The cost of complementary therapies can range from several pounds per month to several hundred pounds per month. As such, it is important to get clarity on what the total ongoing costs are before making any decisions.
This post will help you understand what you can typically expect to pay for different complementary therapies in the UK. It will also highlight which therapies may be provided by the NHS, as well as other costs you may need to be aware of.
Although cost is clearly an important factor, it is also important to consider other non-financial factors when choosing a therapist.
How much do private complementary therapists charge?
Private treatment costs vary depending on your condition, type of therapy, experience of therapist and location. However, it generally falls in the range of £0.30-£1.50 per minute. This means that an initial consultation of 60 minutes will likely cost somewhere in the region of £30 to £150. That said, prices can be significantly more, especially in major cities.
The below table summarises typical costs for a selection of popular complementary therapies. It includes min and max costs per session as well as for a typical course of sessions. Please note these are only typical values and it is possible for prices to fall outside the ranges provided. There may also be other costs such as prescriptions which are not included.
| Min per session | Max per session | Min total cost | Max total cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acupressure Therapy | £40 | £100 | £240 | £600 | |
| Acupuncture Therapy | £25 | £150 | £125 | £1,500 | |
| Aromatherapy Treatment | £25 | £75 | £25 | £750 | |
| Ayurvedic Medicine | £30 | £60 | £30 | £480 | |
| Bowen Therapy | £35 | £65 | £105 | £390 | |
| Chiropractic Treatment | £30 | £80 | £90 | £960 | |
| Craniosacral Therapy | £50 | £100 | £50 | £800 | |
| Crystal Healing | £30 | £80 | £30 | £640 | |
| Emotional Freedom Technique | £35 | £150 | £35 | £1,500 | |
| Homeopathy | £30 | £125 | £60 | £250 | |
| Hypnotherapy Treatment | £40 | £100 | £80 | £800 | |
| Massage Therapy | £50 | £75 | £50 | £600 | |
| Naturopathy | £40 | £90 | £40 | £720 | |
| Nutritional Therapy | £75 | £300 | £75 | £2,400 | |
| Osteopathy Treatment | £35 | £60 | £35 | £480 | |
| Physiotherapy | £25 | £100 | £25 | £800 | |
| Podiatry Treatment | £55 | £110 | £55 | £880 | |
| Reflexology | £25 | £80 | £25 | £640 | |
| Reiki Healing | £30 | £120 | £30 | £960 | |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine | £30 | £80 | £30 | £640 | |
| Western Herbal Medicine | £30 | £110 | £30 | £880 | |
| Yoga Therapy | £30 | £60 | £30 | £480 |
Which complementary therapies are provided for free by the NHS?
Unfortunately, the NHS has limited provision for holistic therapies. Of the therapies which may be covered under certain instances such as acupuncture, chiropody and osteopathy there is often limited availability and many therapists may work largely on a private basis.
We advise that you speak with your GP, clinic or hospital to see whether you can undergo holistic treatment on the NHS in your area. In some instances, you may be able to receive a full course of free treatments. In others, you may be able to receive a set number of treatments for free and pay only for any additional ones you require. You may also be able to access cheaper rates, so it’s always worth asking.
Are complementary therapies covered by health insurance?
Some health insurers may provide some cover for complementary therapists such as acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy and homeopathy. As such, it is worth asking them before committing to your first session.
What other costs do I need to be aware of?
It is worth noting that additional costs may also be incurred for any prescribed medication including herbal remedies, vitamins and dietary supplements which are fairly commonplace with therapies such as Western Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine and Homeopathy. Once again, we recommend getting full visibility on costs as early in the process as possible.
What are available payment options?
A variety of payments options may be available. Many therapists / practitioners will accept a combination of payments through cash, card and bank transfers. Some practitioners may also offer payment discounts if you agree to schedule and / or pay for a series of sessions in advance. It is worth exploring this possibility with your therapist during before or during your initial consultation.
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