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Hermann Keppler is the founder and principal of the College of Naturopathic Medicine, one of the UK’s leading training providers in natural therapies.

Hermann trained and worked as an engineer in Germany, until he decided he wanted to do something more meaningful with his life. An interest in natural medicine led him to train and qualify as a homeopath and he set up his practice more than 25 years ago, but he felt he had insufficient knowledge to help all his patients.

So, he used his appetite for learning to acquire additional skills, studying in Germany, Switzerland, Israel, Denmark and the US to gain specialist skills in nutrition, herbal medicine and acupuncture, alongside other therapies, diagnostic skills and clinic management.

As his reputation as a first class naturopath grew, (at this point he was writing articles about natural health and giving interviews on TV and radio), more patients flocked to his door and his practice expanded. “I couldn’t see all the patients who wanted to see me”, says Hermann, “so I decided to open a college which would teach all the naturopathic skills I felt were necessary to be an effective and successful practitioner.”

The College Of Naturopathic Medicine was born, and from first opening its doors to students in 1998, CNM has grown to be one of the UK’s largest training providers in a range of natural therapies.

There are now CNM colleges in Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, plus in Dublin, Cork and Galway in Ireland. Core operations are handled at the head office in East Grinstead, which Hermann chose as his UK base. Every year CNM trains hundreds of students in their chosen specialism, including nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy and naturopathy.

“Naturopathy is the basis of all our courses”, explains Hermann, whose passion for the subject is evident.

“Naturopathic medicine is holistic healthcare, using food and natural medicines to help the body achieve health. Naturopaths seek to find and deal with the underlying cause, rather than just the symptoms.

“The impact of lifestyle and diet on health is immense, as can be seen from the growth of some modern diseases.

I believe it is imperative to spread that message so people are empowered to help themselves, and so I feel privileged that so many students choose to learn their skills at CNM. In fact 2012 has been our best year ever, with more students enrolling than ever before.” What’s the key to CNM’s success?

“We offer students a range of study options including part-time learning to fit around work. Our courses are also renowned for their rigorous academic standards and are recognized internationally, so CNM graduates are highly respected.

“We place enormous emphasis on clinical experience. Each student spends at least 200 hours in clinic. The training is tough, but that’s because we train students to be the best. We equip them not only with the skills, but with the confidence they will need to practice. Some 80% of CNM graduates go on to practice, so the policy clearly works.”

Undaunted by new challenges, cultural differences or setbacks, Hermann has advanced plans to set up equivalent colleges in America, and to affiliate with other colleges around the globe.

Factfile

If you would like to find out more about training for a career in natural therapy or learn more about a CNM short course, visit www.naturopathy-uk.com or call 01324 410505.