2025年05月20日 14:09 發布
編輯：Editor
Sum Wu
Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (UTS)
Bachelor of Science Majoring in Psychology (UOW)
Director of Hurstville Chinese Herbs Centre
Vice Dean of College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Orthopedics Australia
Specialising in pain management and mental wellbeing through Tradition Chinese medicine in combination with modern science in mental health, dieting and nutrition.
吳宇琛，澳大利亞政府註冊中醫師、針灸師，五龍崗大學心理學學士、悉尼科技大學中醫系學士，澳大利亞松軒中醫藥中心主任醫師，澳大利亞中醫骨傷專科學院副院長。
擅長用傳統針灸理傷手法和中藥治療各種新舊損傷痛症，特別採用中醫中藥和現代心理學、營養學相結合調理治療各種慢性病和亞健康。
Australia’s healthcare system is internationally recognized for its high standards of conventional medical care. Yet, an increasing number of Australians are turning to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for a more holistic approach to health and wellness. These practices, rooted in a variety of cultural and philosophical traditions, are used either alongside or in place of standard medical treatments. This article delves into the major types of alternative medicines in Australia, their historical and cultural roots, regulatory frameworks, major key aspects, practical examples of usage, and their evolving role within the broader healthcare system.
澳大利亞的醫療體系因其高標準的傳統醫學護理而享譽國際。然而，越來越多的澳大利亞人正轉向補充與替代醫學（CAM），以尋求更整體的健康與療愈方式。這些實踐根植於多種文化和哲學傳統，被用作傳統醫療的補充或替代。本文將探討澳大利亞主要的替代醫學類型，其歷史與文化淵源、監管框架、關鍵要素、實際應用實例，以及它們在更廣泛醫療體系中的不斷發展角色。
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses a range of practices including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping therapy, tai chi, and moxibustion. Based on ancient Chinese philosophies such as Qi (life force), Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements, TCM aims to restore balance within the body. The approach is highly individualized and involves diagnosing imbalances in energy pathways (meridians) that affect organ systems.
In Australia, TCM has seen increasing integration into mainstream healthcare, particularly acupuncture, which is widely practiced for conditions like chronic pain, nausea, and stress. Patients with chronic lower back pain, for instance, may undergo acupuncture to stimulate specific nerve pathways and reduce discomfort. The Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, operating under AHPRA, regulates practitioners, while universities such as RMIT and UTS offer accredited degree programs in Chinese Medicine.
中醫包括針灸、中草藥、拔罐、太極、艾灸等多種療法。它基於中國古代哲學，例如氣、陰陽、五行等概念，旨在恢復人體內部的平衡。中醫治療方式高度個性化，通過診斷能量通道（經絡）失衡來調理影響器官系統的疾病。
在澳大利亞，中醫逐漸融入主流醫療體系，特別是針灸，廣泛用於治療慢性疼痛、惡心和壓力等問題。例如，患有慢性下背痛的病人可能會通過針灸刺激特定神經通路以緩解疼痛。澳大利亞中醫管理局（Chinese Medicine Board of Australia）在國家衛生從業者管理局（AHPRA）監管下負責執業者管理，RMIT大學與悉尼科技大學等高校也提供中醫學學位課程。
Naturopathy emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal through natural therapies and lifestyle interventions. Rooted in European traditions, its treatments typically include herbal medicine, nutritional guidance, hydrotherapy, and manual therapies like massage. It is grounded in principles of prevention, holistic assessment, and minimal intervention.
Widely used for managing chronic conditions such as fatigue, stress, allergies, and digestive disorders, naturopathy is among the most popular CAM modalities in Australia. For example, naturopaths might treat irritable bowel syndrome using dietary changes, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric. Although not nationally regulated, professional bodies like ANPA and NHAA oversee practitioner accreditation and continuing education.
