided by a medical doctor (not a Heilpraktiker) with relevant additional qualifications (Zusatzbezeichnung) in CAM. Since 2007, acupuncture in Germany has been reimbursed by statutory health insurance, but this policy is limited to the diagnoses of chronic pain in the lumbar spine and chronic pain in the knee joint through gonarthrosis.

The question of homeopathy’s coverage has grown increasingly controversial. The prescription of homeopathic remedies at the expense of the statutory health insurance system in Germany has been criticised for years due to a lack of evidence. Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach stated that services which do not have a proven medical benefit may not be financed by the SHI. As of 2024, debate continued over whether residual GKV reimbursement for homeopathic and anthroposophical products should be eliminated entirely — expats are advised to check directly with their insurer for the current position.

Some health insurers reimburse non-prescription medicines including herbal, homeopathic, or anthroposophic products if they have been recommended by a physician using a so-called “green prescription” (grünes Rezept). The green prescription is a uniquely German mechanism: it constitutes an informal recommendation rather than a standard reimbursable prescription, but certain insurers will accept it as grounds for partial reimbursement.

Most statutory health insurance providers offer private supplementary insurance which covers the costs of a Heilpraktiker. Some private health insurers also reimburse CAM provided by a Heilpraktiker, depending on the individual contract between the patient and the health insurer. If you hold private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, or PKV), your policy may extend to a broader array of CAM treatments — review your contract carefully. The website Gesetzliche Krankenkassen.de provides an overview of coverage of CAM by individual insurers. Always confirm current coverage directly with your insurer, as policies are subject to change.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in Germany?

The majority of CAM consultations in Germany are paid for out of pocket, and costs differ substantially depending on the therapy, the practitioner’s profile, and the location. Prices in major urban centres such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg typically exceed those in smaller towns or rural areas. The figures given here are general indications only — always confirm current pricing directly with practitioners or relevant professional associations.

An initial consultation with a Heilpraktiker usually runs between 45 and 90 minutes, with fees typically falling in the range of €50–€120 as of 2024; subsequent appointments tend to cost less. A private acupuncture session with a Heilpraktiker or independent practitioner generally costs between €40 and €90. Where acupuncture is delivered by a GKV-qualified medical doctor for chronic back or knee pain, the statutory insurer covers the cost in full (as of 2024), but the strict eligibility criteria mean the great majority of acupuncture appointments remain a private expense.

An initial homeopathic consultation with a Heilpraktiker, inclusive of remedies, typically ranges from €50 to €100. Osteopathy and manual therapy sessions commonly attract fees of €60–€120 per visit as of 2024. Herbal medicine consultations, nutritional counselling, and mind-body therapies vary considerably in price. Over-the-counter herbal and homeopathic products are available from pharmacies (Apotheken) and health food retailers (Reformhäuser) at prices broadly in line with other Western European markets.

It is worth noting that herbal, homeopathic, and anthroposophic medicines are regulated as drugs and sold in pharmacies. This means patients can access a wide selection of CAM products through the standard pharmacy network, frequently without requiring a prescription. For up-to-date pricing and practitioner fee information, contact the relevant professional body directly — such as the Bund Deutscher Heilpraktiker (BDH) or the Dachverband Deutscher Heilpraktikerverbände.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in Germany?

Locating a reputable CAM practitioner in Germany calls for a sound understanding of how the practitioner landscape is structured and what various credentials actually signify. The following step-by-step approach can help you identify and assess a suitable practitioner:

1. Determine what type of practitioner you need. Establish whether you are looking for a medically qualified doctor who holds a CAM Zusatzbezeichnung (additional qualification) or a licensed Heilpraktiker. Where insurance coverage is a priority, a doctor with a formal CAM qualification is usually the appropriate choice.
2. Check for a medical doctor’s Zusatzbezeichnung. If your preference is a GP or specialist who also offers CAM, look for the relevant additional qualification on their professional profile. The German Medical Association accredits additional qualifications (Zusatzbezeichnungen) for several CAM therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, natural healing procedures (including herbal medicines and spa therapy), and manual medicine/chirotherapy (including a variety of manipulative, chiropractic, and osteopathic techniques). Qualified doctors can be searched through the Bundesärztekammer (German Medical Association) or your regional Ärztekammer.
3. Search professional Heilpraktiker associations. There are an estimated 47,000 Heilpraktiker in Germany, the majority of whom are organised in numerous professional societies. These societies represent their interests and provide educational events; some also run training courses for candidates. Since 2011, five large Heilpraktiker societies have collaborated under the umbrella association Dachverband Deutscher Heilpraktikerverbände. Practitioner directories can be accessed via the Dachverband Deutscher Heilpraktikerverbände or the Bund Deutscher Heilpraktiker (BDH).
4. Ask your GP for a referral. Many German GPs integrate CAM treatments in their routine primary care work without perceiving any major internal conflicts with professional ideals. Your Hausarzt (GP) may offer certain CAM therapies themselves or recommend a trusted specialist or Heilpraktiker in your area.
5. Verify licences at local level. Heilpraktiker licences are granted by local public health offices (Gesundheitsämter). If you have any doubts about a practitioner’s credentials, contact the Gesundheitsamt in the relevant district to confirm that the individual holds a current, valid licence.
6. Look for specialist therapy associations. For specific disciplines — including TCM, osteopathy, or Ayurveda — dedicated German professional bodies maintain practitioner directories. Examples include the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Akupunktur und Neuraltherapie (DGfAN) for acupuncture and the Verband der Osteopathen Deutschland (VOD) for osteopathy.

