Australia – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What types of complementary and alternative medicine are available in Australia?

Complementary medicine encompasses a broad spectrum of healthcare treatments and approaches that go beyond the use of conventional pharmaceuticals alone. Australia’s CAM sector is exceptionally well established, offering therapies rooted in centuries-old traditions alongside contemporary wellness practices — accessible in metropolitan areas, suburban communities, and many regional centres alike.

Among the most widely practised treatments are acupuncture, aromatherapy, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, yoga, meditation, and massage therapy. Naturopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, reflexology, kinesiology, and myotherapy also each have sizeable practitioner communities operating throughout the country.

Acupuncture first arrived in Australia as a component of Chinese medicine during the gold rush era of the 1880s. Today it is a widely used therapy, delivered not only by registered Chinese medicine practitioners but also by other health professionals — including medical doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, midwives, chiropractors, and naturopathic and osteopathic practitioners.

The category of “complementary medicines” in the Australian context also encompasses traditional medicine systems, among them traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Australian Indigenous medicine, and Western herbal medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a particularly strong foothold in Australia, reflecting both its long historical presence and the cultural heritage of large Chinese-descent communities concentrated in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Approximately one in ten Australians has received acupuncture treatment in any given 12-month period, and more than 80% of general medicine practitioners refer patients to acupuncturists at least once a year. This high level of both public uptake and conventional medical acceptance sets Australia apart from many countries where GP referrals to acupuncturists remain rare.

The regulatory definition of complementary medicines in Australia extends to herbal medicines, minerals, nutritional and dietary supplements, aromatherapy oils, and homeopathic preparations, all of which fall under therapeutic goods legislation. Homeopathy, while obtainable across Australia, has attracted more scrutiny than in countries such as Germany and France — where it has traditionally enjoyed mainstream status — following evidence reviews that found the scientific basis for its efficacy to be inadequate.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in Australia?

Australia’s approach to regulating CAM operates on two distinct fronts: the products people consume — herbal preparations, supplements, homeopathic formulations — are governed federally by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), while practitioners operate under a more fragmented system in which certain professions hold nationally registered status and others function largely through industry self-regulation.

Complementary medicines are subject to the same overarching legislation as conventional pharmaceutical products, with the shared objective of ensuring that only safe, quality, and — where required — efficacious medicines reach the Australian market. This legislative framework is the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, administered by the TGA. Under this framework, complementary medicines are classified as either registered (R), listed (L), or assessed listed (L(A)) according to the level of associated risk, and must be entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

Under Australian law, all complementary medicines are assessed for the safety and quality of their ingredients, though efficacy assessment is not automatically required. Only those complementary medicines considered “high risk” undergo a full evaluation of effectiveness. Registered complementary medicines have passed a comprehensive TGA pre-market evaluation covering safety, quality, and efficacy before reaching consumers. The TGA’s regulatory guidelines and the ARTG are publicly accessible at www.tga.gov.au.

On the practitioner side, the situation is considerably more varied. Every Chinese medicine practitioner working in Australia must hold registration with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, satisfying the Board’s registration standards and requirements. In the Australian context, Chinese medicine encompasses acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Chinese herbal dispensing. This registration framework is administered through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia.

The titles “acupuncturist,” “Chinese herbal dispenser,” “Chinese herbal medicine practitioner,” “Oriental medicine practitioner,” and “Chinese medicine practitioner” are all legally protected. Chiropractic and osteopathy are likewise nationally registered professions under Ahpra. Among CAM and allied health disciplines, the sole protected practice — as distinct from a protected title — is cervical manipulation, which may only be performed by registered chiropractors, osteopathic practitioners, or physiotherapists.

State governments retain a role in regulating complementary therapists in certain respects, and the applicable rules vary between jurisdictions. For professions outside the national registration scheme — including naturopathy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, kinesiology, reflexology, and numerous others — the industry is broadly self-regulating. This approach parallels the voluntary self-regulation model historically applied to many CAM therapies in the United States, and contrasts with the UK’s statutory regulation of osteopathy and chiropractic under dedicated professional councils. Anyone seeking clarity on current requirements should consult Ahpra or the relevant state health authority directly, as the regulatory landscape is subject to change.

