Complementary medicine and complementary therapies are thriving in Perth thanks to their holistic ideology and the way they supplement and support conventional care.

Complementary medicine has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its ability to assist with a wide spectrum of health issues, including women’s health issues. The government-funded NICM Health Research Institute (NICM HRI) is Australia’s leader in integrative and complementary medicine research, providing reliable evidence on complementary medicines and treatments. It has found women commonly seek complementary medicines for female-specific health conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause and dysmenorrhoea. Clinical studies show only 54.6% of women with endometriosis are satisfied with their medical care (Lukas et al). Given that dissatisfaction with current medical management strategies, many women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) are using complementary medicine (Fisher et al) and women with endometriosis are known to use both complementary medicine and allied health services (including physiotherapy and psychology) to help manage their symptoms (O'Hara et al).

Indeed, women across the world have discovered the many benefits complementary therapies, and enjoy the way it allows them full autonomy over their health. Natural therapy, complementary therapy, complementary medicine, and alternative medicine are all terms that revolve around natural or complementary therapies or medicines. They are all healthcare practices, therapies, or procedures outside the field of conventional, mainstream medicine. Having said that, mainstream health professionals identified natural therapies as being in the top 5 topics they wished to seek further skill development in a recent survey by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health on health professionals’ learning needs. This highlights the way in which complementary therapies are able to support and further the holistic objectives of mainstream medical treatment.

What are complementary therapies in Perth?

acupuncture
aromatherapy
chiropractic
homeopathy
massage
meditation and relaxation therapies
naturopathy
osteopathy
reflexology
traditional Chinese medicine
vitamin and mineral supplements
Bowen therapy

Let’s take a look at Canning Healthcare’s 6 favourite ways of using complementary therapies to benefit women's health and wellbeing.

Does Bowen therapy improve women’s health?

Bowen therapy is a gentle and non-invasive form of bodywork that involves the therapist making subtle, rolling movements over specific points on the body. It aims to activate the body's natural healing response and restore balance to the musculoskeletal system. Bowen therapy has been found to be effective for a range of women's health issues, including menstrual cramps, menopause symptoms, and pelvic pain.

Does acupuncture improve women’s health?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. This therapy aims to stimulate the flow of energy, or "qi," throughout the body and promote healing. Acupuncture has been found to be particularly beneficial for women's health issues such as infertility, menstrual cramps, and menopause symptoms. Our Perth acupuncturist loves to help with pregnancy support, relief for pain associated with periods or endometriosis, as well as the anxiety and moods associated with PMS.

How does naturopathy improve women’s health?

Naturopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on using natural remedies and therapies to support the body's natural healing abilities. Our Perth naturopaths may use a range of therapies, including herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle counselling, to address a variety of women's health issues, such as PMS, hormonal imbalances, symptoms of menopause, and symptoms of endometriosis and fertility concerns.

How does massage help with women’s health?

Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It aims to reduce tension and promote relaxation, as well as improve circulation and promote the body's natural healing response. Massage therapy can be particularly helpful for women's health issues such as menstrual cramps, low back pain and pelvic pain relief. Our specialist Perth pregnancy massage therapists can assist with pregnancy-related discomfort.

Can chiropractors assist with women’s health issues?

Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Our Canning Healthcare Chiropractors use manual adjustments to the spine to improve joint function, reduce pain, and promote overall wellness. Chiropractic care has been found to be beneficial for a range of women's health issues, including menstrual cramps, pregnancy-related back pain, and headaches. Our Perth chiropractors are also able to work with our clients to improve pelvic floor tone, offer period pain support, provide low back pain and pelvic pain relief.

Holistic healthcare for women in Perth

In addition to these specific therapies, complementary medicine also emphasises the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, stress and anxiety management, and a balanced diet. This holistic approach can be particularly helpful for women's health issues such as hormonal imbalances, infertility, and menopause symptoms.

Complementary medicine can be a valuable tool for women's health and overall wellbeing, and can easily be integrated with treatment from your gynaecologist, obstetrician or general practitioner. By taking a holistic approach to health and wellness, women can address a range of issues and promote optimal physical and emotional health.

For complementary therapies to address women’s health issues in Perth, contact Canning Healthcare with any questions you may have or book online today.

Lukas I, Kohl-Schwartz A, Geraedts K, Rauchfuss M, Wölfler MM, Häberlin F, von Stephanie O, Eberhard M, Imthurn B, Imesch P, et al. Satisfaction with medical support in women with endometriosis. PLoS ONE. 2018;13(11):e0208023.
Fisher C, Adams J, Hickman L, Sibbritt D. The use of complementary and alternative medicine by 7427 Australian women with cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort: a cross-sectional study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16:129.
O'Hara R, Rowe H, Fisher J. Managing endometriosis: a cross-sectional survey of women in Australia. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2020.1825374

6 Ways Complementary Medicine Improves Women’s Health Issues