Sweden – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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

Sweden’s CAM sector is both broad and expanding. The single most widely used CAM therapy in the country is massage, with roughly 57% of the Swedish population having used it, followed by acupuncture; around 26% of the population uses natural remedies. This makes massage and bodywork considerably more culturally embedded in Sweden than in many other European nations, where herbal medicine or homeopathy may command greater popularity.

Acupuncture enjoys a well-established presence across Swedish cities and towns of all sizes. It counts a substantial number of registered practitioners, and the Swedish Acupuncture Association functions as the principal professional body representing acupuncturists working in the country.

Chiropractic and naprapathy — the latter being a form of connective-tissue manual therapy that originated in Sweden — hold particular importance in the Swedish CAM landscape. Both disciplines are formally licensed by the National Board of Health and Welfare, distinguishing them clearly from other CAM professions in Scandinavia. Naprapathy, which remains largely unknown in countries such as Australia or Germany, represents a distinctly Swedish specialty with its own regulated professional framework.

Herbal medicine has deep historical roots in Sweden. It draws on plants and plant-derived preparations to support health and address a variety of conditions, and it continues to enjoy broad usage across the country. The Swedish Association of Herbalists is the leading professional organisation for herbal medicine practitioners. Homeopathy is available but occupies a considerably more marginal position than in countries such as Germany or France, where it has historically received greater institutional backing.

Other therapies accessible in Sweden include osteopathy, reflexology, aromatherapy, mindfulness-based approaches, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and naturopathy. A government inquiry from 2006 catalogued approximately 200 distinct CAM approaches — ranging from crystal therapy through to acupuncture — highlighting the remarkable diversity of this sector. Yoga, meditation, and mind-body practices have gained considerable momentum and are now offered extensively in studios and wellness centres across the country. Mind-focused healing represents the fastest-growing and most commercially significant intervention segment within the Swedish CAM market during the current forecast period.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in Sweden?

Sweden’s handling of CAM regulation is inconsistent and has remained a contentious policy issue for many years. The overarching legal framework is established by the Patient Safety Act (Patientsäkerhetslagen, SFS 2010:659), which governs licensed healthcare professions. This Act sets out the responsibilities of healthcare providers in safeguarding patients from harm, establishes requirements for licensed professional practice, and outlines procedures for addressing patient complaints.

While some CAM disciplines in Sweden operate within a regulated framework, the majority do not. Chiropractic, for instance, is a recognised healthcare profession subject to defined educational and licensing requirements, whereas acupuncture and herbal medicine have no formal government recognition or statutory regulatory structure. This contrasts markedly with the United Kingdom, where sustained debate has shaped statutory regulation of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and osteopathy, and where both chiropractic and osteopathy already fall under dedicated statutory bodies — the General Chiropractic Council and the General Osteopathic Council respectively.

In Sweden and the wider Scandinavian context, chiropractors, naprapaths, and physiotherapists with advanced manual therapy credentials are licensed by the National Board of Health and Welfare — yet osteopathy falls outside this arrangement. This is a significant distinction for incoming expats: although osteopathy is a regulated profession across many EU and non-EU countries, it occupies an unregulated space in Sweden. Importantly, Swedish law neither regulates nor prohibits osteopathic practice, but — as with all CAM therapies — it prohibits practitioners from treating cancer patients, people with epilepsy, and young children.

Oversight of licensed healthcare falls to the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO), a government authority responsible for supervising healthcare provision, social services, and activities conducted under legislation concerning support and services for people with certain functional impairments. IVO’s supervisory mandate extends to licensed practitioners; those offering unlicensed CAM services operate largely beyond its direct reach.

Healthcare in Sweden is understood to encompass care delivered by professionals subject to IVO inspection, grounded in either scientific evidence or well-established professional experience. This evidence-based threshold effectively excludes most CAM therapies from formal integration into the regulated healthcare system, regardless of how commonly they may be used in practice.

