What is alternative medicine, and how does it work with your GP?

If you have ever wondered what alternative medicine really involves, you are not alone. The term gets used loosely and often lumps together very different practices, which makes it hard to tell what is well supported and what is not. At Horizon Health, alternative medicine is approached in a considered, doctor-led way that sits alongside your regular care rather than pulling against it. This guide explains what the term actually means in Australia, the main types of therapies it covers, how it fits with your GP, and how to access this kind of support online.

What alternative medicine actually means

Alternative medicine refers to health practices used in place of conventional medicine, while complementary medicine describes the same practices used alongside it. In Australia, the two are often grouped together as complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. When these approaches are combined with conventional care in a coordinated way, it is usually called integrative medicine.

In everyday conversation, people tend to say "alternative medicine" when they really mean complementary or integrative care. The distinction matters. Using a therapy instead of proven medical treatment can be risky, whereas using it alongside conventional care, with your doctor aware, is a very different thing. That second approach is the thinking behind our alternative and holistic medicine service: whole-person support that works with your existing care, not a replacement for it.

The main types of alternative and complementary therapies

What is alternative medicine actually made up of? It is a broad umbrella. It takes in herbal and nutritional medicine, traditional systems such as traditional Chinese medicine and ayurveda, mind-body practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness, and hands-on therapies such as massage. Many people also include acupuncture and naturopathic approaches under the same heading.

These practices vary widely in how much research supports them, and grouping them under one label can be misleading. Some have a reasonable evidence base for general wellbeing, while others have very little. This is part of why a doctor-led approach is helpful: rather than trying everything at once, you can focus on options that are reasonable and safe for your circumstances, and set aside those that are not. A good consultation is as much about what to leave out as what to consider.

How alternative medicine works with your GP

The most important thing to understand is that alternative and complementary approaches are meant to work with your regular medical care, not instead of it. A common question is whether alternative medicine can replace your GP. For anything beyond general wellbeing, the answer is no. Your GP remains central for diagnosis, ongoing conditions, and anything serious, and a whole-person approach is best thought of as an addition to that, not a substitute.

It also matters that everyone involved in your care can see the full picture. Some complementary medicines and supplements interact with prescription medicines, which is why Better Health Channel advises discussing any complementary treatments with your doctor and not relying on a complementary therapist for diagnosis. Being open about what you are taking helps your doctors keep your care safe and joined up, and it is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself.

Is alternative medicine safe, and how is it regulated?

In Australia, complementary medicines such as herbs, vitamins, and supplements are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Products are assessed for the safety and quality of their ingredients, but lower-risk products are not always assessed for how well they work. In plain terms, a product being available on the shelf does not by itself prove it is effective for a particular purpose, which is worth keeping in mind when you read confident marketing claims.

This is another reason a doctor's input is valuable. A doctor can talk through what is known and not known about an option, flag any interactions with your current medicines, and help you steer clear of poor-quality products, especially those bought from overseas websites. As with any medicine or treatment, complementary options can have side effects and are not suitable for everyone, so it is always worth discussing what fits your situation rather than self-prescribing.

How to see an alternative and holistic medicine doctor online

You do not need to visit a clinic to get this kind of support. Through Horizon Health, you can speak with an Australian doctor by phone or video for a fixed $29, Australia-wide, with no referral needed. The consultation takes a whole-person view, considering your lifestyle, diet, sleep, and stress alongside your health history. You can explore the broader service on our natural therapies via telehealth page, which sets out the kinds of needs it supports.

Booking is straightforward. After a short eligibility check, you choose a time that suits you, including after-hours and weekend slots, and speak with a doctor from home, whether you are in a capital city or a regional town. Our how it works page walks through each step. This suits adults aged 18 and over anywhere in Australia who want a considered, unhurried consultation, and your doctor will always tell you when something is better handled in person or is a matter for emergency care.

Key Things to Know About Alternative Medicine

Alternative and complementary are not the same thing. Alternative means used instead of conventional care, while complementary means used alongside it. Horizon Health's approach is complementary and integrative, and never a replacement for your GP.

It is a broad umbrella. The term covers everything from herbal and nutritional medicine to mind-body practices, and the evidence behind each of these varies a great deal, so it pays to be selective.

Regulation covers safety, not always effectiveness. The TGA checks complementary medicines for the safety and quality of their ingredients, but a product being available does not prove it works for a given purpose.

Keeping your doctor informed keeps you safe. Some complementary medicines interact with prescription medicines, so tell your doctor what you are using and keep your GP central to your care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between alternative and complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medical treatment, while complementary medicine is used alongside it. When complementary approaches are combined with conventional care in a coordinated way, it is usually called integrative medicine.

Can alternative medicine replace my GP?
No. For diagnosis, ongoing conditions, and anything serious, your GP remains central to your care. A whole-person or complementary approach is meant to work alongside your regular doctor, not take their place.

Is alternative medicine safe?
It depends on the therapy and your circumstances. Complementary medicines in Australia are checked by the TGA for ingredient safety and quality, but not always for effectiveness, and some can interact with prescription medicines, so it is best to discuss any option with your doctor.

Do I need to tell my doctor about supplements I take?
Yes. Some supplements and complementary medicines can interact with prescription medicines or affect your treatment, so telling your doctor what you use helps keep your care safe and effective.

This article is general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Complementary medicines and treatments can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Speak with your doctor about your individual circumstances.