September 3-10, 2023

Interested in natural medicine?  Do you love to travel, meet new people, and visit historic places focused on health and healing?  Do you like adventure and experiential learning?  Could you use some rest and relaxation to support your mental and physical health?  Do you need some inspiration or a charge professionally? Need some continuing education hours to fulfill your licensure requirements? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then EuroMed is for you!

EuroMed, LLC is excited to announce the dates for the fall EuroMed 2023 tour, September 3-10, 2023.  Join us for an experience of a lifetime.  Learn, heal, rest and meet new people while experiencing natural medicine firsthand by actively participating in natural therapies in Europe. 

The EuroMed concept all started several years ago when Dr. Chip Halverson, ND was asked to teach a naturopathic philosophy class to a group of medical students at the National University for Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon.  He was specifically challenged by a student in attendance after he said he wished he could take the group to Europe to experience firsthand how natural modalities like hydrotherapy to balneotherapy are incorporated into patient care in European clinics and hospitals for everything from inflammation, heart disease, eczema, diabetes, endocrine disorders, myalgia, anxiety, depression among other acute and chronic health concerns, including the use of mistletoe with oncology patients.  

The student commented, “Dr. Chip it sounds like you’ve been talking and thinking about this for some time, why not create it?”  That set into motion what would become EuroMed which the inspiring student attended the following fall.   The challenge was to create a learning experience in Europe that explored the history of natural medicine and specifically the roots of therapies that are still widely incorporated in the health care system throughout Europe.  EuroMed grew each year and soon became a biannual event with tours in both the spring and the fall traveling to both Germany and Switzerland.  Additionally the program has expanded to allow for a variety of health care professionals and individuals interested in health with a desire to share what they learn with others.  EuroMed tours now include everyone from medical students to veteran medical professionals, which allows for a wonderful group dynamic. 

After several successful EuroMed tours, plans are now finalized for EuroMed Fall 2023, September 3-10! Each educational and cultural tour is tailored to be both affordable and filled with a myriad of healing and therapeutic experiences that will inspire you to think beyond what you thought possible.  You will experience and learn therapies from some of the best instructors in Europe.  Therapies that will help both you and your patients work towards a more optimal wellness. EuroMed is truly international with EuroMed alumni from over ten countries represented.

Please put EuroMed on your calendar!  Below is an outline with important details for the tour. We expect high interest in the EuroMed Fall 2023 Tour. As of July we still have a few more openings for people interested in attending.  Some remaining scholarships are available as well. If you want to attend please contact Dr. Chip as soon as possible.   Please send an email if you are interested to drchipeuromed@gmail.com to secure your spot or contact us through our website at  https://euromed-101743.square.site. 

You will be instructed by leading experts in European medicine during EuroMed.  Depending on the instructor you will learn about European Biological Medicine, anthroposophical medicine, acupuncture, fasting, naturopathy, herbs, nutrition, food allergies, hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, massage/physical medicine, meditation, biodynamic gardening, homeopathy, earthing, bee keeping, art therapy, mistletoe therapy and integrative  oncology among many other healing modalities.

The itinerary focuses on exploring the roots of natural medicine, including what today is called European Biological Medicine in this part of Europe. We will be visiting some of the leading healing centers in Germany that have successfully healed patients during the last three centuries. Additionally, we will be in regions home to natural medicines commonly used by clinics and pharmacies throughout the world, including Heel, Helixor, Wala and Hevert.

The tour will find us studying and actively participating in the methods of Father Kneipp in Bad Worishofen at the Sebastianeum, created as one of the first treatment centers built by Fr. Kneipp who would later pass on his methods to the “father” of naturopathic medicine in the United States, Dr. Benedict Lust.   We will have an opportunity to tour the town, walk the incredible footpath through healing gardens and visit Ottobueren Cathedral and Kneipp Museum. The focus here will be on healing, learning and self reflection as you nuture your body physically and mentally.