自然療法強調身體通過自然療法和生活方式干預實現自我修復的能力。起源於歐洲傳統，其治療方法包括草藥、營養指導、水療和手法療法（如按摩）。自然療法以預防為核心，採用整體評估與最小干預原則。
自然療法廣泛用於管理疲勞、壓力、過敏與消化問題等慢性病，是澳大利亞最受歡迎的替代療法之一。例如，自然療法師可能通過飲食調整、益生菌和抗炎草藥（如薑黃）治療腸易激綜合徵。雖然尚未納入國家統一監管體系，但ANPA與NHAA等專業機構負責從業者的認證與繼續教育。
Homeopathy is based on the principle of “like cures like”—using minute doses of substances that, in larger amounts, would produce symptoms of illness. Developed in the 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann, this method involves highly diluted remedies tailored to an individual’s specific symptoms and constitution.
Though homeopathy continues to attract a loyal user base for minor and chronic conditions, it remains controversial due to insufficient scientific evidence of efficacy. A notable 2015 review by the NHMRC concluded that homeopathy is ineffective for treating any health condition. Nonetheless, practitioners still operate across Australia, offering remedies for ailments such as seasonal allergies. These products are subject to safety regulations by the TGA, though therapeutic claims are restricted.
順勢療法基於“以毒攻毒”的原理，即使用極微量的物質來治療其在大劑量下所引起的類似症狀。這一療法由18世紀的塞繆爾·哈內曼創立，採用高度稀釋的配方，針對個體的具體症狀與體質進行治療。
盡管順勢療法在緩解輕微或慢性症狀方面仍有一批忠實用戶，但因缺乏科學證據，其效果存在廣泛爭議。2015年，澳大利亞國家衛生與醫學研究委員會（NHMRC）發布報告，認為順勢療法對任何疾病都無效。然而，順勢療法從業者仍在全國提供服務，治療如季節性過敏等問題。產品由澳大利亞藥物管理局（TGA）監管其安全性，但限制其療效宣傳。
Ayurveda is a holistic Indian medical system that integrates diet, herbal medicine, yoga, meditation, and cleansing therapies. It is centered on maintaining the balance of the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—unique to each individual and believed to govern physiological and psychological processes.
Ayurveda is growing in popularity, particularly among Australia’s South Asian communities, and is now offered in wellness retreats and urban clinics. An Ayurvedic practitioner might recommend a Pitta-balancing diet, cooling herbs like Brahmi, and yoga to manage conditions like acid reflux or skin irritations. While national regulation is absent, several Australian colleges offer courses, and many practitioners hold qualifications from Indian institutions.
阿育吠陀是源自印度的整體醫學體系，結合飲食、草藥、瑜伽、冥想與凈化療法。其核心在於平衡個體獨特的三種體質能量（Vata、Pitta、Kapha），這些能量被認為控制著身體與心理的運作。
隨著南亞移民群體的增加，阿育吠陀在澳大利亞逐漸流行，並在城市診所與養生度假中心中開展服務。例如，阿育吠陀醫師可能建議通過平衡Pitta體質的飲食、使用降火草藥（如婆羅米）與瑜伽來治療胃酸倒流或皮膚問題。雖然未受國家監管，但部分澳大利亞院校開設課程，許多從業者擁有印度院校的認證。
Indigenous Australian healing encompasses spiritual and physical therapies practiced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These include bush medicine, smoking ceremonies, healing songs, and spiritual practices passed down through generations. Healing is deeply connected to Country, kinship, and the spiritual realm.
Traditional healing is particularly important in remote communities and is being increasingly recognized and supported through health programs. For instance, eucalyptus leaves may be used in smoking ceremonies to purify the environment and treat respiratory issues. Programs like those run by the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council support traditional healers (ngangkari) working alongside biomedical health services.
澳大利亞原住民的療愈傳統包括阿博利吉尼人與托雷斯海峽島民的精神與身體治療方式，如叢林草藥、煙熏儀式、療愈之歌與代代相傳的精神儀式。這些療法深深紮根於土地、親屬關系與靈性世界。
在偏遠社區中，傳統療法尤為重要，並逐步受到官方健康項目的支持與認可。例如，桉樹葉在煙熏儀式中被用來凈化環境與治療呼吸道疾病。Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara 婦女委員會的項目支持傳統療愈師（ngangkari）與西醫協同工作。
Western herbal medicine relies on the use of plants native to Europe, North America, and Australia to treat a variety of conditions. This practice emphasizes evidence-based use of herbs, often in combination to enhance therapeutic effects and minimize side effects. Common herbs include echinacea for immune support, valerian for sleep, and ginkgo biloba for cognitive health.