A major government inquiry — SOU 2019:15 — scrutinised patient safety and consumer protection in the CAM sector, proposing measures to bring greater transparency to unregulated practice. The Swedish Parliament had previously tasked a Commission on Alternative Medicine with examining CAM’s place in Swedish society. Among the recommendations emerging from the inquiry was the creation of a national practitioner register to assist consumers in making well-informed choices. However, as of 2025, no comprehensive statutory licensing framework covering the wider CAM sector has been brought into force. Readers should consult the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) and IVO websites for current regulatory developments, as this area remains subject to change.

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

Sweden’s publicly funded healthcare system operates through regional tax financing and covers conventional medical treatment, subject to a high-cost protection cap. As of 2024, the maximum patient charge for outpatient care within any twelve-month period is SEK 1,400; this threshold also applies to individuals under the age of 18, and once it is reached, patients are entitled to receive care free of charge in any region. This protection, however, extends only to publicly contracted healthcare services — which excludes the vast majority of CAM treatments.

The general high-cost protection scheme covers Swedish residents’ co-payment fees for outpatient consultations, selected laboratory tests and imaging, certain dental procedures, and emergency treatment accessed within other EU/EEA countries. Crucially, it applies to providers contracted by regional authorities. Because most CAM practitioners hold no such contract, fees paid to them do not accumulate toward this cap.

Within the public system, chiropractic is covered for certain conditions under some regional schemes, while acupuncture and herbal medicine are not. The extent to which chiropractic is subsidised varies from region to region, making it important to check with your local regional health authority (landsting/region) before making assumptions about coverage.

Some private health insurance policies available in Sweden provide partial reimbursement for chiropractic or naprapathy treatment, and occasionally for therapeutic massage, given their status as recognised manual therapies. For other alternative treatments, standard employer-linked health benefit arrangements generally do not include reimbursement, though the specifics of employer packages vary. Always confirm coverage terms directly with your insurer, as policy provisions differ considerably and may have been updated. For the most current information on what falls within publicly funded healthcare, consult Socialstyrelsen or your regional health authority.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in Sweden?

The cost of CAM treatment in Sweden is borne almost entirely by individuals and varies considerably according to the therapy type, the practitioner’s experience level, and geography — Stockholm and other large urban centres tend to command higher rates than smaller towns or rural areas. The figures below represent typical market pricing as of 2024 and should be verified with individual practitioners or their professional associations, since there is no standardised pricing structure across the sector.

Initial appointments generally cost more than follow-up sessions because they typically involve a comprehensive assessment. A standard chiropractic or naprapathy appointment runs approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Manual therapy consultations tend to be considerably longer than typical specialist medical appointments — which may last only 10 to 20 minutes — and this extended duration is one factor that accounts for the pricing differential relative to a routine GP visit.

For the most up-to-date fee information, contact practitioners directly or refer to the professional associations listed in the following section. Fees in Sweden are subject to VAT (moms), and the applicable rate may vary depending on whether a service is classified as a healthcare activity.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in Sweden?

Locating a trustworthy CAM practitioner in Sweden begins with establishing whether the relevant discipline is regulated and, where it is, confirming that the individual concerned holds a valid licence. For licensed professions — chiropractic and naprapathy — Socialstyrelsen (the National Board of Health and Welfare) maintains official registers. The Socialstyrelsen practitioner register enables anyone to check whether a named individual is currently licensed to practise.

For unregulated therapies, professional associations serve as the closest available quality assurance mechanism. Key organisations to be aware of include:

• Swedish Acupuncture Association (Akupunkturförbundet): As the principal professional body for acupuncturists in Sweden, the Association’s website at akupunktur.se provides background information on acupuncture practice, a directory of registered practitioners, and a location-based search function.
• Swedish Chiropractic Association (Kiropraktorerna): This is the main representative body for chiropractors in Sweden. Their website at kiropraktik.org offers a register of licensed practitioners together with a search tool to identify chiropractors operating in your area.
• Swedish Association of Herbalists: This organisation is the leading professional body for herbal medicine practitioners across Sweden and provides a point of reference for those seeking qualified herbalists.

When assessing any unregulated CAM provider, look for recognised formal training qualifications, active membership of an appropriate professional association, adequate professional liability insurance, and a clear procedure for handling complaints. Without statutory regulation, there is no straightforward mechanism by which consumers can independently judge whether an acupuncturist, herbalist, or homeopath has received adequate training. Warning signs include practitioners claiming to cure serious illnesses, advising patients to discontinue prescribed medications, or being unable to supply details of their training and insurance arrangements.

