What is mesology?
Mesology is an integrative approach to health care that combines regular medical knowledge with complementary methods such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy and orthomolecular nutrition. A mesologist looks for the underlying causes of chronic complaints, not only the symptoms, and creates a personal plan based on nutrition, lifestyle and natural supplements.
Mesology was developed in the Netherlands and is practised by graduates of the Academy for Mesology. It does not replace your GP or specialist. It works alongside regular care, and a mesologist refers you to a doctor when medical treatment is needed.
The name comes from the Greek word mesos, meaning “middle”. Mesology stands between regular and complementary medicine, and uses what both have to offer.
Where mesology comes from
The concept of mesology was developed from 1989 by Robert Muts. Its roots go back to a course in “progressive medicine” that started in 1984 and combined electro-acupuncture, acupuncture, homeopathy and nutritional science. In 1991 the Academy for Mesology opened its first professional programme.
Today, becoming a mesologist takes a four-year professional programme at the Academy for Mesology, followed by ongoing continuing education.
The six disciplines mesology combines
A mesologist is trained in six disciplines and uses them together to build one complete picture of your health.
- Regular Medicine
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and neurology forms the foundation. It helps the mesologist understand your medical history and test results, and recognise when you should see a doctor.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM looks at the flow of energy (Qi) through the body. Observing your pulse and tongue helps to see where your balance is disturbed.
- Homeopathy
Homeopathy uses highly diluted natural substances, intended to support the body’s own recovery.
- Electro-Physiological Diagnostics (EPD)
EPD measures the electrical resistance of the skin at acupuncture points on the hands and feet. A mesologist uses these measurements, together with your history and other observations, as one source of information about how your body’s systems are functioning. EPD is a complementary method. It does not replace a medical diagnosis or laboratory tests.
- Orthomolecular Nutrition
Orthomolecular nutrition looks at the balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids your body needs, and supports it with targeted nutrition and supplements.
- Ayurveda
Ayurveda describes each person’s constitution, the unique way body and personality are structured. Knowing your constitution helps to tailor nutrition and lifestyle advice to you.
Where mesology comes from
The concept of mesology was developed from 1989 by Robert Muts. Its roots go back to a course in “progressive medicine” that started in 1984 and combined electro-acupuncture, acupuncture, homeopathy and nutritional science. In 1991 the Academy for Mesology opened its first professional programme.
Today, becoming a mesologist takes a four-year professional programme at the Academy for Mesology, followed by yearly ongoing continuing education.
The six disciplines mesology combines
A mesologist is trained in six disciplines and uses them together to build one complete picture of your health.
- Regular Medicine
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and neurology forms the foundation. It helps the mesologist understand your medical history and test results, and recognise when you should see a doctor.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM looks at the flow of energy (Qi) through the body. Observing your pulse and tongue helps to see where your balance is disturbed.
- Homeopathy
Homeopathy uses highly diluted natural substances, intended to support the body’s own recovery.
- Electro-Physiological Diagnostics (EPD)
EPD measures the electrical resistance of the skin at acupuncture points on the hands and feet. A mesologist uses these measurements, together with your history and other observations, as one source of information about how your body’s systems are functioning. EPD is a complementary method. It does not replace a medical diagnosis or laboratory tests.
- Orthomolecular Nutrition
Orthomolecular nutrition looks at the balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids your body needs, and supports it with targeted nutrition and supplements.
- Ayurveda
Ayurveda describes each person’s constitution, the unique way body and personality are structured. Knowing your constitution helps to tailor nutrition and lifestyle advice to you.
What happens during a mesology consultation?
Intake consultation (90 minutes, €180)
Conversation: your complaints, medical history, medication, nutrition and lifestyle.
Assessment: pulse and tongue observation and an EPD measurement.
Personal plan: advice on nutrition, lifestyle and breathing, and natural supplements where useful. Possible interactions with your medication are checked.
Follow-up consultations (60 minutes, €150)
You review your progress together and adjust the plan. Most clients need around 3 to 4 consultations in total, depending on the complaint.
