Complementary medicine and other healing methods

The Latin word complementum means “fulfilment, completion.” Complementary medicine is an umbrella term for healing methods that complement conventional medicine, which is based on the natural sciences. It is sometimes referred to as integrative medicine. Medical treatments used instead of conventional medicine are referred to as alternative therapies or alternative medicine. In general, these two terms cover a variety of approaches, from traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture to homeopathy, naturopathic medicine and anthroposophic medicine. We explain the most important ones here.

In the last 100 years, modern medicine has made incredible advances. At the same time, more and more people are looking for remedies that integrate complementary therapies or medicines. Some people have concerns about the side effects of conventional medications. Others want to help their body overcome an illness on its own. Instead of suppressing symptoms, this means restoring the body’s own balance through natural methods and a process of self-healing. Complementary approaches have often evolved from traditional practices that have stood the test of time.

To treat similar with similar – that is the basic principle of homeopathy. The term combines the Greek words for “similar” and “suffering”. Homeopathic medicine was developed over 200 years ago by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. In this process, a natural substance that causes certain reactions in a healthy body (for example, nux vomica causes nausea) is highly diluted. In this potentized form, also called a dilution, it alleviates exactly those symptoms of illness (in this case, nausea). Homeopathic medicines are often available as globules (from the Latin for “little balls”), but also in the form of drops or triturations (a finely ground powder). For legal reasons, often no indication may be given. Only doctors, non-medical practitioners and pharmacists are allowed to give information about the complaints for which these medicines should be used, and in what dose they should be taken.

Weleda also offers homeopathic medicines. In a special potentizing process, active ingredients are gradually diluted by hand, and activated by intensive rhythmic movements.

The Vedas, the major scriptures of Hinduism, were written down around 3,000 BC in the Indian Himalayas. Therein lie the origins of Ayurveda, a holistic, preventive medicine that has both philosophical and practical elements, such as meditation, yoga, nutrition and massage. In Ayurveda, illnesses are defined as the result of a disruption to one’s inner balance. Across Asia, Ayurveda is accepted as a scientific healing method. In the West it is often used in wellness treatments.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is also thousands of years old. Its focus is on qi – the life energy that flows through the body. This harmonious flow follows specific pathways, so-called meridians, and supplies the organs. If the qi is disturbed, it can lead to complaints and sickness or disease. Treatment is based on five therapeutic pillars. Of these, acupuncture is the best known and most widely used. TCM also includes Chinese herbal remedies, nutrition or dietary therapy, exercise through the movement therapies qigong and tai chi, as well as tui na, a type of body work or massage therapy.

When a family doctor prescribes fango mud packs, this already belongs to the field of naturopathy. Natural medicine is a medical system that uses natural cures and remedies to optimize health. It includes classic natural therapies such as herbal medicine, also called phytotherapy, as well as physical therapies, many of which use water or heat, like Kneipp baths, infusions and wraps or compresses. Aromatherapy and reflexology count among the advanced natural therapies.

Herbal medicine serves as the basis for a large part of Weleda’s medicines. For a century we have been researching the power of medicinal plants and herbs, using them for health and healing. The Weleda Garden in Wetzgau near Schwäbisch Gmünd in Germany is the largest biodynamic medicinal plant garden in Europe.