Natural therapies can make a positive contribution to our wellbeing. Many people use natural therapies to improve quality of life. HCF has cover options that pay benefits towards a range of natural therapies including, acupuncture, remedial massage, naturopathy and Alexander technique.
Natural therapies are best viewed as complementary to traditional medicine and it’s a good idea to discuss your natural therapy choice with your doctor.
What is it?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into the skin and underlying tissues in specific sites known as points, for therapeutic or preventive purposes. It is based on the belief that health is a constantly changing flow of energy or qi (pronounced chee). Imbalances are thought to cause disease, and acupuncture aims to restore health by improving these balances and the flow of qi.
Acupuncture is performed by acupuncturists and other health providers, such as doctors and physiotherapists, who have training in this area.
Acupuncture is largely sought for the relief of chronic pain caused by ailments such as arthritis, headaches, stress, pre-menstrual symptoms and back pain.
What is homoeopathy?
Homoeopathy is based on the principle of 'like cures like'. For example, if a patient comes with a headache of a particular type, it is treated with a minute dose of an agent known to cause a similar type of headache.
What is naturopathy?
Naturopathy focuses on the body’s natural vitality and its potential for self healing. Holistic and preventive, it aims to treat the whole person with the use of herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle advice.
Naturopaths treat any condition but are trained to refer patients with serious medical conditions for conventional treatment.
What is it?
Remedial massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes.
Many people enjoy the physical and mental relaxation massage provides. As well as relaxing you, massage reduces stress and pain and improves circulation and muscle tone. It is also used to treat muscle, tendon, ligament and joint injuries, and other soft tissue problems. It is said to aid in the functioning of the digestive system and helps eliminate toxins from the body.
As with any decision about your health, you want to make an informed choice. HCF offers benefits for Alexander technique, homoeopathy, naturopathic nutrition, myotherapy, remedial massage Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Some guidelines to help you choose:
Discuss options with your general practitioner (GP).
When you know the form of natural therapy you want.
Go to a health clinic which offers a wide range of therapies and discuss your health and condition.
Check out the practitioner’s qualifications and/or membership of professional bodies.
Talk to the practitioner about your condition and the treatment.
HCF only covers services offered by providers who we recognise. As an HCF member, you can find a recognised provider in your area by simply logging into the Member's section of the website.
With HCF extras cover, you can choose to make natural therapies an affordable part of your health budget and improve your quality of life.
LEVEL 5: Top Plus & Multicover
Ideal for anyone looking for the most comprehensive Hospital cover as well as good cover for their day to day health needs.
LEVEL 4: Hospital Savings & Multicover
Suitable for people looking for a broader level of Hospital and Extras cover.