Key consumer protection considerations: exercise caution with practitioners who make sweeping or unsubstantiated claims about curing serious or chronic conditions. Heilpraktiker are not allowed to prescribe drugs, function as a dentist, function as a midwife, apply radiotherapy, or deal with notifiable diseases or STDs. If you believe a practitioner has exceeded these limits, you can report the matter to your local Gesundheitsamt. Stiftung Warentest, Germany’s independent consumer testing body, periodically investigates Heilpraktiker services and publishes its findings, which can be a useful reference when making your choice.

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in Germany?

Germany possesses a rich heritage of indigenous European natural medicine, broadly known as Naturheilkunde (traditional European medicine, or TEM). This cluster of nature-rooted therapeutic practices evolved over many centuries in German-speaking lands and remains firmly embedded in contemporary healthcare culture.

There is a long tradition of TEM in German-speaking countries. In Germany, it is used in particular for health promotion and prevention, in rehabilitation, private clinics, a few inpatient facilities specialising in TEM in public hospitals and, above all, in the outpatient sector — including herbal medicine, Kneipp hydrotherapy, wholefood plant-based nutrition, and fasting, among others.

The Kneipp method, named after nineteenth-century Bavarian priest Sebastian Kneipp, represents one of Germany’s most distinctive contributions to the world of natural medicine. It weaves together hydrotherapy (using both cold and warm water), physical movement, herbal preparations, dietary principles, and psychological balance. Dedicated Kneipp resorts and spa towns (Kurorte) are scattered throughout Germany, and Kneipp therapy is recognised within the national health system as a form of classical naturopathy — an institutional standing that has no real parallel in countries such as France or the Netherlands, where traditional spa medicine is less formally incorporated into healthcare structures.

Anthroposophic medicine, developed by Rudolf Steiner in the early twentieth century and most closely associated with Germany and Switzerland, is another system with deep cultural and philosophical roots. It blends conventional diagnostic methods with holistic, spiritual, and artistic therapeutic approaches. Purpose-built anthroposophic hospitals and clinics operate in Germany, among them the Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe in Berlin, with connections to the Weleda pharmaceutical brand.

Since 1988, TEM has been part of the medical licensing regulations as a cross-sectional curricular subject at medical schools. As of March 2023, 16,118 doctors with the additional qualification of TEM were registered with the medical associations in Germany. This formal inclusion within medical education distinguishes Germany from countries where naturopathic traditions exist but remain entirely separate from mainstream medical training.

Less well-known traditional systems in Germany include anthroposophic medicine, Hijama (cupping therapy from Islamic traditional medicine), traditional African medicine, and forest bathing/forest therapy. The presence of these practices reflects the diversity of Germany’s multicultural population; they are accessible in larger metropolitan areas, though they largely fall outside the formal regulatory framework.

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

For people with an interest in CAM, one of the most encouraging features of Germany’s healthcare environment is the degree of openness — and indeed personal engagement — that many conventional medical practitioners display towards complementary therapies. This stands in marked contrast to healthcare cultures where CAM and conventional medicine occupy separate, sometimes antagonistic spheres.

A variety of cultural and historic factors contribute to the widespread use of CAM treatments among German physicians in general and among GPs in particular. The popularity and use of CAM modalities among the German population is high, and there is a long-standing tradition of interest in non-conventional and “natural” treatments both in the general population and among physicians. Research indicates that a substantial share of German GPs draw on at least some CAM approaches in their day-to-day clinical work.

There are currently eleven appointed professors with a focus on TCIM in Germany, focusing on the scientific evaluation of TCIM according to the standards of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) as well as the meaningful integration of such therapeutic practices into general healthcare. Integrative medicine departments — where conventional and complementary approaches operate side by side — function within several major German hospitals, including the Charité in Berlin and the Immanuel Hospital Berlin, which specialises in nature-based internal medicine.

