Five forms of complementary medical treatment have been included under basic health insurance since 2009.
“Natürlich” magazine has published an interesting article on this topic. We value the inspiring perspective it presents and invite you to take a look for yourself. Here is a summary:
- Switzerland is described as a unique paradise for naturopathy, since five forms of complementary medical treatment have been included under basic health insurance since 2009: acupuncture, anthroposophic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), homeopathy and phytotherapy.
- A political motion is aiming to remove these benefits from basic health insurance in order to make financial savings, although these would only amount to 17 centimes per person per month.
- Historically, Switzerland played a leading role in developing naturopathy thanks to the influence of prominent individuals like Paracelsus and Emmental-based village doctor Michel Schüppach.
- In the 19th century, a divide opened up between traditional or folk medicine and conventional medicine, and naturopathy was initially dismissed as charlatanism.
- However, Switzerland was quick to counter these attitudes, and a number of cantons continued to allow the practice of traditional medicine, resulting in its recognition today.
- Complementary medicine has been a recognised and well-established component of the healthcare system since the 2009 referendum.
- Switzerland has many pioneers of natural medicine, including companies like Weleda, A. Vogel and Max Zeller Söhne AG that are known across the world.
These companies base their products on traditional recipes combined with modern scientific research, and they are successful internationally. - Critics warn that removing natural medicine from basic health insurance would put patient safety at risk and could weaken quality controls.
- The Council of States will shortly make a decision on the future of natural medicine in basic health insurance, which will determine the direction of integrative medicine in Switzerland.
