Complementary and alternative care
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Information in your language about alternative
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and consists of inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin.
- Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient healing system from India that uses a range of techniques to treat illness and encourage wellbeing.
- Chinese herbal medicine
The principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine are very different from traditional Western notions about health, illness and the workings of the body.
- Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment can be clinically effective for many problems of the skeleton and muscles, such as back pain and headache.
- Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies aim to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease.
- Herbal medicine
Some herbs have potent ingredients and should be treated with the same care and respect as pharmaceutical drugs.
- Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that claims to stimulate and strengthen the body?s ability to heal itself.
- Kambo
The supply and use of Kambo was banned in Australia on 1 October 2021.
- Kinesiology
Kinesiology uses muscle monitoring to look at imbalances that may be causing disease in the body.
- Menopause management
Menopause is when you have your final period. There are different ways to manage menopausal symptoms, depending on their severity.
- Naturopathy
Naturopathy uses a range of treatments to stimulate your body's own healing powers.
- Osteopathy
Osteopathy recognises the importance of the musculoskeletal system to a person?s health and wellbeing.
- Reflexology
Reflexology is massage of the feet that aims to promote healing in other areas of the body.
- Reiki
Reiki is a natural form of therapy that uses non-invasive gentle touch to promote feelings of wellbeing.
- Alexander technique
The Alexander technique stresses that movement should be economical and needs only the minimum amount of energy and effort.
- Bowen therapy
Bowen is a holistic remedial body technique that works on the soft connective tissue (fascia) of the body. Bowen therapy can be used to treat musculoskeletal or related neurological problems including acute sports injuries and chronic or organic conditions. It is gentle and relaxing and does not use forceful manipulation.
- Massage
One of the immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm.
- Myotherapy
Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy used to treat or prevent soft tissue pain and restricted joint movement.
- Pilates - health benefits
Pilates is a safe and effective method of rehabilitation and exercise that focuses on muscular balance, improves strength and flexibility.
- Yoga - health benefits
The health benefits of regular yoga practice may include lowering blood pressure, improved posture and circulation, and a sense of wellbeing.
- Aromatherapy
The different smells and chemical constituents of aromatherapy oils can produce different emotional and physiological reactions.
- Chinese herbal medicine
The principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine are very different from traditional Western notions about health, illness and the workings of the body.
- Complementary medicines - tell your healthcare professionals
Tell your healthcare professionals about all medicines you take, including complementary medicines.
- Complementary medicines - the risks of buying online
Using products bought from online sites can be risky. Watch out for scams or quackery and don't self-diagnose or self-medicate. Always seek advice from your doctor.
- Kambo
The supply and use of Kambo was banned in Australia on 1 October 2021.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements - what to know
Vitamin and mineral supplements are frequently misused and taken without professional advice. Find out more about vitamin and mineral supplements and where to get advice.
- Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are organic compounds that are required in very small amounts, for a variety of metabolic processes.
- Complementary medicines - tell your healthcare professionals
Tell your healthcare professionals about all medicines you take, including complementary medicines.
- Complementary medicines - the risks of buying online
Using products bought from online sites can be risky. Watch out for scams or quackery and don't self-diagnose or self-medicate. Always seek advice from your doctor.
- Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies aim to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease.
- Complementary therapies - choosing a practitioner
When choosing a complementary therapist, think about your goals and ask your medical doctor for a recommendation.
- Complementary therapies - safety and legal issues
Complementary therapies are not always safer than conventional medical treatments, even if they seem more 'natural'.
- Medicines and side effects
Complementary medicines can interact with pharmaceutical medicines.
- Seeing a complementary health practitioner
It is important that you tell your doctor about any complementary medicine products and therapies you are using.
Reviewed on: 23-02-2022