You will have the opportunity to learn how to incorporate Kneipp’s Five Basic Pillars into your personal and/or professional practice, including hydrotherapy, herbal medicine, nutritious foods, movement, and life balance.  You will experience firsthand the roots of our medicine during daily treatments, including mineral baths, sauna, float pool, salt cave, light therapy, water gymnastics among others during a visit to the local Therme (https://www.therme-badwoerishofen.de).  

In the past we have visited Anthroposophical hospitals, including the Integrative Oncology department of Robert Bosch Hospital and Filderklinik in Germany and the Center for Integrative Oncology,  located in Switzerland to name a few specialty wellness centers.  EuroMed 2023 provides a rich experience with instruction from some of the best instructors in the field.   EuroMed 2023 will allow you to learn  and experience  a truly integrative approach to medicine in this part of Europe.  It will give you a reference to see what an ideal naturopathic clinic or hospital would look like in your home country.  Our fall 2023 tour has just been invited to visit the world’s leading healing center focused on scoliosis for an introduction and training at Asklepios Katharina-Schroth-Klinik in Bad Soberheim, Germany. www.asklepios.com/badsobernheim

We may also visit Hohenzollern Castle and afterwards enjoy a special group meal at a well known German restaurant in the historic city Rottweil, located between the Black Forest and the Swabian Alps.  Rottweil was a free Imperial City for nearly 600 years and is famous for its medieval center and  ancient Roman bath ruins. You will have an  opportunity to visit the ruins, the biodynamic health food store B2 and a German Pharmacy located within walking distance from our hotel.   You will be able to purchase biodynamic chocolate or medicine made by Wala.  The latter will be a precursor to  visiting B2 and WALA’s facilities.

Our tour also includes a full program at Helixor, housed at Fishermuhle near Rosenfeld.  Our day will include interactive lectures with some of the leading European doctors who use mistletoe and anthroposophical medicine, a Helixor production tour, mistletoe garden tour, presentation by Melifera and a visit to WALA as time allows.  The latter is also home to a biodynamic farm that owns two local B2 health food stores and has a weekly 3,000 plus member CSA.  Fishermuhle is also the production site for Wala Pharmaceutical and several other anthroposophical companies, inspired by Rudolph Steiner, including an organic beekeeping company associated with Melifera.  We will be treated with a wonderful biodynamic lunch provided by our Helixor friends from B2.

Helixor Heilmittel GmbH is an international company in the field of integrative oncology with a mission of improving the quality of life of cancer patients. Their focus is on manufacturing and distributing remedies from mistletoe (Viscum album) and Christmas rose (Helleborus niger).

Helixor, founded 40 years ago  currently has 100 employees,  and is owned by the non-profit foundation HELIXOR. Any earnings not re-invested in the company flow into this foundation.

The company’s headquarter is in Rosenfeld, south of Stuttgart. All of their activities take place here: harvesting and processing the medicinal plants, research, marketing and distribution. Helixor is active internationally with affiliates in Canada, Brazil and, most recently, India.  Helixor works with distribution partners and customers in over 20 countries around the world.

Our visit to Heidelberg Castle is always a highlight where we have arranged a private tour of the oldest German Pharmacy Museum, including exhibits of Samuel Hahnemann’s personal collection. Afterwards you can enjoy a stroll through one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, which inspired the poets and artists of romanticism. You may also decide to visit the world’s largest wine barrel housed in the castle or simply have lunch or visit the local market and watch the activities around the picturesque river Neckar near the town square.

Always rated high on evaluations is Bad Soberheim at the Bollants Spa,  (www.bollants.de) home of the Felke cure and close to Hevert Pharmaceutical. We will be instructed personally by their medical staff during our stay. The Felke cure, an active, holistic therapy for joint pain, obesity and high blood pressure is used successfully to treat patients at three health and wellness centers. Based on the four Felke elements of air, light, water and loam (‘healing earth’), it is combined with physical exercise and a whole-food diet rich in vital nutrients, or therapeutic fasting, to create an effective therapy. The treatments feature Bad Sobernheim’s curative loam in the form of loam packs, loam baths and Rasul baths, which aim to detox, purify and restore balance to the body.  For sure it will be a parasympathetic experience and an ideal place as we conclude our EuroMed tour.