A referral or recommendation from a conventional GP (allmänläkare) can also be a helpful starting point, particularly for manual therapies that sit close to physiotherapy. Some Swedish hospitals and healthcare centres offer CAM services alongside conventional treatments, which can provide a useful integrated environment where communication between practitioners is more readily achieved.

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in Sweden?

Sweden has a rich tradition of folk medicine (folkmedicin), with roots in Nordic and Scandinavian herbalism, plant-based remedies, and local healing customs. The use of forest botanicals, wildflowers, and traditional preparations was historically embedded in rural Swedish life, and this heritage lives on in the form of strong public enthusiasm for natural products and herbal infusions.

Traditional alternative medicine and botanicals constitute the single largest segment of the Swedish CAM market, accounting for a revenue share of 33.57% in 2023 — a reflection of the enduring place that plant-based and natural health approaches occupy within Swedish health culture. Health food shops (hälsokostbutiker) are a familiar presence on Swedish high streets, stocking herbal products, dietary supplements, and naturopathic remedies that form part of everyday wellness routines for many Swedes.

The Sámi people, who are Sweden’s indigenous inhabitants in the country’s far north, carry their own traditions of healing knowledge rooted in the land, native plants, and the practices associated with reindeer-herding culture. These traditions are not formally recognised or structured as a distinct medical system by the Swedish state, but they constitute an integral part of a living indigenous cultural heritage. The Swedish state’s engagement with Sámi culture is ongoing and evolving, with broader discussions about rights and recognition continuing, but traditional Sámi medicine has not been incorporated into any formal healthcare pathway.

A number of herbal-based and traditionally derived medicinal products are registered and supervised by the Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket), providing a regulatory baseline for commercially available herbal preparations. However, products marketed as food supplements rather than medicines are subject to a separate, less stringent regulatory standard. The Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket) website offers guidance on which herbal products have registered status in Sweden.

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

Sweden’s mainstream healthcare culture places an exceptionally high premium on evidence-based medicine, and this fundamentally shapes how CAM is perceived within clinical settings. The Swedish approach allows only those treatments and therapies that have demonstrated effectiveness in research contexts to be incorporated into formal healthcare practice. As a result, many Swedish GPs and specialists approach CAM with considerably more caution than their counterparts in countries with stronger integrative traditions, such as Germany or the Netherlands.

That said, attitudes are not static. A survey conducted in southern Sweden found that 69% of respondents believed collaboration between conventional and complementary medicine should increase — suggesting that public appetite for integration runs well ahead of current policy. Sweden’s healthcare system shows a growing openness to exploring CAM alongside conventional treatment, with some hospitals and clinics already incorporating complementary services, and certain medical schools now including CAM-related content in their curricula.

The Osher Centre at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm is a prominent academic institution dedicated to integrative health research, exploring areas including mind-body medicine. Its primary emphasis is on research rather than direct clinical CAM services. The growth of dedicated research units and university-level courses is expected to promote more evidence-grounded discussion of CAM within Swedish academic medicine over time.

A critical safety consideration concerns the potential interactions between herbal preparations and prescribed pharmaceutical medications. Certain herbal therapies carry anti-inflammatory properties that may interact with conventional drugs; some herbal treatments can also produce toxic effects, and certain preparations are contraindicated or present genuine safety risks. It is essential to tell your Swedish GP (läkare) or treating specialist about any CAM therapies or supplements you are taking — this is particularly pressing if you use anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, or oncology medications, which are among the drug classes most commonly associated with herb-drug interactions.

Healthcare professionals benefit from being alert to the possible effects, adverse reactions, and drug interactions associated with CAM therapies, bearing in mind that patients may be using them without having volunteered the information. If your GP is unfamiliar with a particular therapy or product, the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the National Board of Health and Welfare both publish accessible guidance on herbal products and health product safety that can support these conversations.

For expats managing ongoing conditions or taking regular medication, it is strongly advisable to establish a relationship with a primary care provider at a local health centre (vårdcentral) before embarking on any new CAM treatment programme. Doing so creates an important safety net and helps ensure that your overall care remains well coordinated.

