25 Years of Naturopathic Practice – An Anniversary!
The Beginnings
On September 1st, 1995, I began my practice as a licensed naturopath (Heilpraktikerin). At the time, I shared a treatment room with a colleague, and we met on that first day of September to set up the phone and answering machine. Our desk hadn't been delivered yet, so we sat in two wicker chairs, drinking tea and celebrating the moment of our beginning.
Looking back after 25 years of practice, I warmly remember that small seed we planted and how eagerly we waited for it to sprout. In 1995, running a small private practice meant one main thing: public relations and word of mouth. The internet as we know it today didn't exist. Patients came to us because they met us at a lecture, received a recommendation, or picked up one of our flyers somewhere. This has certainly changed—today, most of my patients find me through online research or, as back then, through personal referrals.
I still remember a moment during my three-year naturopathic training. At a family gathering in 1993, a cousin’s wife asked me about my studies. When she asked about employment opportunities after graduation, I truthfully replied that self-employment was essentially the only path. As we said goodbye, she looked deeply into my eyes and wished me "good luck with my pipe dreams," adding that surely no one could seriously make a living running their own practice.
Deep in my heart, I already knew it wasn't just a pipe dream. Earning the monthly tuition alongside five hours of daily classes was no easy task, and I often worked 25 hours a week next to my studies. Fortunately, I was young, highly motivated, and resilient enough to handle those intense demands.
What Has Changed Over Time?
Above all, people. In the past, patients often sought long-term guidance, returning periodically over many years once trust was built. Today, most people seek help for a specific complaint or a clear treatment goal. Once achieved, we often say goodbye. That is completely fine and fits the fast-paced spirit of our time. At the same time, I am always delighted when patients choose to stay longer, wanting to explore the deeper underlying structures that led to their illness.
Have I Ever Regretted This Path?
An honest answer would be: yes and no. Most of the time, I experience my profession as wonderful. I love evolving, learning new methods, and gaining deeper insights. Yet, running an independent practice is not always easy. There have been moments of doubt and a wish for more security. Of course, there are days when motivation is hard to find and self-discipline is required. But when patients treat me with respect and appreciation, staying motivated and keeping life in balance becomes much easier.
I often describe my path to this profession as a calling. In 1991, I had a visionary dream that led me to naturopathic school in February 1992. It was clear that this was my path. Whenever I doubted, I looked up at the sky and said: "If I'm not supposed to do this anymore, give me a sign where to go." No sign ever came, so I continue to work as a naturopath—with great gratitude.
The Beauty of the Work
The most rewarding aspect of my work is meeting people right where they are in their personal life crises. So often, these crises are simply invitations to transform one's life. It is deeply intimate, moving, and fulfilling to accompany individuals in their personal growth. Witnessing deep healing fills me with humility and gratitude.
The Challenges
What saddens me are the intense criticisms of alternative medicine that have surfaced in the media in recent years. It continues to surprise me that, despite supportive research, methods like homeopathy are so frequently attacked. At times, it can feel overwhelming, to the point where I hesitate to introduce myself as a homeopath in new social settings—who wants to be dismissed when they have provided high-quality care for 25 years?
Looking Ahead
My journey continues. As long as our profession exists, I plan to keep practicing for many years to come. Alternative medicine remains, in my eyes, the medicine of the future. When I first visited a homeopath in 1990, I was recommended the book Medicine of the Future by George Vithoulkas (Right Livelihood Award laureate 1996). Since then, holistic medicine has evolved significantly, and public interest continues to grow.
For all the meaningful moments and connections with my patients over these 25 years, I say from the bottom of my heart:
Thank you!
I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the many teachers who have guided me along my path.