Knowing your health professionals and organizations
A number of health professionals are knowledgeable about vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements and can give you general information as well as specific advice.
One of the strengths of conventional medicine is the teaching of diagnostic skills, so you should see your doctor for a proper diagnosis of an ailment, particularly if you have symptoms with which you are not familiar. Naturopaths, herbalists and some chiropractors are generally more knowledgeable about the use of herbs and nutritional supplements than most conventional doctors or other health professionals, but they have less training in making diagnoses. When pursuing complementary treatment for a specific disorder, you are best served if you consult a conventionally trained doctor in the first instance.
To find a complementary health professional, first talk to your general practitioner. However, many conventional doctors are reluctant to make referrals to complementary health professionals, so you may have to turn elsewhere for suggestions. Family and friends may have suggestions based on their personal experiences. Also, your health insurance company may have a list of health professionals for referral. Some of the organizations listed on the opposite page can also provide lists of accredited professionals.
Inquire about certification and licensing requirements; this information can help protect you as a consumer. When you consult a complementary health professional, ask about his or her background and experience working with nutritional and herbal remedies. Be wary of anyone who promises cures that seem too quick or easy, or who wants to put you on a regimen that will cost a lot of money.
Holistic medical practitioner (MBBS):
The minimum qualification for a medical practitioner in Australia and New Zealand is Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). In Australia, doctors must be registered with the Medical Board (in Victoria, the Medical Practitioners Board) in the State where they practice. In New Zealand, they must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand. A growing number of doctors with backgrounds in conventional medicine are using nutritional and herbal supplements in their work. Often these so-called holistic medical practitioners are family doctors specializing in common medical problems. They often identify themselves in the name of their practice.
Naturopath:
Naturopaths believe in the healing power of nature - including the human body's innate resources - in treating health problems. A naturopath and patient work together to help the body promote its own well-being. To achieve this, the 'naturopath assesses the patient's lifestyle and provides recommendations on diet, exercise and other habits. Prevention of illness is the primary goal of naturopaths, who may use nutritional and herbal supplements as preventive ‘tonics'. Some naturopaths also treat health problems using therapies such as massage as well as herbal remedies.
In Australia and New Zealand, naturopaths now receive a degree from a university or college of natural therapies, where students undergo three to four years of training, including extensive courses in nutrition and herbal medicine plus, usually, homeopathy, Bach flower remedies and various bodywork therapies. It's advisable to consult a naturopath who has graduated from an accredited institution.
Herbalist:
Unlike naturopaths, who undergo rigorous training that meets established criteria, anyone can hang out a sign saying 'herbalist'. You can obtain a referral to a herbalist who has completed programs at a recognized herbal school through the National Herbalists Association of Australia. A qualified, professional herbalist will take a medical history and assess your lifestyle and any other factors affecting your health - including any allergies you have and any medications you are taking - before recommending a remedy for a specific complaint.
Nutritionist:
A good nutritionist will discuss your medical history, your eating and exercise habits and your lifestyle with you before suggesting changes to your eating patterns. Nutritionists should also be familiar with dietary supplements, but opinions often vary among them as to the importance of supplementation, and not all take an integrated or holistic approach to health. Some nutritionists are qualified dietitians, and there are also competent nutritionists who aren't dietitians. There's no registration system for dietitians or nutritionists in Australia, but 'accredited practicing dietitians' have an approved university degree. In New Zealand, dietitians must be registered with the Dietitians Board, while nutritionists who meet certain criteria can register with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand. Ask for a referral from your doctor or your local hospital, or contact the Dietitians Association of Australia in your State or one of the above-mentioned bodies.
Pharmacist:
For many people, a pharmacist is the most accessible health professional. A pharmacists training - a four-year degree course at an Australian or New Zealand university, leading to a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) - is in the use of conventional medications, but pharmaceutical journals and professional associations are increasingly addressing the use of supplements. Your pharmacist may be able to answer your questions about herbal and nutritional therapies and offer advice about the potential benefits, limitations and side effects of specific supplements. A good pharmacist will ascertain your state of health before suggesting any supplement, and may recommend that you see a doctor for evaluation. In Australia, pharmacists must be registered with the Pharmacy Board of the State where they practice. In New Zealand, they must complete a year's internship after graduation before they can be registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand.