Is CAM covered by health insurance or the public healthcare system in Australia?

For those relocating to Australia, understanding how CAM fits within the country’s health financing arrangements is essential. Australia’s publicly funded universal healthcare scheme, Medicare, does not routinely fund CAM services. Acupuncture, for instance, which sits within the scope of traditional Chinese medicine, is not covered by Medicare. An exception arises when a GP who holds dual qualifications as an acupuncturist delivers acupuncture as part of a comprehensive treatment plan — in that scenario Medicare may contribute — but this remains the exception rather than standard practice.

The primary avenue for CAM coverage is private health insurance, specifically through “extras” or “ancillary” policies. Extras cover can extend to treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and remedial massage, though the specifics depend on the individual policy. Aromatherapy, reflexology, and homeopathy are excluded from coverage on the basis that available evidence is insufficient to establish their effectiveness; a review published in March 2025 confirmed this position, and insurers are accordingly prohibited from offering benefits for these services.

This exclusion list is narrower than that established by a 2015 review, which additionally excluded yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and shiatsu. These therapies are currently under reconsideration for reinstatement as insurable services, so coverage rules may evolve. It is always advisable to check directly with your insurer for the most current information, as government policy in this area is periodically reviewed and updated.

Extras policies typically impose an annual benefit limit for CAM services, often as a pooled limit shared with other “natural therapies” and sometimes combined with allied health services such as physiotherapy or chiropractic. A standard waiting period of two months applies to all “natural therapies” extras — acupuncture included. You can compare extras policies using the Australian Government’s official tool at www.privatehealth.gov.au. Confirm current benefit levels and applicable waiting periods with your insurer before proceeding with any treatment.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in Australia?

CAM in Australia is predominantly paid for out of pocket, and the cost landscape varies considerably by therapy type, practitioner experience, and location — clinics in Sydney or Melbourne generally command higher fees than those in regional settings.

For acupuncture, initial consultations typically range from AUD $80 to $150, which represents fairly standard pricing as of 2024. Subsequent follow-up visits are generally less expensive, usually falling between AUD $30 and $100 depending on the nature of the condition being treated, the practitioner’s level of expertise, and the clinic’s geographic location.

Acupuncture appointments tend to incorporate diagnostic and assessment costs within the overall fee, though additional expenses may arise if herbal supplements or other remedies are recommended. For other therapies, chiropractic and osteopathy consultations are broadly similar in cost to acupuncture, while a one-hour remedial massage session typically falls in the AUD $70–$120 range as of 2024. Initial naturopathy consultations, which are commonly longer in duration, can cost anywhere from AUD $100 to $200 or more.

All figures quoted are indicative as of 2024; actual costs fluctuate with inflation, regional demand, and practitioner specialisation. For current fee information, contact practitioners directly or refer to the websites of leading professional bodies such as the National Herbalists Association of Australia, Chiropractic Australia, or the Osteopathy Australia association.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in Australia?

Where a therapy falls under national registration, checking a practitioner’s credentials is a straightforward process. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) operates in partnership with the National Boards to ensure that Australia’s registered health practitioners possess appropriate training, qualifications, and fitness to practise. The Ahpra public register, searchable at www.ahpra.gov.au, allows anyone to confirm whether a Chinese medicine practitioner, chiropractor, or osteopath is currently registered and in good standing.

The step-by-step process for finding and verifying a qualified CAM practitioner in Australia is as follows:

1. Identify the therapy and its regulatory status. Establish whether the therapy you are seeking — such as acupuncture, chiropractic, or osteopathy — is nationally registered under Ahpra. If it is, the practitioner is required to appear on the Ahpra public register.
2. Search the Ahpra public register. Go to www.ahpra.gov.au and search by practitioner name or profession to confirm current registration status, scope of practice division, and whether any conditions or disciplinary actions are recorded against the practitioner.
3. For unregistered therapies, check the relevant professional association. Organisations such as the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS), the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), and the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) maintain practitioner directories and set membership criteria, including minimum training standards.
4. Ask about qualifications and training. There is no legal requirement for unregistered CAM practitioners to hold any specific qualification. Always enquire about formal education credentials, professional association membership, ongoing professional development, and whether the practitioner holds professional indemnity insurance.
5. Ask your GP for a referral or recommendation. Surveys indicate that nearly 85% of GPs regard acupuncture as both effective and safe for use in primary care, with referral rates reaching 80% in some cities. Your GP may be well placed to suggest reputable practitioners in your local area.
6. Check insurance recognition. For a CAM service to attract private health insurance benefits, your practitioner must hold membership with a recognised Australian peak or professional body and comply with applicable state and territory registration requirements. Verify this before attending your first appointment.

