1m visit alternative health care centers

About 6 percent of the Dutch population, some 1 million people visited alternative healers between 2010 and 2012. Women, 30 to 65-year-olds, higher educated and supplemental insured paid more visits to alternative healers.

25 percent saw an acupuncturist, followed by a homeopath with 22 percent, and the chiropractor with 17 percent. Faith healers, herbalists, and anthroposophists were among the least consulted. 63 percent of patients who consult alternative healers have a chronic condition, and almost half also see a specialist. Some general practitioners also prescribe homeopathic remedies. Patients of alternative healers are usually very satisfied with their help. In the period 2010-2012, general practitioners were rated 7.7, specialists 7.8, but alternative healers were rated 8.1.