Naturopathic Care: New Research Project at the University of Tübingen
Naturopathic applications such as acupressure, aromatherapy or compresses with herbal active ingredients are widely used in care - whether to relieve pain, calm or support well-being. Although traditionally tried and tested in practice, their effects have not yet been sufficiently investigated. The newly founded "Integrative, Naturopathic Nursing" working group at the Institute of Health Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine in Tübingen aims to change this: "We are creating a scientific basis for applications that have long been used in nursing and demanded by our patients," explains Prof. Dr. Cornelia Mahler, Director of the Department of Nursing Science and project leader. "Our aim is to put integrative and naturopathic procedures on a solid foundation."
Bridging the gap between theory and practice
From January 2026, the team will spend five years investigating how complementary applications in nursing - particularly in the fields of oncology and pediatrics - can be used in an evidence-based manner. The project places particular emphasis on the participation of patients and relatives, whose experiences will be incorporated into the research. "Care plays a central role in patient-centred healthcare," emphasizes Sabine Rathmann, project manager at SAGST. "The fact that naturopathic procedures that have been tried and tested in practice are being scientifically researched not only benefits patients, but also the entire healthcare system."
The results should both improve care practice and be incorporated into the training of care professionals. The new working group complements existing activities on integrative medicine at Tübingen University Hospital - such as the new certificate coursefor oncology consultants, which isalso funded by SAGST- and at the Robert Bosch Center for Integrative Medicine and Health in Stuttgart. It will also cooperate closely with national and international networks on integrative nursing research.