Consumer protection is an important consideration. Because unregistered complementary therapists are not subject to mandatory licensing, there is no legal guarantee of qualification, training, or experience. Warning signs include practitioners claiming to cure serious diseases, discouraging patients from seeking conventional medical advice, requesting large upfront payments, or being unable to provide evidence of professional membership or formal qualifications. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces consumer protection legislation that prohibits misleading health-related claims.

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in Australia?

Australia is home to the world’s oldest unbroken cultures, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have preserved healing traditions stretching back tens of thousands of years before the arrival of Western medicine. These systems draw on the use of native plants for therapeutic purposes, spiritual healing practices, and a holistic conception of health that interweaves physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of wellbeing.

Within the Australian regulatory context, “complementary medicines” officially encompasses traditional medicine systems, including traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Australian Indigenous medicine, and Western herbal medicine. Notwithstanding this formal inclusion, the recognition of First Nations healing practices within the health system remains limited in practice. Unlike New Zealand, where the Māori traditional medicine framework known as Rongoā Māori has achieved a degree of formal integration within health services, Australia has not established a nationally standardised regulatory or accreditation structure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing practitioners.

In practice, many First Nations health services across Australia weave cultural and traditional healing approaches into biomedical care delivery. Community-controlled health organisations — including those affiliated with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) — regularly incorporate cultural healing, connection to Country, and traditional knowledge as integral elements of a holistic healthcare model that operates alongside conventional clinical services.

People newly arrived in Australia should approach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing traditions with genuine cultural respect. These are living traditions belonging to specific communities and peoples, and are not simply alternative therapy choices available to the general public. Expats wishing to learn more about Indigenous health approaches are encouraged to engage with community-controlled health services and to seek culturally informed information through NACCHO and its member organisations.

Bush medicine — the therapeutic use of native Australian plants — is attracting growing interest within the broader complementary medicine sector, and some plant species have been the subject of scientific investigation. However, knowledge of preparation and application is community-specific, and the commercial exploitation of Aboriginal plant knowledge raises significant cultural and intellectual property concerns that must be handled with care.

What should expats know about using CAM alongside conventional medicine in Australia?

Australia’s healthcare culture tends to be more receptive to discussion of CAM than many comparable systems. Multidisciplinary integrative clinics have become increasingly common in recent years, bringing together acupuncturists, medical doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopathic practitioners, and naturopathic professionals under one roof. This model of integrated care is especially prevalent in major urban centres.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) holds that all health treatments — whether conventional, traditional, or complementary — should be rigorously evaluated for evidence of effectiveness. The NHMRC publishes guidance on complementary medicine for clinicians and the public at www.nhmrc.gov.au.

A significant safety concern in integrative care is the potential for herb-drug interactions. Practitioners are encouraged to maintain awareness of all complementary medicines their patients are using. Adverse reactions to complementary medicines and interactions with conventional pharmaceutical treatments should be reported through the TGA’s adverse event reporting system, accessible at www.tga.gov.au. Particularly noted interactions include herbal agents with anticoagulant properties — such as ginkgo, garlic, or high-dose fish oil — taken concurrently with prescribed blood-thinning medications.

Research consistently shows that many Australians use complementary medicines without disclosing this to their treating clinicians — a practice that carries real safety risks. If you are moving to Australia and use any CAM products or consult CAM practitioners, make this known to your GP and any other conventional healthcare providers. The majority of Australian GPs are comfortable with this conversation, and sound integrative practice depends on clinicians having a complete picture of everything a patient is taking or doing to manage their health.