Keep taking any prescribed medication. Changes to medication are only made by, or together with, your doctor.
What happens during a mesology consultation?
Intake consultation (90 minutes, €180)
Conversation: your complaints, medical history, medication, nutrition and lifestyle.
Assessment: pulse and tongue observation and an EPD measurement on your hands and feet.
Personal plan: advice on nutrition, lifestyle and breathing, and natural supplements where useful. Possible interactions with your medication are checked.
Follow-up consultations (60 minutes, €150)
We review your progress together and adjust the plan. Most clients need around 3 to 4 consultations in total, depending on the complaint.
To help you stay well, I recommend coming back at least once a year for a preventative health check.
Please, always keep taking any prescribed medication. Changes to medication are only made by, or together with, your doctor.
What can mesology help with?
Mesology is mainly used for chronic and persistent complaints, especially when regular tests have not found a clear cause. At Mesology Amsterdam, Adriana focuses on:
Fertility: female fertility support, male fertility and support alongside IVF or IUI
Gut and digestion: bloating, irritable bowel complaints, stomach and bowel issues
Food intolerances: such as histamine intolerance, lactose or gluten
Hormonal balance: menstrual complaints and menopause
Energy and stress: fatigue, burnout and tension headaches
Persistent physical complaints: symptoms that continue without a clear medical explanation
Prevention: a preventive health check for people who feel well and want to stay that way
Mesology compared with regular and functional medicine
Regular medicine
Diagnosing and treating disease
Lab tests, imaging, medication, surgery
Medical degree, BIG-registered
First point of care for diagnosis and acute illness
Mesology
Underlying causes of chronic complaints, the whole person
Regular medical knowledge plus TCM, Ayurveda, homeopathy, orthomolecular nutrition and EPD
4 year Academy for Mesology programme, protected title
Complements regular care, refers when needed
Functional medicine
Underlying causes, the body’s biochemical systems
Lab tests, nutrition, supplements and lifestyle
Mostly international courses and certifications
Usually complements regular care
Is a mesologist qualified?
The title Mesologist (Mesologie®) is protected in the Netherlands. Only practitioners who completed the four year programme at the Academy for Mesology can register as mesologists, and they keep their registration through continuing education. Mesology regulates itself: it is not a BIG-registered profession like doctors or physiotherapists, but registered mesologists follow professional standards and a disciplinary procedure.
Adriana Guarin holds a four year degree from the Academy for Mesology and has practised since 2022. She is a member of the NVVM (Dutch Association for Mesology), VBAG and RBCZ. More about Adriana.
Cost and insurance
Intake consultation: €180 (90 minutes)
Follow-up consultation: €150 (60 minutes)
All rates are VAT-exempt. No referral is needed.
Basic health insurance does not cover mesology. Many supplementary insurances partly reimburse consultations, depending on your insurer and policy. You receive an invoice after each visit to submit to your insurer, and it does not affect your mandatory excess (eigen risico). See all prices.
Frequently asked ~
questions about mesology
Questions ~
Mesology combines methods with different levels of scientific evidence. The regular medical knowledge it builds on is evidence-based; several complementary methods, such as homeopathy and EPD, have limited scientific support. That is why a mesologist works alongside your GP and refers you for medical diagnosis and treatment when needed.
Yes. Mesology is designed to work alongside regular care, including IVF and IUI. Tell your doctor or clinic that you see a mesologist; your plan takes your medication and treatment into account.
Most clients need around 3 to 4 consultations: an intake followed by follow-ups. The exact number depends on your complaints and progress.
A list of your medication and supplements, recent test results if you have them, and a short note of your main complaints and when they started.
A mesologist is trained in regular medical knowledge as well as several complementary methods, in a four-year programme, and holds a protected title in the Netherlands. Training for naturopaths varies widely.
Ready to find the cause behind your complaints?
Book a 90-minute intake with Adriana in Amsterdam, in English, Spanish and Dutch.