Pastor Felke’s life story can be traced at the Priorhof local history museum.  We will have a tour to learn how cures were administered over 100 years ago in the original Felke hut. In 1992 Germany’s first barefoot trail – a 3,500 meter circuit – was laid out in line with Felke’s ideas…here you will have an opportunity to experience earthing bliss firsthand, actually with our feet as we navigate the path!  Of course we have learned to plan some extra time to simply stroll and shop for souvenirs and useful clinic items from warming socks to hayflower packs.

Benefit to you:  You will gain a rich experience in European medicine and our shared healing roots while networking with leading European health experts.   You will learn by experience in using many healing therapies.  The tour experience will be life changing and hopefully inspire you with a myriad of ways to use these therapies personally and/or clinically. Of course there will also be many opportunities to network with people throughout the trip who share a passion for natural medicine.  You may develop lifelong friendships. Additionally, there will be opportunities to tour parts of the cities we visit. You may want to plan to arrive early and stay a few days later by incorporating a pre- or post-tour experience. We can help you arrange it; 95% of the tour is planned but we are leaving open enough flexibility to take advantage of some yet to be determined cultural experiences and educational programs. Additionally you will have many opportunities to have some quiet alone time during the tour. The tour incorporates the rich traditions of natural medicine with the cutting edge technology that has evolved with European Biological Medicine. 

Make this relaxing tour your treat!  You work hard and deserve an experience where you can learn, heal and relax.   The unique EuroMed program can provide you an experience many have never envisioned possible.   Join us for EuroMed Fall 2023!

Important Trip Details

When:  September 3-10! It is important you leave early enough the previous day so you will arrive in time to join us by our 3 pm check in.  Of course, you can come a few hours or days earlier. Typically flights leave on one day and arrive the next morning or afternoon if your flight originates in North America.  Other flights could be longer or shorter depending on departure time and continent origination.

Where:   The  tour starts in  Bad Worishofen which is approximately 1 hour from Munich airport via an easy train ride.  You will need to provide your own transportation to Bad Worishofen. We can provide you with links to the many trains leaving the airport with step by step instructions.  We will help make it as seamless as possible with specific directions for the train to catch from the airport to Bad Worishofen.

Who should attend:  We plan on having a variety of people attending from around the world, including university professors and students of naturopathic, allopathic, osteopathic, chiropractic and Chinese medicine along with a variety of medical professionals and teaching backgrounds (ND, MD, DO, DOM, DMV, LAcup. DC, PT, NP, LMT, Nurses, Midwives, etc.) who are looking for an adventurous experience using natural medicine firsthand in a safe and supportive group setting.  We may also have a few special guests attend who are interested in health and what EuroMed has to offer.  Come alone or bring a fellow student, colleague or friend! Family members, friends and other professions may attend with special permission as long as they agree to all EuroMed policies. 

Students interested in a prequel to the start of their education are encouraged to attend EuroMed.  Participants will also have an opportunity to network with other health professionals who have created successful clinical practices, authored books, and used their EuroMed experience in marketing cutting edge therapeutics. Preceptor/mentor counseling and leadership skills will also be improved. We are again looking forward to having a diverse and international group to keep you company.  Our goal is that everyone feels welcome and comfortable regardless of educational, cultural, or social background.  The possibilities are unlimited for networking and meeting new friends.  Come and experience a great opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field. Alumni are always welcome to return.

Transportation:  Munich (MUN) and Frankfurt (FRA) airports are conveniently located near our starting and ending locations.Currently flights are fairly reasonable, so book your flight early and save.  Expedia, Priceline, Kayak, us.jetcost.com and skyscanner.com are all good search engines.  I recommend flying into Munich and out of Frankfurt for ease and convenience or roundtrip from either city. Of course, you may find other cities more convenient if you plan to come early or stay a few days later.  Trains are conveniently located throughout Germany  to transport you to and from either the Munich or Frankfurt airport if needed. A luxurious chartered bus or vans between locations will be our main mode of transportation during the tour.  American Airlines is currently the best airlines to fly with if you are using frequent flyer miles to fly. One way currently with the latter only requires 30,000 miles. Check with Dr. Chip before you book your flight and after you have made your deposit. We want to make sure you have all the needed information before booking.  We are more than willing to share creative travel tips.

