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Holistic care and natural therapies
Reviewed by the Mediflora clinical team. This information is general in nature and is not medical advice.
Last reviewed 3 June 2026
Holistic health practitioners view medicinal cannabis as part of an integrated natural medicine and holistic health care model. They may integrate it with nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, acupuncture, or psychotherapy to address the interlinked dimensions of illness. This integrated approach not only heals the symptoms but also initiates emotional healing and resilience, in search of a holistic healing experience that is aligned with philosophies of plant based medicine.
Holistic cannabis therapy does not promote recreational use, but instead, medicinal, medically supervised treatment by an experienced healthcare professional. In Australia, this typically equates to a medical doctor authorised by the TGA to prescribe therapeutic cannabis. These practitioners, often sympathetic to the principles of natural medicine, consider a patient’s full health profile, lifestyle, and treatment goals before selecting the appropriate product, strain, dose, and route of delivery—e.g., oils, capsules, or dried flowers. In addition, some practitioners will prescribe the use of complementary therapies, such as meditation or acupuncture, to complement the alternative medicine‘s healing potential.
This approach also respects the body’s inherent healing intelligence—cooperating with processes instead of fighting them. While drugs have their usefulness in acute and emergency medicine, increasing numbers of patients and practitioners are finding that natural remedies, such as plant medicine, offer safer, more long-lasting solutions to long-term disease. Especially where therapeutic goals include improved quality of life, fewer side effects, and emotional well-being. This balanced model of health care remains popular across Australia, particularly among communities exploring alternative medicine as part of an evolving, sustainable journey to wellness.
Attendance at community health functions or support groups can also prove useful along the way, in addition to other resources and patients’ expertise. These social relationships are increasingly discovered to be a part of natural medicine, building on the concept of healing being greater than prescription—support, information, and attachment.
Lastly, integrative health care with focus on cannabis confirms the return to nature and botanic medicine—a medicine that informs patients, affirms natural consequences, and honors the power of the body to heal when given proper support. This philosophy not only fosters individual wellness but also enforces a mass cultural shift toward sustainability and more awareness for being one with nature, resulting in an improved health outcome for the population as a whole.
As science advances, how medicinal cannabis is perceived to interact with other holistic health care modalities will also become increasingly complicated. Future research can include synergistic interactions of cannabis with other treatment options, possibly unlocking new lines of enhancing patient recovery. This more advanced research and data acquisition will be critical to using informed decision-making for decisions related to natural medicine modalities and will allow for greater integration of alternative medicine into mainstream health care centers.
Medical cannabis is emerging as a valid natural medicine under this paradigm, especially for those conditions that are approvable (source) such as chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, inflammation, and neurological disorders. As a plant-derived medicine, medical cannabis contains dozens of active ingredients, which include cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and terpenes, that affect the endocannabinoid system of the body—a system that regulates mood, pain, sleep, and immune function.
Ready to explore natural medicine and holistic health care tailored to your needs? Mediflora is here to help! Start your journey today and discover personalised alternative medicine solutions. Our team will assess your eligibility and guide you on the path to optimal health.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications should an alternative medicine doctor have in Australia?
In Australia, alternative medicine doctor should be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). For prescribing regulated natural medicines such as medicinal cannabis, the doctor must also hold TGA approval as an Authorised Prescriber (AP) or prescribe via the Special Access Scheme (SAS). Always verify your practitioner’s AHPRA registration before booking a consultation to ensure they meet Australian medical standards.
What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor, a holistic doctor, and a natural medicine doctor?
A phone, tablet or computer with a stable internet connection. You'll receive a secure link or call at your appointment time — no special software to install.
Is a telehealth consultation private?
Yes. Mediflora operates under the Australian Privacy Principles. Your consultation and records are confidential, and we do not publish testimonials or before/after content.
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About this page
General health information, not medical advice; it does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. Verify independently: healthdirect, AHPRA.