Natural Medicine Family Practice

03/04/2026

Private Health Insurance rebate for Naturopathy re commenced with some health funds on April 1st. Funds include Qld Country Health Fund, Teachers Health Group, CBHS, ARHG, ACA Health Benefits Fund and StLukes Health. We are still waiting for other funds.

23/08/2025

https://www.change.org/p/health-stars-on-ultra-processed-foods-say-no-to-mandating-a-broken-labelling-system

Health Stars on Ultra-Processed Foods? Say NO to Mandating a Broken Labelling System!

15/04/2025

BREAKING NEWS!
Private health insurance coverage of Naturopathy has been restored!

Following a Natural Therapies Review, the Federal Health Minister has announced that Naturopathy will be added back into the private health insurance rebates benefit after it was removed in 2019.

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AO, supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), was satisfied there was enough evidence that these therapies are effective, and has allowed them to return to being supported by private health insurance.

As an evidence-based Clinic, Natural Medicine Family Practice has long believed in the benefits of Naturopathy for our patients and is delighted to hear this news. Returning these services to the private health care scheme gives patients with private insurance the option to have some of their costs rebated and importantly recognises their right to choose where they receive advice from.

What does this mean for our patients?

Health Minister Mark Butler has stated "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers. Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentials".

In practical terms, while this is an exciting development it may be some months before patients can potentially claim rebates for Naturopathy consults. The presumption is that health insurance funds will now work to include these services in clients policies and will advise when this option is available.

Natural Medicine Family Practice thanks our associations including NHAA & ANTA for their advocacy and perseverance over the last 6 years in representing Naturopaths to have our skills and knowledge recognised again. This is a great step forward for Australians having a choice in their own health care.

22/04/2024

10/03/2024

13/07/2023

POST-PARTUM REST
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For those of you who have just given birth, take some time in your day to get horizontal!

For the first 6 weeks, your pelvic floor will be in the beginning of its recovery phase. Whether you had a va**nal birth or a c-section, the pelvic floor has been stretched for up to 9 months, and needs some time to recoil.

So take 15 minutes, at least once a day, to lay on your back, with your feet elevated, and rest. This may look like catching up on some much needed sleep, or laying down while your baby has some play time on the floor. You could even add in some gentle pelvic floor muscle exercises!
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24/06/2023

World Yoga Day #8. Thank you Kate Teys and The Art of Happiness for todays Yoga. What a setting Tobruk Kiosk

05/04/2023

Personalised Wellness: People are increasingly recognising that their wellness needs are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness. Our personalised wellness plans that take into account individuals’ unique needs and preferences.

09/02/2023

EXERCISING WITH A PROLAPSE
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Gone are those old myths - you can still exercise with a prolapse! We now know that a prolapse is only as problematic as the symptoms people experience. These symptoms may include:
⚡️ lower back pain
⚡️ dragging sensation or discomfort in the lower abdomen
⚡️ sensation of va**nal fullness
⚡️ incomplete emptying of bladder or bowel
⚡️ needing to use a finger to assist emptying bowels
⚡️ painful s*x
⚡️ palpable or visible mass at the entrance of the va**na

Recent evidence has shown that regular exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, weight training, aerobic classes and dancing, from 6 weeks post partum and beyond, does not have a negative impact on prolapse symptoms (Tennfjord et al. 2021). Rather, physically strenuous jobs is a risk factor for worsening prolapse symptoms.

With the correct treatment, such as pelvic floor muscle exercises and the potential use of a pessary, you will be able to continue moving your body in the way that you enjoy.
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22/01/2023

School lunches start again 🍱 Here are some pics to help with ideas. Son #1 requested salami so that’s what I had to work with ☺️

09/12/2022

The distinctive lemon-scented fragrance and flavour of Lemon Balm’s (Melissa officinalis) toothed leaves distinguish it from its more invasive cousin, mint.

Lemon Balm is a hardy perennial that grows well in tropical and subtropical climates, and favours moist, well-drained soil in a sunny or partly shaded position. Grow in pots or directly into garden beds by planting seeds (5 mm deep) or seedlings spaced 20 cm apart. Water well. Plants grow to a height of 30-90 cm, and pruning encourages vigorous growth. Lemon Balm companion plants well with fruit trees, plants in the onion family, tomatoes and roses.[1-3]

Lemon Balm leaves can be freshly cut and added straight to the teapot for a refreshing, uplifting lemony tea, or dried and stored for a variety of uses. Its leaves add a zesty flavour to fruit drinks, sorbet, and fruit salads; and may be used in salads, and savoury dishes (e.g. with chicken or fish).[2]

Possessing carminative, spasmolytic, nervine tonic, mild sedative and diaphoretic properties, Lemon Balm is valued for lowering fevers, improving digestion (particularly when symptoms are worse for stress), nourishing the nervous system during times of stress, and supporting restful sleep.[4]

[1] Yates. How to grow lemon balm [Internet]. Yates; AU. [cited 2022, Nov 10]. Available from: Yates. How to Grow Lemon Balm
[2] Mudbrick Herb Cottage. Lemon balm [Internet]. [cited 2022, Nov 10]. Available from: Lemon Balm
[3] ABC/Gardening Australia. Herbal tea plants [Internet]. Melbourne, VIC: Gardening Australia. [updated 2008 Sept 27; cited 2022 Nov 10]. Available from: Herbal Tea Plants - Gardening Australia
[4] Bone K. A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs. Missouri: Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone; 2003. p. 308.