[Diagnosis and treatment methods of alternative medicine in private health insurance--a quantitative analysis]

Diagnosis and treatment methods of alternative medicine are very popular in Germany and are used very often--not only in case of incurable diseases, but for all possible indications. The present study looks into which treatment methods of alternative medicine are used the most. Nutritional supplements and vitamins are way ahead as an alternative medicine, followed by acupuncture, homoeopathy, organotherapy, alternative medicinal phytotherapy, symbiosis controlling, enzyme therapy and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Treatment methods of alternative medicine are used very often, although there are no studies of a scientifically acceptable level which prove the effectiveness of the therapy. However, the health dangers and side effects of alternative medicine treatments have been scientifically proven. Beyond that, the use of these methods has not been sufficiently examined.