One of the strengths of conventional medicine is the teaching of diagnostic skills, so you should see your doctor for a proper diagnosis of an ailment, particularly if you have symptoms with which you are not familiar. Naturopaths, herbalists and some chiropractors are generally more knowledgeable about the use of herbs and nutritional supplements than most conventional doctors or other health professionals, but they have less training in making diagnoses. When pursuing complementary treatment for a specific disorder, you are best served if you consult a conventionally trained doctor in the first instance.
To find a complementary health professional, first talk to your general practitioner. However, many conventional doctors are reluctant to make referrals to complementary health professionals, so you may have to turn elsewhere for suggestions. Family and friends may have suggestions based on their personal experiences. Also, your health insurance company may have a list of health professionals for referral. Some of the organizations listed on the opposite page can also provide lists of accredited professionals.
Inquire about certification and licensing requirements; this information can help protect you as a consumer. When you consult a complementary health professional, ask about his or her background and experience working with nutritional and herbal remedies. Be wary of anyone who promises cures that seem too quick or easy, or who wants to put you on a regimen that will cost a lot of money.
Holistic medical practitioner (MBBS):
The minimum qualification for a medical practitioner in Australia and New Zealand is Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). In Australia, doctors must be registered with the Medical Board (in Victoria, the Medical Practitioners Board) in the State where they practice. In New Zealand, they must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand. A growing number of doctors with backgrounds in conventional medicine are using nutritional and herbal supplements in their work. Often these so-called holistic medical practitioners are family doctors specializing in common medical problems. They often identify themselves in the name of their practice.
Naturopath:
Naturopaths believe in the healing power of nature - including the human body's innate resources - in treating health problems. A naturopath and patient work together to help the body promote its own well-being. To achieve this, the 'naturopath assesses the patient's lifestyle and provides recommendations on diet, exercise and other habits. Prevention of illness is the primary goal of naturopaths, who may use nutritional and herbal supplements as preventive ‘tonics'. Some naturopaths also treat health problems using therapies such as massage as well as herbal remedies.
In Australia and New Zealand, naturopaths now receive a degree from a university or college of natural therapies, where students undergo three to four years of training, including extensive courses in nutrition and herbal medicine plus, usually, homeopathy, Bach flower remedies and various bodywork therapies. It's advisable to consult a naturopath who has graduated from an accredited institution.
Herbalist:
Unlike naturopaths, who undergo rigorous training that meets established criteria, anyone can hang out a sign saying 'herbalist'. You can obtain a referral to a herbalist who has completed programs at a recognized herbal school through the National Herbalists Association of Australia. A qualified, professional herbalist will take a medical history and assess your lifestyle and any other factors affecting your health - including any allergies you have and any medications you are taking - before recommending a remedy for a specific complaint.
Nutritionist:
A good nutritionist will discuss your medical history, your eating and exercise habits and your lifestyle with you before suggesting changes to your eating patterns. Nutritionists should also be familiar with dietary supplements, but opinions often vary among them as to the importance of supplementation, and not all take an integrated or holistic approach to health. Some nutritionists are qualified dietitians, and there are also competent nutritionists who aren't dietitians. There's no registration system for dietitians or nutritionists in Australia, but 'accredited practicing dietitians' have an approved university degree. In New Zealand, dietitians must be registered with the Dietitians Board, while nutritionists who meet certain criteria can register with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand. Ask for a referral from your doctor or your local hospital, or contact the Dietitians Association of Australia in your State or one of the above-mentioned bodies.
Pharmacist:
For many people, a pharmacist is the most accessible health professional. A pharmacists training - a four-year degree course at an Australian or New Zealand university, leading to a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) - is in the use of conventional medications, but pharmaceutical journals and professional associations are increasingly addressing the use of supplements. Your pharmacist may be able to answer your questions about herbal and nutritional therapies and offer advice about the potential benefits, limitations and side effects of specific supplements. A good pharmacist will ascertain your state of health before suggesting any supplement, and may recommend that you see a doctor for evaluation. In Australia, pharmacists must be registered with the Pharmacy Board of the State where they practice. In New Zealand, they must complete a year's internship after graduation before they can be registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand.
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