Cause-oriented medicine – the approach of Seegarten Klinik

Seegarten Klinik: a pioneer of cause-oriented medicine – with the focus on holistic healing

Seegarten Klinik has quickly earned a worldwide reputation as a pioneer in medicine. At the heart of this success story are our research and our groundbreaking philosophy of cause-oriented medicine, which always keeps "the whole picture" in view. This approach allows us to see each person as an incomparably complex whole, far beyond the mere "sum of their parts".

Through our refined methods, the special attention we give and the time we take for you, you experience medicine with us on a highly personal level and with unusual depth. Our philosophy sets new standards in better ageing, prevention and the treatment of chronic illness. At the same time, we are committed to our role in primary care, so that patients with acute complaints – from allergies to tick bites – feel equally well looked after with us.

A little about the founder's background

In the 1980s, as a newly qualified doctor, a long-cherished dream came true for me: the chance to treat patients. I had wanted to become a doctor since childhood. Once I had my own practice, I was soon caring for patients with a wide variety of complaints and conditions. After only a few years, I began to reflect critically on my work.

My original idea of medicine was not fulfilled. Although I had assumed that doctors were trained to heal patients, I soon realised that this was often not the case. In fact, it was frequently the opposite! Our skills were limited to making illnesses more bearable, to "managing" them – and in the end we often helped to make them chronic. There was no trace left of the original vision of healing.

The search began with numerous further training courses, both in Switzerland and abroad, which have contributed significantly to what Seegarten Klinik offers today.

SGK has since been delighted to welcome young, like-minded colleagues who have significantly broadened its diagnostic and therapeutic range.

Since then, no two days have been alike, thanks to the variety of our work, which is as individual as each person. Looking at "the whole picture" means focusing not only on the illness but on the person in all their different dimensions. At the centre is not the illness but the individual who has made this illness possible or allowed it. Illness is not seen as "evil", but as the actual "healing response", which should not simply be suppressed with "anti" drugs. In many seemingly hopeless cases, this philosophy has already opened the way to genuine healing.

"See also my article 20 years ahead."

Impressions of our clinic

Different philosophies

The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often used interchangeably, but their meanings differ slightly:

• Alternative medicine: this term refers to medical approaches regarded as alternatives to conventional medicine. People often look for alternative methods when conventional treatments do not achieve the desired results, or when they are looking for less invasive or natural approaches.
• Complementary medicine: this term refers to medical approaches used in addition to conventional medicine to complement treatment. Complementary medicine is often used in combination with conventional therapies to allow a more comprehensive treatment.

SGK medicine stands out for its cause-oriented philosophy, which takes a holistic approach. Rather than just treating symptoms, it seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of illness. The focus is not only on relieving complaints but also on promoting better ageing, prevention and genuine healing. SGK medicine integrates elements of complementary medicine, but within a comprehensive concept centred on individual needs and "the whole picture".

Alternative medicine

In alternative medicine, decisions are made in favour of methods intended to replace conventional treatment. One example is pain, which can usually be treated with conventional painkillers. If, however, the preference is to avoid such medication, acupuncture is often tried instead.

This is often seen in cancer therapy, where mistletoe preparations, for example, are used instead of conventional chemotherapy. It should be borne in mind that such decisions are made individually and that not all alternative approaches have been scientifically tested for their effectiveness.

It is advisable to consider alternative treatment options in close consultation with medical professionals, to ensure that such decisions are well informed and safe. An integrative approach, in which conventional and alternative methods are carefully weighed up, can in some cases offer the best possible care.

Complementary medicine

In complementary medicine, both conventional and naturopathic methods are used, complementing each other to beneficial effect. An example might again be cancer treatment, in which conventional chemotherapy is given and mistletoe preparations are administered at the same time.

If, however, a patient forgoes conventional chemotherapy in favour of mistletoe treatment alone, this again becomes an alternative method.

SGK medicine

At Seegarten Klinik we integrate conventional approaches, methods of complementary medicine and important principles of holistic medicine. There is a particular focus on identifying the causes of illness, on the possibility of detoxification and on putting lifestyle measures into practice, such as diet, exercise, mental hygiene and slowing down. Our approach aims to take account of the various dimensions of each person and to offer comprehensive, individually tailored care.

Our motto is: “Information instead of medication”. That is why – wherever possible – the focus is not on the usual symptom-oriented medicine but on cause-oriented, functionally extended assessment and treatment, and on the person as a whole.

Holistic medicine is joined-up thinking

In holistic medicine, all aspects of life interact – and treatment has to reflect this. The experts at SGK are able to cover all of the body's important systems in a joined-up way.