Natura
“Functional medicine” is not a protected term, and it is used in different ways. Here we describe what we understand by it at Natura Heilpraxis, how a first contact proceeds and where the limits lie.
Basic idea: looking at connections
Body systems do not work in isolation. Gut, immune system, hormones, metabolism, nervous system and emotional state influence one another. Functional medicine therefore tries not only to name a symptom but to ask: which influencing factors could play a role in this person? These can be diet, sleep, stress, nutrient supply, environmental exposures or earlier illnesses.
What matters to us: this is a complement to medical diagnostics. Emergencies, acute illnesses and severe courses belong in medical hands.
How the first steps proceed
- Intro call (10 minutes, free): We clarify whether we are a good fit for your concern and answer first questions. You can book it online.
- Medical history: Depending on need as a short consultation (30 minutes), initial consultation (60 minutes) or detailed consultation (90 minutes). We talk about complaints, course, daily life, diet, sleep, medication and earlier findings. More about the first visit.
- Lab diagnostics, when useful: blood, stool, saliva or urine, depending on the question. We explain beforehand what a test can say and what it cannot. An overview is on the page Laboratory Diagnostics in Berlin.
- Discussion of the results: The values are explained calmly and put into your personal situation. This leads to possible next steps, for example adjustments in daily life, further work-up or a return to medical care.
Costs and reimbursement
The intro call is free. The short consultation costs €75, the initial consultation €150, and the detailed consultation with lab diagnostics starts at €220. Statutory health insurers do not reimburse services of a naturopathic practitioner; private insurers and supplementary policies usually reimburse part of them. All prices are on the page Treatment Costs.
What functional medicine does not do
- It does not make a medical diagnosis and does not replace a specialist work-up.
- It does not promise a cure. We describe what we do, not which effect you should expect from it.
- It is no reason to stop prescribed medication on your own.
- Not every method is equally well supported. We discuss openly how robust the evidence for a procedure is.
Who might it suit?
People with persistent, unspecific complaints for whom previous examinations have not produced a clear finding, and anyone who wants to understand their values better or pursue prevention, for example with the Longevity Check-up. The practice is led by Yesha Karmeli, naturopathic practitioner (Heilpraktiker).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between functional medicine and conventional medicine?
Conventional medicine assigns complaints to diagnoses and derives guidelines from them. Functional medicine additionally asks about connections and influencing factors in daily life, diet and metabolism. It sees itself as a complement, not a counter-model.
What does getting started cost?
The 10-minute intro call is free. A short consultation of 30 minutes costs €75, the initial consultation of 60 minutes €150, and the detailed 90-minute consultation including lab diagnostics starts at €220.
Does health insurance cover the costs?
German statutory health insurance does not reimburse services of a naturopathic practitioner (Heilpraktiker). Private health insurance and supplementary policies usually reimburse part of it. Please ask your insurer in advance.
Do I have to bring findings beforehand?
It is helpful but not required. Please bring existing lab reports, doctors' letters and a list of your medications and supplements, if you have any.
All questions & answers in the guide →
Professionally responsible: Yesha Karmeli, naturopathic practitioner (Heilpraktiker), Natura Heilpraxis Berlin. This text provides general information and does not replace individual advice.
