Some of the more common therapies are explained here, with links to further information and organisations:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific sites in the body and may help a wide range of disorders. The following site has more information:
Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association
Phone: (07) 3846 5866 or national practitioner referral Freecall: 1300 725 335
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses natural essential oils to affect a person's mood or health. The following site has more information.
Australian Aromatic Medicine Association
Phone: 0500 800 579
Information about natural health care techniques and practices based on essential oils, and finding a therapist.
Chiropractics
Chirporactors work on spinal health. The following site has more information:
The Chiropractors’ Association of Australia
Freecall: 1800 075 003
Homoeopathy
Homoeopathic medicine mimics or provokes the symptoms of a patient's disease to strengthen the body's ability to heal itself. The following sites have more information.
Australian Association of Professional Homeopaths
Australian Homoeopathic Association
Phone: (03) 5979 1558
This site promotes homoeopathy in Australia and lists registered practitioners.
Meditation
Meditation is a self-help tool for promoting good health and managing stress.
Music therapy
Music therapy uses music to stimulate positive changes in four areas of human functioning. The following site has more information.
Australian Music Therapists Association
Naturopathy
Naturopathy uses a number of methods to promote the balancing of the body so that illness is less likely to occur in the future. The following site has more information.
Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association
Osteopathy
Osteopathy uses manipulation of the body to treat a wide range of symptoms and illnesses. The following site has more information.
Australian Osteopathic Association
Phone: 1800 467 836
Pet therapy
In pet therapy, trained animals and their handlers are used to improve the wellbeing of people requiring care.
Reflexology
Reflexology applies pressure on various points on the feet, hands and ears to help address stress, anxiety, and tension. The following site has more information.
The Reflexology Association of Australia
Phone: (07) 3396 9001 or Reflexology Hotline: 0500 502 250
The site has information on reflexology and finding a registered practitioner. The hotline links to a representative or practitioner in each state and territory.
Therapeutic massage
Therapeutic massage involves deep or light pressure being applied to the muscles and other soft tissues.
Choosing a therapist
It is important to choose a qualified complementary therapy practitioner. Many therapies have regulatory bodies that will help you to find a therapist. Some palliative care services may have contacts for complementary services.
The UK website Macmillan Cancer Support provides some helpful tips on choosing a therapist. The Australian Natural Therapists Association has information on natural therapies and finding a registered practitioner.
Related CareSearch Pages
Complementary therapies
This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011
Last updated 11 August 2011