How to choose a naturopath: the criteria that matter

Naturopaths in Switzerland: what are we talking about?

Naturopathy looks at the whole person: diet, sleep, stress, activity, digestion. It complements medicine rather than replacing it. To see what actually happens in a session, read our article naturopathy: what happens during a consultation.

In Switzerland, the federal government recognises two separate professions in this field, each with its own advanced professional examination, according to the list published in the Federal Gazette (Fedlex):

• naturopath with federal diploma, run by OdA AM (the professional organisation for alternative medicine; OrTra MA in French);
• complementary therapist with federal diploma, run by OdA KT (the professional organisation for complementary therapy; OrTra TC in French).

According to OdA AM, a naturopath works with a complete system of alternative medicine, while a complementary therapist practises one specific method. Both have their place, but they are not the same profession.

Training and titles

According to OdA AM, the federal naturopath diploma is awarded after an advanced professional examination. It is signed by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and gives a protected title, in one of four disciplines:

• traditional European naturopathy (TEN);
• traditional Chinese medicine (TCM);
• Ayurvedic medicine;
• homeopathy.

OdA AM also stresses the importance of the first-aid role in this training: knowing what needs a doctor. Practice rules also depend on the canton: according to OdA AM, cantonal authorisation is governed by each canton's laws and ordinances.

The right questions to ask

Before booking, or during a first call:

• What is your training and what title do you hold? In which discipline?
• Are you used to situations like mine? Chronic pain, tiredness, digestive problems…
• Do you work with my doctor? A reputable practitioner asks for your test results and treatments, and is willing to talk to your healthcare team.
• How much does a session cost, and how long is it? The price should be stated before the appointment.
• What do you suggest, and why? You should understand the plan, what to expect from it, and its limits.
• How do you check interactions between herbs, supplements and medicines?

Ask every practitioner these same questions, including us.

Warning signs

Be wary if a practitioner:

• promises results or talks about a guaranteed recovery;
• advises you to stop or reduce a prescribed treatment;
• makes you buy many products on site as a condition of follow-up;
• refuses any contact with your doctor, or disparages medicine;
• diagnoses a disease in place of a doctor.

When to see a doctor first

Naturopathy does not replace medical advice. Go to the emergency department if you have a sudden or very worrying symptom, for example sudden intense pain, difficulty breathing or sudden weakness on one side of the body.

See your doctor before anything else if you have:

• a new symptom that is getting worse or not going away;
• weight loss you cannot explain;
• a fever that lasts;
• blood in your stools or urine, or when you cough.

These situations are rare, but they come before everything else.

How we work

Our background, openly: Wilfried Beijersbergen is a nurse anaesthetist and naturopath. A practising nurse anaesthetist, he gained his experience in hospital: operating theatre, recovery room, intensive care and pain management. He then trained in Traditional European Medicine (Médecine Traditionnelle Européenne) and naturopathy, and draws on nutrition, micronutrition and herbal medicine in his approach. Today he sees patients in his own practice, Centre Algos.

For our naturopathy consultations, the first consultation lasts 1.5 to 2 hours (CHF 182). Bring your medical records, test results and your list of medicines. We take stock and build your plan together. Follow-up is then adapted to how you progress. We work alongside your GP and the other professionals who support you.

Recognised by RME, Visana and EGK. Most supplementary insurers cover the cost: check your policy. Not covered by basic health insurance (LAMal/KVG).

Which approaches at Centre Algos?

Depending on your situation:

• Naturopathy: diet, sleep, stress and daily rhythm.
• Functional biology and micronutrition: an assessment to spot possible nutritional imbalances, to discuss with your doctor.
• Herbal medicine: herbs are chosen taking your medicines into account.

Everyone responds differently: the aim is to help you live your days better, with no promise of results.

When to seek advice

Sources and further reading

• OdA AM, "Certification, titre" (in French): advanced professional examination, diploma signed by SERI, title of naturopath with federal diploma and its four disciplines.
• OdA AM, "FAQ" (in French): difference between naturopath (AM) and complementary therapist (KT), first-aid role, cantonal authorisation.
• Fedlex, Federal Gazette BBl 2026 2077: official list of advanced professional examinations, including naturopath (OdA AM) and complementary therapist (OdA KT).
• OdA KT, professional organisation for complementary therapy (in French): the profession of complementary therapist with federal diploma.