Discover the benefits of being involved with the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) with Executive Officer Jim Olds.
Q: What is the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)?
A: The Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) is Australia’s largest democratic association of natural therapy practitioners. ANTA is a historic, trusted association of highly skilled practitioners, qualified in traditional and natural therapies. The modalities that ANTA recognises are:
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Homeopathy
- Myotherapy
- Naturopathy
- Nutritional Medicine
- Oriental Remedial Therapy
- Remedial Massage Therapy
- Shiatsu
- Western Herbal Medicine
Q: ANTA represents thousands of natural therapists in modalities from acupuncture to Nutritional Medicine, herbal medicine and remedial massage. What are the benefits of having a membership with ANTA?
A: When you join ANTA, your professional accreditation will become nationally recognised, and you will have the opportunity to grow your practice. Becoming an ANTA Member has many benefits including:
- Recognition by over 50 Health Funds (if a applicable modality)
- Free advertising for your services via ANTA’s Practitioner Directory
- Free subscription to scientific resources including IMgateway and eMIMS
- Free subscription to ANTA’s The Natural Therapist Journal (published quarterly)
- Free annual seminars held around Australia
- Free support from highly trained staff via phone or email
- Opportunity to win Student Bursary Awards as a Student Member
- Opportunity to win Graduate Award upon completion and membership upgrade
- Plus much more!
Q: What advice do you have for anyone who is interested in a career in the natural health industry?
A: I would suggest the following:
- Be clear that you are preparing the become a Health Worker/People Helper: Decide which Modality you are passionate about. For example, Nutritional Medicine/Clinical Nutrition, Naturopathy, Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine or Myotherapy.
- Commit to train thoroughly with a reputable College, ie Naturopathy and Acupuncture are four-year full-time training programs, whereas Myotherapy and Nutritional Medicine are three-year full-time training programs both at higher education levels.
Q: What are your predictions on the future of the natural health industry?
A: Natural health is on the rise, considering obesity and sedentary lifestyle are at the highest levels in the history of Australia/Western industrialised countries, diabetes and musculoskeletal conditions are at an all-time high because of fast foods and overuse of personal media devices, convenient transport obviating the need to walk, cycle or use other forms of exercise.
Bariatrics, the science of weight control and resolving overweight and obesity, is becoming a medical speciality, naturopaths, nutritionists and myotherapists (and their predecessors) have been consulting, treating and supporting populations in the restoration to ideal body weight and improved fitness levels for optimum health through ANTA Therapists since 1955.
It is more important than ever to address the largely forgotten components of healthful living: traditional health and wellness training in Ayurveda/Yoga/Meditation and Traditional Chinese Medicine/Tai Chi/Qi Gong exercise encompass healthful eating and daily exercise habits that haven been shown to work for people around the world prepared to dedicate some time to achieving/restoring personal health and wellness.
Q: What’s next for ANTA?
A: ANTA has positioned itself to strengthen, promote and protect Natural and Traditional Medicine, Fitness and Exercise training and practice through its existing, state of the art promotional and member management systems. ANTA is looking forward to supporting and working with Training Organisations and Higher Education Colleges to ensure training and professional standards are maintained to provide safety, quality, clinically efficacious and cost effectives therapies for all of Australia.
For more information about ANTA, visit australiannaturaltherapistsassociation.com.au.
