Complementary health services directory

Complementary health services are used by an increasing number of consumers in Australia. In 2000, around $2.3 billion was spent on complementary therapies. Recognising the popularity and preventive nature of complementary health services, most private health insurance funds now offer cover for the cost of complementary therapies.

The term complementary health care covers a wide range of modalities such as acupuncture, Alexander technique, aroma therapy, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, hypnotherapy, naturopathy, massage and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Most Australian complementary health service professionals operate from private practice, either as a solo practitioner or as part of a group practice. Some general practitioners also incorporate complementary health care into their service range and practice integrative medicine that combines conventional medicine with complementary health care.

The provision of complementary medicines is regulated through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and its Office of Complementary Medicine. Complementary health practitioners are regulated by the state or territory they practice in.

To peruse the professional standards or code of ethics applicable to practitioners in this field, visit the relevant professional association's website (most of them are linked from their listings in the Health industry resources > Associations directory).

Complementary health practitioners and services

An introduction and guide to getting started - by Dr Ian Gawler, OAM, BVSc, MCouns&HS

Integrated medicine has a broad view. It is interested in how our body is affected by our environmental and our emotional and mental state. It is concerned with matters of the heart and spirit, knowing that issues that affect our sense of purpose and meaning in life, can affect our health dramatically. More...