Combining Conventional Medicine and Alternative Therapies for Whole-Person Care

Across Australia, the way people think about health is changing.

Rather than choosing between seeing a GP for conventional medicine or exploring complementary or alternative therapies, many now embrace both. This shift reflects a broader understanding — that good health isn’t an either–or decision, but a balance between conventional care and evidence-based complementary or alternative medicine.

At the heart of this movement is the concept of integrative medicine. It’s about GPs, naturopaths, and wellness professionals working to bring conventional and complementary care together in an evidence-based way that supports the whole person. It unites science, empathy, and lifestyle understanding, recognising that health is shaped by the mind, body, and environment alike.

Understanding the Landscape of Care

In Australia, conventional medicine forms the foundation of healthcare. It is scientifically validated, professionally regulated, and essential for diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. This includes everything from routine GP visits and approved prescription medicines to vaccinations, specialist care, preventive screening, and emergency services.

In parallel, complementary medicine encompasses products and practices used alongside conventional medicine, such as acupuncture, naturopathy, supplements, or regulated alternative therapies often chosen to support wellbeing. [1,2]

Complementary medicine often works alongside lifestyle and wellbeing practices that support everyday health — such as movement, rest, nutrition, and mindfulness. Together, these form the lifestyle layer that underpins holistic care.

Australians are already finding ways to blend these approaches in everyday life. Recent studies show that complementary medicine use is now part of mainstream healthcare choices — with about half of Australian adults using products such as herbal supplements, vitamins, probiotics, and fish oil in recent years.[1,2]

Many people use complementary medicines alongside prescribed treatments, reflecting a growing preference for integrated care that supports the whole person.

Research from the University of Technology Sydney’s Australian Research Consortium in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM) and the RACGP’s Integrative Medicine Unit echoes this shift, showing how healthcare professionals are adapting to patients who see value in a collaborative model — where conventional and complementary care work side by side rather than in isolation. [3,4]

Understanding the Place of Conventional Medicine

Conventional medicine remains essential to how we diagnose, treat, and prevent illness — providing the scientific foundation for modern healthcare. It offers the structure and clinical rigour that underpin safe, effective practice. Within a broader holistic model, this foundation supports the safe integration of complementary and lifestyle approaches.

Australian research shows that when care addresses both medical needs and overall wellbeing, people report better experiences and quality of life — and sometimes better clinical outcomes too.[5–9] This approach connects evidence-based treatment with attention to lifestyle, mental health, and social factors.

The Case for a Balanced Approach

Health is influenced by physical, emotional, and environmental factors that interact daily. Australian studies continue to highlight how elements such as sleep, nutrition, and physical activity play an important role in overall wellbeing. [10]

The Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine identifies these elements as key evidence-based components that complement medical care.[10] Similarly, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) notes that lifestyle medicine adds depth to conventional practice by addressing behavioural and environmental influences.[4]

Complementary medicine can also play a role in this balance. When used safely and under professional guidance, complementary approaches — such as acupuncture, nutritional or alternative therapies, and mind–body practices — can work alongside conventional treatments to enhance quality of life and overall wellbeing. [11,12]

When Care Becomes Complementary

Integrative care brings conventional and complementary medicine together in a coordinated way.

In practice, this can involve GPs working with allied health or complementary practitioners — such as physiotherapists, nutritionists, or acupuncturists — to develop shared care plans for people managing long-term conditions.

This model recognises that people may seek balance between medical intervention and wellbeing practices, particularly when living with chronic or complex conditions.

In Australia, research shows how often these forms of care coexist: among adults managing mental-health conditions, 96% consulted a GP while 42% consulted a complementary medicine practitioner. [13]

These numbers illustrate how Australians value both clinical oversight and complementary support. Open communication between patients and their doctors about complementary medicine use helps maintain safe, coordinated care that aligns with regulatory standards.[4,12]

Shifting Towards Integrative Care in Australia

National data reveal how widespread this approach has become, showing how integrated complementary and conventional care have become across Australian households. This reflects not only personal choices but also professional and policy-level recognition of integrative health.

• Almost half of Australian adults use complementary medicines, often alongside prescriptions.[1,2]
• 63% use at least one form of complementary medicine.[14]
•  75% of households report using complementary medicines.[11]

Professional recognition continues to grow. The RACGP curriculum now includes integrative medicine,[4] and universities such as the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) continue to research its applications.[3] Regulatory bodies like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) ensure complementary medicines meet strict quality and safety standards.[12]

This alignment between research, regulation, and education demonstrates Australia’s shift toward patient-centred, preventive care — where informed choice and evidence-based collaboration shape the future of health.[5–9,10]

Navigating Coordinated, Safe and Informed Care

Australians are increasingly blending conventional and complementary care within trusted, regulated systems. Research indicates that effective communication between patients and clinicians is associated with higher confidence, satisfaction, and adherence — and may also contribute to better health outcomes. [5,6]

Health literacy — understanding credible evidence, recognising regulation, and maintaining open conversations — empowers people to make safe, informed decisions. Regulatory frameworks for complementary medicines support transparency and accountability, helping Australians access products and information they can trust.[12]

Integrative care thrives on communication and respect. When clinical expertise and personal wellbeing practices come together, they create a balanced, sustainable approach to health.[10]

The Future of Health in Australia

The future of healthcare in Australia lies in connection between evidence, prevention, and general wellness. People increasingly seek care that considers physical, emotional, and the social sides  of wellbeing. Doctors are responding with approaches that combine science and compassion, integrating complementary and lifestyle options where appropriate.

This evolution represents more than a trend — it’s a redefinition of what it means to be healthy. As awareness and evidence continue to grow, integrative care will play an increasingly central role in helping Australians live well and stay well.

Good health should not only be found at one end of a spectrum. It lives in the balance between conventional medicine and complementary medicine — each contributing to the whole picture of wellbeing.