Alternative medicine in the Netherlands

Abstract: Orthodox and complementary medicine are integrated in the Netherlands, and this has been actively encouraged by the Government. Clinical and sociological research has been commissioned to provide a basis for policy decisions. Complementary medicines are flourishing in response to public demand, with acupuncture, anthroposophical medicine, homoeopathy, manipulation, naturopathy and paranormal healing the most popular. As in most other European countries, practice is currently restricted to medical doctors with a university training. More women than men visit complementary practitioners, it is generally poorer members of the population who use paranormal healing. The cost of complementary treatments is reimbursed by private and public health insurance when prescribed by a general practitioner. This includes homoeopathic and anthroposophic medicines.

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