For expats looking to combine CAM with conventional healthcare, the following practical points are worth bearing in mind:

• Always tell your doctor about any CAM you are using. Herb-drug interactions carry genuine clinical risks. Widely used herbal preparations such as St John’s Wort (Johanniskraut) can interfere with anticoagulants, antidepressants, and various other prescription medicines. Germany’s BfArM publishes safety information on herbal and homeopathic products.
• Confirm that products are properly authorised. The German Medicines Act obliges competent authorities to consider the particular characteristics of complementary and alternative medicines. CAM products sold through German pharmacies must hold a marketing authorisation or be registered under the appropriate regulatory pathway — a standard of quality oversight that does not apply to all products available online or through non-pharmacy retail channels.
• Take advantage of integrative clinics where available. A number of German hospitals and outpatient facilities offer formally integrated programmes combining Naturheilkunde, mind-body medicine, nutritional therapy, and conventional treatment, particularly in the areas of chronic pain management, oncology support, and cardiovascular rehabilitation.
• Understand the Heilpraktiker’s scope of practice. While Heilpraktiker deliver many valuable services, they operate outside GKV reimbursement for most therapies and are not bound by the evidence-based clinical guidelines that govern conventional medicine. For any serious or as-yet-undiagnosed condition, always seek advice from a medically qualified doctor first.

The Federal Ministry of Health publishes guidance on health product safety and patient rights. For questions about a specific CAM product’s authorisation status or safety profile, the BfArM website is the authoritative source. Reimbursement policies and regulatory requirements are subject to change; always verify the current position with official sources.

Frequently asked questions about CAM in Germany

Can I find CAM practitioners in Germany who speak languages other than German?

In major cities including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Cologne, a considerable number of Heilpraktiker and CAM-qualified doctors are multilingual or actively serve international patients. Expat community forums, international patient services at large hospitals, and multilingual practitioner directories are all useful starting points. The Charité hospital in Berlin, for example, provides certain services for international patients. If language support is a firm requirement, contact any practice directly before making an appointment.

Is homeopathy legal in Germany?

Yes, homeopathy is entirely legal in Germany. Homeopathic products are classified as medicinal products under the German Medicines Act and are sold through pharmacies. Both medically qualified doctors holding the relevant Zusatzbezeichnung and licensed Heilpraktiker may practise homeopathy. The political controversy surrounds statutory health insurance reimbursement, not the legal status of the therapy itself.

How do I check whether a Heilpraktiker holds a valid licence?

Heilpraktiker licences are granted and recorded by local public health offices (Gesundheitsämter). To confirm a practitioner’s licence status, contact the Gesundheitsamt in the district where they practise. Membership of a professional body such as the Bund Deutscher Heilpraktiker (BDH) or the Dachverband Deutscher Heilpraktikerverbände provides a useful additional indicator of professional standing, although membership is voluntary and does not replace direct verification of the state licence.

Are chiropractic and osteopathy separately regulated professions in Germany?

Unlike the UK — where chiropractors and osteopaths are each governed by their own statutory regulatory council — Germany has no separate statutory regulation for either discipline. Chiropractic and osteopathic techniques are practised by medically qualified doctors holding the relevant Zusatzbezeichnung in manual medicine/chirotherapy and by licensed Heilpraktiker alike. Physiotherapists may also perform certain manual techniques. Always verify a practitioner’s qualifications and licence status before commencing treatment.

Will my home country’s CAM qualification be recognised in Germany?

Overseas CAM qualifications are generally not automatically recognised in Germany. As the Heilpraktiker framework demonstrates, the German system requires candidates to pass a state examination regardless of any prior training they may have completed. A homeopath or acupuncturist trained abroad would typically need to obtain a Heilpraktiker licence in order to practise legally in Germany. The Federal Ministry of Health and the Anerkennung in Deutschland portal offer guidance on professional recognition procedures.

Is acupuncture covered by public health insurance in Germany?

Statutory health insurance (GKV) covers acupuncture solely for chronic lower back pain and chronic knee pain attributable to osteoarthritis, and only when treatment is administered by a medically qualified doctor who holds the appropriate CAM additional qualification (as of 2024). Acupuncture for any other condition, or delivered by a Heilpraktiker, falls outside standard GKV coverage and must be funded privately or through supplementary insurance.

What is a Heilpraktiker, and is it safe to consult one?

A Heilpraktiker is a state-licensed non-medical practitioner who has successfully passed a knowledge examination administered by a local public health office. They are legally authorised to diagnose and treat patients across a broad spectrum of CAM therapies. However, because no prescribed pre-examination training is required, the depth of preparation among licence-holders varies considerably. For any serious or undiagnosed condition, consulting a medically qualified doctor first is strongly recommended. For complementary support of a condition already under conventional medical management, a well-trained Heilpraktiker affiliated with a reputable professional association can be a genuinely valuable resource.

How is CAM viewed culturally in Germany compared to other countries?

CAM commands a notably high level of cultural acceptance in Germany relative to most other Western nations. Surveys consistently show that a majority of the population has used some form of complementary or traditional medicine, and many conventional GPs incorporate CAM approaches into their everyday practice. Germany is the birthplace of both homeopathy and Kneipp therapy, and the concept of Naturheilkunde — healing through natural means — permeates everyday attitudes to health. Expats relocating from countries where CAM occupies a more marginal position may find Germany’s mainstream openness to these approaches striking, though it is worth noting that the regulatory safeguards around individual disciplines are less robust than in countries that regulate each CAM profession through its own statutory body.