We have some good news for those of you who miss out on private health rebates for Shiatsu, Naturopathy, Western Herbalism, Yoga and Pilates!

From the Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia (S.T.A.A):

“New government review

The Minister for Health has announced details of an updated review of natural therapies, to be led by the Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, supported by the Natural Therapies Review Expert Advisory Panel.
This Panel will review any additional evidence of clinical effectiveness of shiatsu published since the 2014-15 review or high quality evidence not included in the 2014-15 review. This includes research in other languages.
Shiatsu will be reviewed within the first ‘tranche’, commencing mid-August. Other therapies to be reviewed at this time are naturopathy, western herbalism, yoga, tai chi and pilates.
We hope a favourable outcome will lead to the reinstatement of shiatsu rebates; and more importantly, restore and reinforce the good name of shiatsu in the community.”

What you can do:

1. Contact your private health fund and request they reinstall shiatsu, naturopathy, western herbalism, yoga and pilates benefits. See Call to Action.

2. Sign S.T.A.A.’s petition and encourage your friends, peers and family (who agree) to sign. S.T.A.A. will submit this as supplementary to the research and evidence of the national Shiatsu community support.

The collective voice from natural therapies practitioners, clients and the public has made a difference with this issue. All practitioners are encouraged to continue to inform clients and lobby for the restoration of shiatsu to private health funds.”

Make your voice heard!!