What is covered: 8 days with 7 nights lodging, most meals, instruction, tours, many therapies, and transportation between locations.  Prices are based on double occupancy. Having a single room is possible if you purchase the optional single room supplement.

What is not covered: You will be responsible for your own transportation to and from our European starting and ending locations, continuing education (CE) registration, spending money for extra therapies or souvenirs, any meals and beverages on your own, trip insurance and overseas health insurance if you choose to purchase it, cost for a single room supplement if available and if you are interested any pre- or post-tour options.  Please email Dr. Chip if you have any questions about single room costs as availability is limited.

Cost:  $2999.00 due in three installments.

Deposit:  A Non-refundable $1000 deposit is due June 10th or as soon as possible and another Non-refundable $1000 deposit is due July 10th for a total non refundable deposit of $2000.  All cashier’s checks should be made out to EuroMed LLC.   Deposits will be accepted starting May 15th, 2023.  Making your deposit is the only way to secure your spot.  It is noteworthy past trips have filled up quickly.  If you know someone who wants to attend, please forward this information to them as soon as possible so they don’t miss out.  Please contact Dr. Chip prior to booking any flights. If you want to attend, let us know how we can assist you.  We can help you be creative and make it happen!

Refunds:  Due to the nature of an overseas trip and commitments being made to secure and guarantee the best accommodations, instruction and overall experience, NO REFUNDS For THE TWO DEPOSITS WILL BE GIVEN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  

Remaining Payments:  The final installment of $999 is due by August 15th, 2023. Please email Dr. Chip if you have any questions about payments and flexibility if needed. Early prepayments are appreciated but not required.  Start budgeting so you can make this trip a reality.  Previously, some EuroMed participants received scholarships from their school, clinics, family or close friends.  A nominal fee will be charged if you wish to pay with a credit card, otherwise we only accept money orders or cashier’s check for payment.  Zelle Quick Pay has no fees and is also an option and encouraged.

Scholarships:   We have a limited amount of scholarships available this year thanks to donors who believe this trip to be a valuable experience outside of the traditional setting.  In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must first make a commitment to attend EuroMed Fall 2023.  Once you apply, you will be notified within one week of any scholarship award. You will need to make your initial deposit within 2 days or the scholarship will be cancelled and given to the next person who qualifies.  Participants requesting any financial assistance will be asked to submit a half page or less paper describing how a EuroMed Fall 2023 scholarship would benefit them personally and/or professionally. Any financial assistance will be held as confidential between EuroMed and the awardee and not shared within the group. Consider seeking financial assistance through fundraising or through your employer, school, clinic, club or other organization.  If you know any organization or person who would like to sponsor additional scholarships, please contact Dr. Chip.

Itinerary:  Most destination points on the itinerary are set and only subject to change if a conflict of scheduling takes place.  A few travel opportunities are still being developed but not guaranteed at the time of this writing. 

Preparation and Communication:  The EuroMed Trip Coordinator realizes the nature and stress of planning and attending an overseas trip can be overwhelming.  Every attempt will be made to prepare you primarily through email communication.  Simply put, we don’t want you to stress about the details.  You will be given a complete trip preparation packet and daily schedule with all the activities, locations, contact information, things to consider list, things to bring list, lodging and meal information along with some useful German words, etc…you just need to show up and we will take care of the rest. 

Certificate:  You will receive an attractive EuroMed 2023 Participant Certificate to frame and hang on your wall. Due to the nature and quality of the instruction you may qualify for continuing education (CE) hours. A Continuing Education Certificate of Attendance can be submitted to your licensing board and available to those who sign up for CE.  There will be a nominal registration fee if you choose to take advantage of the 15-26.5 CE hours previously approved by the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine (OBNM).   

