Australians are turning their backs on traditional medicine in favour of new-age treatments.

Acupuncture, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine and massage account for nearly 40 per cent of all medical consultations in Australia.

It is predicted alternative therapies will overtake conventional medicine within 10 years.

The Health Care and Insurance report is prepared by Melbourne-based TQA Research for the nation's top insurance agencies and federal and state health authorities.

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