NaturaFrequently asked questions
What exactly is a Heilpraktiker?
According to Section 1 of the German Naturopathic Practitioners Act (Heilpraktikergesetz), the practice of medicine is any professional or commercial activity for the determination (diagnosis), cure (elimination of the disease) or alleviation (improvement of the condition) of diseases, ailments or physical injuries in humans, even if it is carried out in the service of others.
The prerequisite for this is a state license, which is only granted by the public health office after successfully passing an examination by the public health officer.
Can a naturopathic practitioner treat any condition?
There are some diseases that a naturopathic practitioner (Heilpraktiker) is not permitted to treat.
These include, for example, certain infectious diseases that are subject to mandatory reporting and are listed in the Infection Protection Act.
According to Section 24 of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), naturopathic practitioners are prohibited from diagnosing or treating a disease listed in Section 6 or Section 34, an infection with pathogens listed in Section 7, or a sexually transmitted disease; these may therefore only be diagnosed and treated by a physician.
Certain medical fields, such as dentistry and obstetrics, are also off-limits to naturopathic practitioners.
In addition, the naturopathic practitioner has a duty of care and must therefore refer a patient to another practitioner when reaching the limits of their diagnostic and treatment options.
Is there a guarantee of success with naturopathic treatments?
No, there is no 100% guarantee of success with any form of treatment (whether naturopathic or conventional).
Are the naturopathic methods you use safe?
Every procedure carries certain risks. For this reason, before every new treatment we provide detailed information about possible risks or side effects.
Roughly how many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required depends on the reason for treatment and many other factors, so this question is difficult to answer in advance. It is best to make an appointment for a free consultation, where we can go into it in more detail.
Can I get a sick note from a naturopathic practitioner?
Under the Naturopathic Practitioners Act, we are not allowed to issue sick notes. However, we can certify that you were at our practice for treatment for a certain period of time.
We cannot promise that your employer will accept this certificate of attendance.
Can I use a statutory health insurance prescription for services from a naturopathic practitioner?
No, unfortunately not.
If you would like to make an appointment or have any questions, please feel free to leave us a message.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Professionally responsible: Yesha Karmeli, naturopathic practitioner (Heilpraktiker), Natura Heilpraxis Berlin. This text provides general information and does not replace individual advice.