Practitioners often undergo formal training and collaborate with naturopaths to develop personalized formulas. For example, milk thistle may be prescribed for liver detoxification, or St. John’s wort for mild depression. Herbal products are regulated by the TGA to ensure safety and quality, even though the profession itself is not nationally regulated.
西方草藥醫學利用源自歐洲、北美和澳大利亞的植物治療多種疾病，強調基於證據的配方，並常將多種草藥結合使用以增強療效並減少副作用。常見草藥包括用於免疫支持的紫錐菊、助眠的纈草和促進認知的銀杏葉。
從業者通常接受正式培訓，並與自然療法師合作制定個性化草藥方案。例如，使用奶薊草輔助肝臟排毒，或用聖約翰草治療輕度抑鬱症。雖然該領域未納入全國註冊制度，但TGA監管其草藥產品的安全與質量。
Chiropractic and osteopathy are manual therapies often included in discussions of CAM, although they are nationally registered health professions in Australia. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and nervous system health, commonly used to treat back pain, postural problems, and headaches.
Osteopathy takes a broader musculoskeletal approach, employing techniques like joint manipulation, stretching, and massage to restore physical balance and function. For example, a chiropractor may alleviate tension headaches through cervical adjustments, while an osteopath might use cranial techniques to relieve the same condition. Both professions are regulated by AHPRA and eligible for Medicare rebates when accessed via GP referral.
雖然常被歸類於替代療法，脊椎指壓與整骨醫學實際上是澳大利亞依法註冊的健康職業。脊椎指壓註重脊柱對齊與神經系統健康，常用於治療背痛、姿勢問題與頭痛。
整骨醫學則採用更全面的肌肉骨骼治療方法，通過關節調整、伸展與按摩恢復身體平衡。例如，脊椎指壓師可能通過調整頸椎緩解緊張性頭痛，而整骨師則可能使用顱骨技術達到同樣目的。這兩類從業者皆由AHPRA監管，並在GP轉介下可獲得Medicare報銷。
Mind-body therapies aim to promote healing by enhancing the connection between mental and physical well-being. These include yoga, meditation, tai chi, and mindfulness practices that support stress reduction, emotional regulation, and improved mental clarity. They are widely integrated into healthcare, education, and corporate wellness programs.
Evidence supports their effectiveness in managing anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. A cancer patient, for example, might engage in a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course to alleviate anxiety during treatment. Mind-body practices are now commonly recommended by mental health professionals and general practitioners as adjuncts to clinical care.
身心療法強調精神與身體之間的聯系，通過瑜伽、冥想、太極與正念訓練來提升健康。這些療法有助於緩解壓力、調節情緒並提升專註力，廣泛應用於醫療、教育與企業健康項目中。
研究證實其在治療焦慮、抑鬱與慢性疼痛中的效果。例如，癌症患者可能通過參與正念減壓課程（MBSR）緩解治療期間的焦慮。現今，心理健康專業人員與全科醫生也常將此類療法作為臨床干預的輔助方案。
監管與安全體系Regulatory and Safety Landscape
Australia has a layered regulatory system for CAM:
澳大利亞對替代醫學設有多層次的監管體系：
如有疑問想咨詢吳宇琛中醫師，可以在微信或whatsapp搜索0404836368，加吳宇琛中醫師微信或whatsapp，也可以發短信或致電0404836368作語音留言，吳宇琛中醫師有空就會回復。
（吳宇琛中醫師，澳大利亞政府註冊中醫師、針灸師，五龍崗大學心理學學士、悉尼科技大學中醫系學士，悉尼好思維松軒藥行主任中醫師，澳大利亞中醫骨傷專科學院副院長，本文僅供參考，具體診療應諮詢專業人士。）
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