199 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7LZ
Carlton Clinic
Private
Flat 1, Oakfield, 93 The Park, Cheltenham GL50 2RW
Camargue House, 32 Wellington Road, Cheltenham GL52 2AG
1 St Margaret's Road, St Margarets Terrace, Cheltenham GL50 4DT
St Paul's Medical Centre, 121 Swindon Road, Cheltenham GL50 4DP
Hands On Wellbeing - Acupuncture
Private
32 Portland Street, Cheltenham GL52 2PB
Synergy Osteopathic
Private
Leisure@Cheltenham, Tommy Taylors Lane, Cheltenham GL50 4RN
Complementary and alternative therapies
Complementary therapies — such as acupuncture, nutrition and dietetics, homeopathy and massage therapy — are used by some people alongside conventional healthcare. Regulation varies: registered dietitians are regulated by the HCPC, while many other complementary practitioners belong to voluntary registers and professional bodies (for example the British Acupuncture Council or BANT for nutritional therapists) rather than statutory regulators.
Using complementary therapies wisely
Complementary therapies are not a replacement for medical care. If you have a health condition, it is sensible to keep your GP informed and to continue any prescribed treatment. Tell your doctor and your therapist about everything you are using, as some supplements and treatments can interact with medicines.
What to look for
- Registration — membership of a recognised professional body or voluntary register.
- Clear information — honest descriptions of what a therapy involves, without claims to cure illness.
- Insurance and standards — appropriate professional indemnity and hygiene standards.
An informed choice
HealthWise lists complementary providers so you can find and compare them; it does not endorse any therapy or make claims about its effects. This page is information only and not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician about your health, especially before stopping or changing any treatment.
Last updated: 2026-07-22
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulation varies. Registered dietitians are regulated by the HCPC, while many complementary practitioners belong to voluntary registers and professional bodies — such as the British Acupuncture Council or BANT for nutritional therapists — rather than statutory regulators. Look for membership of a recognised body.
Some people do, but complementary therapies are not a replacement for medical care. Keep your GP informed, continue any prescribed treatment, and tell both your doctor and therapist about everything you are using, as some supplements can interact with medicines.
Look for membership of a recognised professional register, honest descriptions of what a therapy involves (without claims to cure illness), and appropriate professional insurance and hygiene standards.
HealthWise does not make claims about the effects of any therapy. If you have a health condition, speak to a qualified clinician — and never stop or change prescribed treatment without medical advice.