Browse our available alternative therapy providers that offer in-person and/or on-line services.
People ask whether complementary therapy is "safe" or "legitimate". In Australia the answerable version of that question is: who is accountable, and for what.
Acupuncturists and Chinese herbal medicine practitioners are registered with AHPRA, with a public register and a national complaints body. Naturopaths, remedial massage therapists and nutritionists are not: their associations set the standards.
Neither arrangement tells you whether an individual is good. Both tell you what happens if something goes wrong.
Complementary medicines sold in Australia are listed with the TGA, and listed is not the same as approved. For most listed products the TGA checks the ingredients are permitted and the manufacturing meets standards. It does not verify that the product does what the label claims.
That is the single most misunderstood thing in this field, and it is worth knowing before you spend money on anything.
An AUST L number on a bottle is a manufacturing and ingredient assurance. It is not evidence of effect. An AUST R number is a higher bar and far less common on these shelves.
What are you registered for, and with whom. What will this not help with. How will we know in six weeks whether it is working. When would you tell me to stop. Would you refer me back to my GP, and for what.
Any promise about the outcome. Being discouraged from telling your doctor. A large package paid up front before anybody has assessed you.
