TEM Forum 2025

A European network for TEM

Through lectures, group work, practice-oriented impulses and cultural contributions, a dynamic network was strengthened that promotes the recognition and dissemination of TEM in Europe. The term “TEM” serves as a unifying term for regional forms, such as TEMM (Traditional European and Mediterranean Medicine) or MTM (Traditional Mediterranean Medicine) in the Mediterranean region.

In their opening speech, the presidency – Louis Hutter (CH), Christina Thum (CH) and Milena Simeoni (IT) – emphasized the social importance of TEM. In Switzerland, TEM has been anchored in the healthcare system for over a decade as a specialization in naturopathy. The aim now is to establish this form of knowledge throughout Europe as an accessible, systemic model of health promotion.

Impulses for health and culture
The Italian edition of the forum was characterized by a special sensuality and closeness to nature. Impressive moments were:
– Guided tours of the ecovillage along Galen’s “Sex res non naturales”
– The welcoming ritual “Symphony of the Elements”
– The vocal harmonization with the joint singing of Virgil’s “Omnia vincit amor”
The connection to nature, the conscious diet and the communal experience created an atmosphere of depth and connection.

Strategic orientation and new impetus
Key topics of the forum were:
– The desired recognition of TEM by the WHO
– The registration of selected TEM practices as intangible UNESCO cultural heritage

Dr. Sangyoung Ahn expressed his openness to cooperation for official recognition of the TEM. Maria Walcher (former head of the Austrian UNESCO Commission) presented examples such as the Finnish sauna as a protected tradition, and the three working groups “WHO”, “UNESCO” and “Social Media*, which have been in existence since the second forum, met again to further develop strategies. A new group was formed to develop “DataSALUS” – an open platform for documenting TEM-based interventions. This initiative, led by Milena Simeoni and supported by Dr. Alessandro Battaggia (medical statistics), aims to network specialists and provide the public with transparent information.

Cultural and culinary highlights
The exhibition “From the care of the earth to the health of body and soul” presented medieval depictions from the Tacuinum Sanitatis and illustrated the holistic view of health. A special concert experience was offered by “Il canto dell’animal” with the ensemble InUnum under the direction of Elena Modena and Ilario Gregoletto. Music, spirituality and history were combined in an atmospheric evening.

Cuisine was also part of the holistic concept: the LUMEN school for natural cuisine served plant-based, organic dishes inspired by the Mediterranean diet.

A forum with impact
Participants were given access to a 15-hour online training course on TEM. The modules, which can be accessed flexibly, enable in-depth discussion and integration of TEM content into practice – a sustainable contribution to professional development.

The event ended with a joint farewell dinner – but the movement continues. In schools, regions, professional circles – and at upcoming meetings, such as the one with Health Minister Schillaci on June 12, 2025 – a strong signal: June was declared “TEM Month” by acclamation. Organizations across Europe are invited to hold events open to the public to raise the profile of TEM.

Outlook
The next TEM Forum will take place in Prague from June 19 to 21, 2026. There, Europe-wide networking will be further promoted – for a broad recognition of Traditional European Medicine as a living cultural heritage in the service of health.

Many thanks to all the contributors who made this inspiring event possible.