A fundamental question for complementary medicine: Are there other forces in the natural world besides the physical forces?

BackgroundThe integration of conventional and complementary medicine reflects the pluralism in science. Still, a critical issue is the conception of the natural world. Many complementary therapy systems seem to contradict the reductionistatomistic paradigm that all of natural reality is essentially based on the physical interactions of atoms and molecules. Thus, a fundamental question about the natural world is: Do other than the physical forces exist?SummaryThe assumption that no other than physical forces exist and work in the natural world is not tenable. For example, the formation and maintenance of the functional Gestalt of organisms cannot possibly be explained by molecular processes (e.g. from DNA to RNA and further to amino acids and proteins). The processes on each structural level - from molecules, organelles, cells, organs up to the whole organism - are regulated in regard to the formation of the next higher-level. Specific Gestalt-forming forces exist and can be systematically investigated. Their existence implies an extended conception of matter. The Gestalt-forming forces and the extended concept of matter may be relevant for the scientific assessment of complementary therapies.Key Messages center dot In the natural world, specific Gestalt-forming forces exist in addition to the physical forces, and can be systematically investigated.center dot The existence of these forces implies an extended conception of matter.center dot These forces and this extended concept of matter may be relevant for the scientific assessment of complementary therapies, for example homeopathy.