Why are the French turning more and more to alternative medicine?
It’s hard to miss: alternative medicine is gradually becoming part of our daily lives, as a reassuring complement to traditional medicine. Nearly 9 out of 10 French people consider them to be a useful ally conventional medicine. And this is no coincidence. Faced with the explosion of chronic diseases, omnipresent stress and collective mental fatigue, many people are looking for gentler, more natural answers, less focused on medication.
The trend is particularly marked among executives, seniors, and especially women aged 35 to 55 — a public that is often very exposed to the mental load and integrative health issues. In large cities, where the offer is denser, these practices have literally multiplied: osteopaths, sophrologists, acupuncturists, naturopaths… there are them on every street corner.
And then there was COVID. A jolt. A brutal realization. Many have realized that health is not only a body to be cared for, but also a mind to be soothed, a balance to be regained. The holistic approach, long relegated to the margins, has gained legitimacy. Some companies, concerned about the well-being of their employees, have even integrated sophrology or osteopathy into their QWL systems. An implicit recognition, but a very real one.
Alternative medicine: a rich universe but not recognized by the Health Insurance
What is alternative medicine?
The term “alternative medicine” covers a myriad of practices, more than 400 according to the WHO. What do they have in common? They aim to stimulate the body’s natural ability to regulate itself, without medication. Some, such as acupuncture or Ayurveda, have their roots in thousand-year-old traditions. Others, more recent, are based on neuroscience and modern physiology: EMDR, neurofeedback, cardiac coherence, etc.
But not all of them are equal. Their effectiveness, their legal framework, their scientific recognition: all of this varies enormously. And the vagueness surrounding these practices can sometimes be confusing.
Partial recognition and regulatory confusion
Today only four disciplines are recognized by the Order of Physicians : acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic and naturopathy. But even there, the statutes remain ambiguous. Some can be practiced legally without a state diploma. The result: a fragmented landscape, where you can find the best… as the worst.
More than 1000 private schools currently train in these disciplines, with very uneven levels of seriousness. The DGCCRF is also sounding the alarm: in a recent survey, Half of the professionals inspected were pinned down for questionable business practices or lack of information.
Does Social Security still reimburse anything?
End of reimbursement of homeopathy
Homeopathy, which has long been reimbursed, has not been reimbursed since 2021 — unless it is prescribed as part of a consultation by a panel doctor. A decision based on the repeated opinions of the Haute Autorité de Santé, which considers its effectiveness insufficiently demonstrated.
Exception: care by panel doctors
Some procedures are still reimbursed… provided they are performed by a doctor. Like what Acupuncture or hypnosis performed by a general practitioner under agreement may be reimbursed up to 70% of the basic fare. The problem is that these profiles are rare. Barely 5 to 10% of practitioners in alternative medicine are also doctors.
The special case of spa treatments
Another exception: Thermal cures prescribed under 12 specific medical indications (rheumatism, dermatology, respiratory disorders, etc.). These remain partially reimbursed. But beware: the so-called “comfort” treatments offered in parallel (massages, sophrology, relaxation, etc.) are often at your expense.
The “MonPsy” system
Set up to facilitate access to mental health care, the “MonPsy” program allows to benefit from 8 reimbursed sessions with a psychologist. But the system remains little known and largely underused : less than 10% of potential beneficiaries use it.
What type of mutual insurance should you choose to be well covered?
Annual flat rate or reimbursement per session: two logics to compare
Faced with the weakness of public reimbursement, the Mutual insurance for alternative medicine plays a key role. Two major models share the market:
- The Annual Global Plan (for example, €300 per year, to be distributed as you see fit).
- The Package per session (€30 refunded, with a maximum of 5 sessions).
To each his own: the first option is more flexible, the second more secure. Be careful not to forget, however. the waiting period : some mutual insurance companies require several months before activating these guarantees.
Each profile has its own strategy
The choice also depends a lot on his age, his situation, his needs:
- Young people will look for cheap and flexible formulas.
- Seniors will have every interest in relying on premium contracts, especially to cover regular care (osteopathy, physiotherapy, relaxation).
- Families will favour offers with additional services: nutritional coaching, teleconsultation, follow-up via health apps, etc.
How to compare mutual insurance offers?
A word of advice: Read the guarantees line by line, without being satisfied with vague titles such as “alternative medicine”. Look at the acts covered, the annual ceilings, the exclusions. Also beware of restrictions on practitioners: some contracts only accept graduates from a short list of schools.
And for those who consult remotely? Good news: More and more mutual insurance companies are also covering teleconsultations (sophrology, hypnosis, psychology, etc.). Some platforms like Alan, Livi or Qare even include a network of approved practitioners, accessible online.
What alternative medicine can (really) do for you
Chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders
For many, alternative medicine is a Credible alternative to anti-inflammatories : low back pain, osteoarthritis, cervical tension… Osteopathy, acupuncture or chiropractic provide relief without side effects.
And their effects are not reserved for athletes. Pregnant women, seniors, people who have undergone surgery: all can benefit from it.
Mental Wellness and Stress Management
Who has never felt this urgent need to breathe, to release the pressure? Hypnosis, sophrology, cardiac coherence are Powerful tools to regain emotional balance, fight against mild anxiety or get out of a burnout.
Some practices are even integrated into smoking cessation programs. It just goes to show that the gentle approach does not rhyme with inefficiency.
Immunity and overall health
Phytotherapy, micronutrition, naturopathy: so many pillars to strengthen your natural defences, better digest, sleep better, live better. More and more medical centers are adopting a Integrative approach, particularly in cancer prevention.
Support for heavy treatments
Finally, alternative medicine can also Supporting patients in difficult medical pathways : hypnosis to reduce anxiety in palliative care, post-operative osteopathy, reflexology in maternity, etc.
Simple, sometimes precious gestures that reintroduce comfort where conventional medicine reaches its limits.
… And this is undoubtedly their greatest strength.