Frequently asked questions about CAM in Sweden

Can I find CAM practitioners in Sweden who speak languages other than Swedish?

Yes, especially in major cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, many CAM practitioners are fluent in English and may also consult in other languages. When looking for a practitioner, it is worth contacting clinics directly or checking their websites to establish what languages are available. Professional association directories — such as the practitioner search tool on the Swedish Acupuncture Association’s website at akupunktur.se — list practitioners by location, making it easier to identify clinics in urban areas where multilingual provision is more common.

Is homeopathy legal in Sweden?

Yes, homeopathy is entirely legal in Sweden and may be both practised and sold without restriction. It is not, however, a formally regulated healthcare profession, and homeopathic products sold as medicines must satisfy registration criteria set by the Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket). Some homeopathic preparations are instead sold as food supplements under a different regulatory regime. Homeopathy is not covered by public healthcare and is markedly less popular in Sweden than in several central European countries.

How do I check whether a chiropractor or naprapath in Sweden is properly licensed?

Both chiropractic and naprapathy are licensed professions in Sweden, regulated by the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen). You can confirm whether a specific practitioner holds a current licence by consulting the Socialstyrelsen practitioner register. It is advisable to verify this before attending any treatment involving spinal manipulation or other manual techniques.

Is acupuncture available through the Swedish public healthcare system?

Acupuncture is generally not available through Sweden’s publicly funded healthcare system and is not typically offered at publicly contracted care centres. Some physiotherapists working within the public system may employ dry needling techniques as one component of a broader treatment plan, but this is distinct from standalone acupuncture treatment provided by a dedicated practitioner. The great majority of acupuncture in Sweden is accessed through private practitioners and paid for directly by the patient.

Are CAM products and supplements regulated in Sweden?

Yes, though the degree of regulation varies. Herbal and natural products marketed as medicines — including registered traditional herbal medicinal products — are regulated by the Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket), which applies requirements relating to quality, safety, and labelling. Products marketed as food supplements fall under food law and are subject to a lighter regulatory framework. When purchasing herbal or supplement products, check whether they carry a Läkemedelsverket registration or approval, and exercise particular caution with products sourced online from outside the EU.

How does the CAM regulatory system in Sweden compare to other countries?

Sweden’s regulatory approach is more restrictive in scope and less formalised overall than those of many neighbouring countries. Unlike the United Kingdom, which has established dedicated statutory bodies for chiropractic and osteopathy (the General Chiropractic Council and General Osteopathic Council), and unlike Germany, where a wide range of natural therapies (Naturheilkunde) has long been embedded in mainstream medical provision, Sweden has confined statutory regulation primarily to chiropractic and naprapathy, leaving the broader CAM sector to operate through voluntary professional self-regulation. The 2019 government inquiry (SOU 2019:15) put forward proposals for reform, but comprehensive statutory regulation of the wider CAM sector had not been enacted as of 2025.

Should I tell my Swedish doctor if I am using CAM?

Yes — and this is especially important in Sweden, where healthcare operates within a strongly evidence-based framework and practitioners may not routinely enquire about CAM use. Herb-drug interactions represent a genuine clinical safety concern, particularly where herbal preparations influence blood coagulation, liver enzyme activity, or immune function. Being transparent with your läkare (GP) about any supplements or CAM therapies you are taking enables them to identify potential interactions and deliver properly coordinated care. The Swedish Medical Products Agency publishes information on documented interactions between herbal medicines and pharmaceutical drugs.

Are there integrative medicine clinics in Sweden where conventional and CAM practitioners work together?

Clinics that combine conventional medical care with a wide range of CAM disciplines under one roof remain relatively uncommon in Sweden, though their number is gradually increasing. Certain private health clinics — particularly in Stockholm — bring together physiotherapy, chiropractic, naprapathy, acupuncture, and psychological therapies within a single practice setting. At the academic level, institutions such as the Osher Centre at Karolinska Institutet carry out integrative health research. Expats seeking this kind of combined approach may find it helpful to search locally for “integrativ medicin” or “holistisk hälsa” to identify practices offering complementary services alongside conventional medical care.