First professorship of Naturopathy and Integrative Medicine in Baden-Württemberg

The University of Tübingen is establishing a new professorship for Naturopathy and Integrative Medicine, which will be based at the Stuttgart Robert Bosch Hospital (RBK). This was announced today by the state of Baden-Württemberg, the Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, the Robert Bosch Hospital and the University of Tübingen.

In the first five years, the Robert Bosch Stiftung bears the costs of the professorship, which also includes a team of junior scientists and considerable research funding. The country ensures long-term financing. This implements an announcement from the coalition agreement.

Minister Theresia Bauer: "Naturopathy and complementary treatment methods are taken for granted by many people, for example to supplement conventional therapy offers. The new professorship is intended to explore alternative methods and methods in a science-led way and will thus make a contribution to raising potential. "

"The research and teaching of complementary medicine methods are an important element in increasing patient safety and firmly anchoring appropriate therapy offers in the care of patients. A wide range of therapies, including naturopathy and complementary medicine, is very important to people in the country. I therefore very much welcome the establishment of the new chair in Tübingen "; emphasized Social and Integration Minister Manne Lucha.

In the future, Naturopathy and Integrative Medicine will become an integral part of the study program at the Medical Faculty of the University of Tübingen. At Stuttgart's RBK, the benefits of joint therapies from naturopathy and conventional medicine will be further researched and benefit the patients. "Even our founder Robert Bosch pursued the goal to combine conventional medicine and naturopathic procedures in a comprehensive medical science," says Prof. Dr. med. Joachim Rogall, Chairman of the Board of the Robert Bosch Stiftung. "The environment at the Robert Bosch Hospital with the Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases (RBCT), founded in 2016, and the Clinical Department of Naturopathy and Integrative Medicine, which has been in existence since 2015, offer excellent framework conditions."

Tailor-made therapies for tumor patients

So-called gentle or natural methods can not cure serious illnesses such as cancer alone. However, scientific results show that they often contribute to therapeutic success, as they help patients to survive school medical therapies well. For example, the sometimes severe side effects of chemotherapy or radiation can be reduced and the quality of life improved. Examples of scientifically proven applications are acupuncture, acupressure or Kneipp's wraps. The development of such tailor-made therapies from school and complementary medicine, especially for tumor patients, is the goal of the new Department of Naturopathy and Integrative Medicine. (sb, pm)