About ESIM
The European Society of Integrative Medicine e.V. (ESIM) is an international scientific association dedicated to advancing research, education, and evidence-informed healthcare in integrative and traditional medicine. ESIM promotes high-quality standards, supports collaboration across disciplines and countries, and provides expert guidance to strengthen integrative care within health systems.
Mission
To advance evidence-informed integrative and traditional medicine by fostering scientific excellence, preserving and promoting traditional knowledge, and strengthening international cooperation to improve human health in harmony with nature and planetary well-being.
Vision
A future where integrative and traditional medicine — rooted in rigorous science and cultural knowledge — contributes to balanced, whole-person health, resilient communities, and a healthier planet. ESIM envisions no separation between human health, natural ecosystems, and global sustainability.
ESIM is a non-profit organisation
The benefit of patients, populations, and health care systems. It is committed to independent scientific information and opinions and to political neutrality. The society includes full members, institutional members, sponsoring members, and honorary members.
Our Values
At ESIM, our work is guided by three core values: Integrative Medicine, Scientific Evidence, and Global Responsibility. We advance integrative medicine through rigorous science, ethical practice, and inclusive collaboration. Our work aligns with WHO and EU health and research policies, including the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 and EU-funded integrative health research.
Evidence-Informed Medicine
We advance integrative medicine through high-quality, transparent, and reproducible research. Clinical and policy decisions are guided by the best available evidence, continuous evaluation, and patient safety.
Science-Guided Integration
We actively support the integration of diverse medical approaches within a clear scientific framework. Integration is guided by research, clinical outcomes, quality standards, and responsible assessment.
Traditional Knowledge
We value traditional, Indigenous, and complementary knowledge systems through ethical collaboration, proper attribution, and scientific evaluation.
Whole-Person Health
We recognize health as a dynamic interaction of biological, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors. Our approach supports prevention, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
Collaboration
We foster collaboration across medicine, science, public health, policy, and society. Cross-border cooperation strengthens knowledge translation and impact.
Inclusion and Equity
We promote diversity, equity, and representation across regions, disciplines, and communities. Integrative medicine should contribute to reducing health inequalities.
Education and Capacity-Building
We support lifelong learning, mentoring, and professional development. Education strengthens evidence generation and responsible implementation.
Ethics and Trust
We uphold transparency, integrity, and accountability. Patient safety and responsible communication are central to public trust.
History of ESIM
ESIM was founded in April 2011 by a group of pioneering physicians and researchers — Dr. Anne Berghöfer, Prof. Benno Brinkhaus, Prof. Gustav Dobos, Prof. Thomas Keil, Prof. Andreas Michalsen, Dr. Michael Teut, and Prof. Stefan N. Willich, who served as the Society's first President from 2011 to 2019. These leaders came together with a shared conviction: that integrative medicine needed a strong scientific home in Europe.
Prof. Georg Seifert
Senior physician in pediatrics with Europe’s first professorship in integrative medicine in pediatrics at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
Berlin Agreement
This agreement was developed and first signed by the Congress Presidents and other members of the international organizing committee of the World Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health 2017 in Berlin and was supported by various societies.
the Berlin Agreement is a declaration to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 to foster healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.