Aussies turning in droves to alternative therapies

Sydney, Thu, 24 Jul 2008 ANI Sydney, July 24 (ANI): The number of people visiting complementary health professionals in Australia has increased by 50 per cent in the last decade. Most had consultations for arthritis (20 per cent), asthma (14 per cent) and mental or behavioural disorders (13 per cent). Chiropractors, naturopaths and acupuncturists were the most commonly consulted professionals, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. The Australian Bureau of Statistics' snapshot of social trends report says that some patients with serious health conditions, such as cancer, made use of relaxation, diet, vitamins, positive imagery and faith healing. According to the report, 42 per cent of people seeking such treatment had a 'priority health condition' such as asthma, diabetes, cancer or mental problems. The report also revealed that... [read full story]