The Naturheilzentrum Bottrop is one of the three most known centers in Germany. They have a wide array of competencies and create a truly unique healing experience.

The two innovative natural therapists, Farid Zitoun and Christian Rüger, met in the 1990s and founded the Naturheilzentrum Bottrop based on a shared vision of appreciating and integrating the best of natural and conventional medicine, and putting the people at the center of everything they do. It takes less than a few minutes in their presence to see and feel their passion, care and dedication that are the foundation of the clinic and the reason it is such a special place.

Both therapists have been educated in numerous modalities in various countries, including China, Ireland, Sweden and the U.S., to name a few. Their education has included techniques such as acupuncture, Ayurveda, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine, and they quickly gained an appreciation for the depth and nuances of these disciplines in each country. They have therefore become experts in the most effective aspects of these treatments to apply with their patients.

The clinic is not a stop for common colds, flus or minor complaints; they treat cases of severe illness such as cancer, stroke and brain trauma, often in young children. They see patients from all over Europe and have a maximum capacity of 60 patients at any one time, as Farid Zitoun and Christian Rüger take care of all of them, with the support of their valued nursing staff.

They have intentionally kept their staff small and personal, so connections are strong and communication is fast and effective. The organization is set up in such a way that patients are almost never alone, and there is plenty of contact between patients and the staff throughout their visit. Waiting times to get an appointment are quite long, averaging between six-nine months for appointment, but the gratitude patients have shown after their visits make it obvious that this is well worth the wait. When patients do get an appointment, they normally stay for one working week in the area so that they can benefit from regular visits to the clinic during that time.

The details of their range of competencies are outlined on their website, but there are some additional exceptional points to know about this unique healing center:

• Treatment plans are made on an individual basis. They work very closely with their patients and their families to assess what would be best for a particular person, reassess how the patient responds and adapt accordingly.
• The center itself is not designed as a typical clinic. They have personally designed it in a particular architectural style, with specific colors and features to create a relaxing and inviting lounge-like interior. This is based on the philosophy that the space itself is a factor in healing. In this space, patients can feel at ease, taken care of, and benefit from social connections with each other.
• They are honest and reliable. They will always make their patients as comfortable as possible, and in their role as health experts, are also honest and direct. Their priority is to understand and improve the situation for their patients, which at times means pointing out when patients may need to make a change in their lifestyle. They work together with them on this, understanding fully that there needs to be a balance between healthy living and enjoyment.

With all of their knowledge and experience, at the core of what makes Farid Zitoun and Christian Rüger’s work so exceptional is that they never lose sight of the core healing element: the personal connection. Everything they do comes from a place of love, respect and connection. They are there for their clients mentally, emotionally and physically not just during their stay but also beyond.

One cannot underestimate the power of such presence, and the patients can attest to it. The Dalai Lama poignantly reminds us that “The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.”

The Naturheilzentrum Bottrop is a shining light in our world, bringing true healing through both their expertise and loving presence. They are based in Bottrop, Germany, near Düsseldorf. More information can be found on the Naturheilzentrum Bottrop website.