Trip Coordinator:  Dr. Chip Halverson, ND has traveled to Germany many times among many other European countries and has developed personal contacts at all the EuroMed locations you will visit.  Dr. Chip is passionate about creating a quality EuroMed tour you will surely enjoy.  In addition to leading EuroMed tours, Dr. Chip has extensive experience traveling and coordinating educational tours, retreats, workshops and conferences in the United States, Canada and Europe.   His interest in experiential and educational travel was initially sparked while participating in the educational program Up With People while touring Europe and later during visits to Russia during his former career as a teacher. Dr. Chip enjoys creating itineraries that offer a unique and fun travel experience. He is excited to offer the EuroMed  Fall 2023 Tour for people interested in a deeper connection while exploring natural medicine outside of the traditional setting.  He currently operates two clinics in Oregon and Montana.

Visit EuroMed Website:  https://euromed-101743.square.site

Dr. Chip’s EuroMed Email:  drchipeuromed@gmail.com

Get on the interest list for future EuroMed tours :  email at drchipeuromed@gmail.com so you don’t miss future tour information and updates.  

What EuroMed Alumni Have Said About Their Experience

“I loved the learning, inspiration, the camaraderie and the treatments.  It was one of the best trips I have ever taken” 

“Trekking through Europe visiting wellness centers was the trip of a lifetime!”

“If I live to be a 110 and forget everything else, I will still remember this experience.”

“I felt present the entire trip.  This trip offered the opportunities to disconnect from daily stressors, to experience the medicine on the grounds of its roots, to connect with others in the field, and to experience achievable parasympathetic activation.  As a student, the time of my inspiration was fueled and I cherish the moments on bus rides and during dinners to chat with doctors who are currently practicing.”

“This experience exceeded any expectation I had.  A life changing experience on so many levels, personal, educational and spiritual.”

“From the moment I first heard Dr. Chip speak about his upcoming EuroMed trip, I knew that I needed to figure out a way to attend. The promise of a hands-on adventure through Germany experiencing the historical roots of natural medicine in America while indulging in the highlights of present day German natural medicine sounded like a once in a lifetime experience.”

 “I felt so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by intelligent, compassionate, and intelligent physicians and professionals who had the same passion for natural medicine as I do. It was inspiring to see how much potential exists in the world of healthcare, which gives me hope for the future. I identified so strongly with the concepts that we were immersing ourselves in.”

“At times, the trip seemed unbelievably luxurious, and I couldn’t believe that I was just a lowly medical student and not a member of royalty. The food at the second medical spa that we visited, Bollants Spa Im Park which promotes the healing philosophy of Felke, was like something out of a dream.”

“The trip truly was one of those life moments where everything aligns, the clouds open up, the sun comes out, and you realize that this is exactly what I want to do with my life. Overall, it was an amazing adventure with memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.” 

“One of my favorite experiences was the barefoot walking path in the city park. The path had themed sections with instructional signs in German that were adorned with the cutest cartoon feet that I have ever seen. The path took us over rocks, bark, and grass, through a mud pit and a creek, even detoured though several gardens.”

“The most emotional stop for me came when we toured the Filderklinik, an anthroposophical hospital in Filderstadt. The hospital was beautiful. The walls were painted warm comforting colors and they had beautiful art on the walls. The sunny, welcoming lobby had a pool of water, trees, and a glass ceiling. We toured the oncology portion of the hospital where we learned about the use of Mistletoe injections and hyperthermia in the treatment of cancer. I was touched by the doctor’s clear dedication to his patients.”

“It has been over a month since I have returned from Germany and there hasn’t been a single day where I haven’t thought about how life changing it was for me. As a student doctor of naturopathic medicine, it was incredible to see the practices I’m learning in school engrained in an entire culture. I cried the morning I had to leave Germany, but I am so grateful for the huge shift in perspective it gave me. I hit the ground running back at school with more passion than ever before. The connections, experiences, lessons, and networking that happened for me on this trip were invaluable to me not only as a future doctor but also as a human.” 

Published August 12, 2023