Researchers in Berlin interviewed 20 people who use traditional and complementary medicine to understand why they choose these treatments. Most participants were older adults who felt that conventional doctors didn’t address all their health needs—especially emotional and spiritual aspects. They appreciated treatments like acupuncture and homeopathy because these approaches treated the whole person, not just symptoms. Interestingly, most patients still respected their regular doctors and didn’t see alternative medicine as a replacement. The study suggests that patients want healthcare providers to listen to their concerns and consider treatments that address mind, body, and spirit together.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Why people in Germany choose alternative and complementary medicine treatments, and what they think about their healthcare experiences
  • Who participated: Twenty patients (mostly women, average age 62) who were receiving alternative medicine treatments at a major hospital in Berlin, Germany
  • Key finding: Most patients chose alternative medicine because they felt regular doctors didn’t address their emotional and spiritual health needs, not because they distrusted conventional medicine entirely
  • What it means for you: If you’re considering alternative medicine, this research suggests it’s important to think about what aspects of your health feel neglected by your current care. You don’t have to choose between conventional and alternative medicine—many people benefit from using both together with their doctor’s awareness

The Research Details

Researchers conducted one-on-one conversations with 20 patients who were receiving alternative medicine treatments at Charité hospital in Berlin during 2023. Each conversation lasted about an hour and covered topics like why patients chose alternative medicine, what they believed about health, and how they worked with their doctors. The researchers recorded and carefully analyzed these conversations to find common themes and patterns in what patients said.

This approach is called qualitative research, which means the researchers focused on understanding people’s experiences and perspectives rather than collecting numbers or statistics. They used a structured guide during interviews to make sure they asked similar questions to everyone, but they also allowed conversations to flow naturally so patients could share their unique stories.

Understanding why people choose alternative medicine is important because these treatments are very popular in Germany and many other countries. By listening directly to patients, researchers can learn what needs aren’t being met by conventional healthcare. This information helps doctors and healthcare systems improve their services and better support patients who want more holistic care.

This study has both strengths and limitations. The strength is that it directly captures patient voices and experiences in their own words. The limitations include the small number of participants (20 people), mostly women, and all from one hospital in Berlin, so the findings may not represent all alternative medicine users. The study is exploratory rather than definitive, meaning it raises interesting questions but doesn’t prove cause-and-effect relationships.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that patients chose alternative medicine primarily because they felt conventional doctors didn’t address their complete health picture. Specifically, patients wanted healthcare that considered their emotional well-being and spiritual beliefs alongside physical symptoms. Many felt that regular doctors spent too little time with them and focused only on treating diseases rather than promoting overall wellness.

Participants commonly used acupuncture, homeopathy, and dietary therapies. These treatments appealed to them because they seemed gentler and more natural than conventional medications, and because practitioners spent more time listening to their concerns. Importantly, most patients didn’t view alternative medicine as a replacement for conventional care—they wanted both working together.

Another key finding was that patients saw themselves as active participants in their healthcare decisions. They researched treatments, asked questions, and made informed choices about what felt right for them. Many maintained good relationships with their regular doctors and didn’t hide their alternative medicine use.

The study revealed that patients’ choice of alternative medicine reflected deeper beliefs about health and personal responsibility. Many participants believed that health involves more than just the absence of disease—it includes feeling balanced, purposeful, and spiritually connected. They valued treatments that addressed these broader aspects of wellness. Additionally, social influence played a role: patients often learned about alternative medicine from friends, family, or community members who had positive experiences.

This research adds to existing knowledge by showing that alternative medicine use isn’t driven primarily by distrust of doctors, but rather by a desire for more comprehensive, patient-centered care. Previous studies noted that alternative medicine is popular, but this research explains the ‘why’ behind that popularity. It suggests that the appeal lies in how these treatments are delivered—with more time, attention to the whole person, and respect for patient beliefs—rather than just the treatments themselves.

The study included only 20 people, mostly women over 60, all from one hospital in Berlin. This means the findings may not apply to younger people, men, or people in other parts of Germany or the world. The study also only captured people already using alternative medicine at a hospital clinic, so it doesn’t include people who use alternative medicine elsewhere or people who tried it and stopped. Additionally, because this is qualitative research based on interviews, it describes patterns and themes rather than measuring exact percentages or proving that one factor causes another.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, healthcare providers should consider spending more time with patients and asking about their emotional and spiritual health needs alongside physical symptoms. Patients interested in alternative medicine should discuss their interest with their regular doctor rather than keeping it secret, and should look for practitioners who communicate well and explain their approach clearly. Evidence confidence: Moderate—this research provides valuable insights into patient perspectives but doesn’t prove that alternative medicine is more effective than conventional treatment.

This research matters for patients who feel their healthcare doesn’t address their whole self, for doctors who want to better understand their patients’ needs, and for healthcare systems designing services. It’s particularly relevant for people over 50, though people of any age might benefit from the insights. This research doesn’t apply to people who are satisfied with their current conventional healthcare or who prefer evidence-based treatments exclusively.

Changes in how you approach healthcare—like having deeper conversations with your doctor or finding practitioners who listen well—can improve your satisfaction immediately. However, actual health improvements from alternative treatments typically take weeks to months to become noticeable, depending on the condition and treatment.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your healthcare satisfaction by rating how well your doctor addresses your physical, emotional, and spiritual health needs on a scale of 1-10 weekly. Also note which treatments or conversations made you feel most heard and supported.
  • Use the app to prepare for doctor visits by writing down all aspects of your health you want to discuss—not just physical symptoms, but also stress, sleep, mood, and life purpose. Share this list with your healthcare provider to encourage more comprehensive conversations.
  • Over 3-6 months, track patterns in which healthcare interactions left you feeling satisfied versus frustrated. Note whether you’re getting time to discuss your whole health picture, and whether providers ask about your beliefs and preferences. Use these insights to decide which providers to continue seeing and which aspects of your care to adjust.

This research describes patient experiences and perspectives about alternative medicine use in Germany. It does not prove that alternative treatments are safe or effective for any condition. Before starting any new treatment—conventional or alternative—consult with a qualified healthcare provider who knows your medical history. Some alternative treatments may interact with medications or be unsafe for certain health conditions. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.