Products sold on overseas websites do not fall within TGA regulatory oversight. Consumers are advised against purchasing medicines — including dietary supplements and herbal preparations — from international online sources unless they can confirm the product’s contents and have verified the legal requirements governing its importation and use in Australia. This is especially pertinent for expats who are accustomed to ordering supplements from their home country, as Australian customs requirements and product safety standards may differ significantly from those they are familiar with.

Relying solely on complementary treatments may result in delays to diagnosis and evidence-based medical care — a serious risk for certain health conditions. CAM should be used as a complement to, not a substitute for, conventional treatment, particularly for serious, chronic, or undiagnosed conditions. When in doubt, speak with your GP before commencing any new CAM therapy.

Frequently asked questions about CAM in Australia

Is acupuncture legal in Australia?

Yes, acupuncture is completely lawful in Australia and ranks among the most established CAM therapies practised in the country. All Chinese medicine practitioners — acupuncturists included — are required to hold registration with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia; in Australia, the scope of Chinese medicine covers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Chinese herbal dispensing. Registration is administered through Ahpra, and practitioner status can be verified at www.ahpra.gov.au.

How do I check whether a CAM practitioner in Australia is properly qualified?

For nationally registered professions — Chinese medicine, chiropractic, and osteopathy — you can search the Ahpra public register at www.ahpra.gov.au to confirm that a practitioner is currently registered and that no disciplinary conditions are recorded. For unregistered therapies such as naturopathy or homeopathy, check whether the practitioner holds membership with a recognised professional body such as the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) or the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA), both of which require members to meet defined education and training standards.

Does Medicare cover any CAM treatments?

Acupuncture falls within the scope of traditional Chinese medicine and is not funded by Medicare unless the treating practitioner is also a registered GP. Chiropractic, osteopathy, herbal medicine, naturopathy, and other CAM therapies are similarly not covered by Medicare as standalone services. Some CAM treatments may be accessible through Medicare-funded chronic disease management plans on GP referral — consult the current Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) at www.mbsonline.gov.au for up-to-date information.

Which CAM therapies can be covered by private health insurance in Australia?

Private health insurance extras policies may fund treatments including acupuncture, chiropractic care, and remedial massage, subject to the specifics of your policy. Aromatherapy, reflexology, and homeopathy are currently excluded from coverage by government regulation due to insufficient evidence of their effectiveness. Osteopathy and Chinese herbal medicine may also be covered under certain policies. Always confirm the details with your insurer before commencing any treatment, as coverage conditions are subject to ongoing government review.

Are there integrative medicine clinics in Australia?

Yes. Multidisciplinary integrative clinics have become increasingly common across Australia in recent years, with acupuncturists, medical doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopathic practitioners, and naturopathic professionals often working together under a shared care model. These clinics are most densely concentrated in major cities, though they are becoming more prevalent in larger regional centres. Your GP may be able to refer you to an appropriate integrated service.

Is homeopathy widely available in Australia?

Homeopathy is available in Australia, with practitioners accessible through bodies such as the Australian Homeopathic Association (www.homeopathyaustralia.org.au). It occupies a more peripheral position in the Australian healthcare landscape than in some European countries, however. Successive Australian Government Natural Therapies Reviews have found insufficient evidence to support homeopathy’s clinical efficacy, and private health insurers are prohibited by regulation from providing extras cover for homeopathic treatments. Homeopathic products continue to be sold through pharmacies and health food retailers, and must be listed on the ARTG.

Is it safe to bring my own herbal supplements or CAM products into Australia?

Products sourced from overseas websites are not subject to TGA regulation. Australians are advised against importing medicines or supplements — including herbal preparations and dietary supplements — unless they are certain of the product’s composition and have checked the Australian importation requirements and biosecurity rules that apply. Always consult the TGA website and Australian Border Force guidance before attempting to bring any health products into the country.

How do Australian GPs generally view CAM?

Australian GPs are, on the whole, more open to CAM than their counterparts in many other countries. Survey data indicate that nearly 85% of GPs consider acupuncture to be both effective and safe in a primary care context, with referral rates as high as 80% reported in some cities. Attitudes toward other therapies vary more widely, with most GPs supportive of evidence-based CAM used as a complement to conventional care, while maintaining caution about therapies that lack robust scientific backing. Being transparent with your GP about any CAM treatments or products you use is the safest course of action.