The CNHC (Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council) is a register for natural health practitioners helping to give you confidence when you choose a naturopath, reflexologist, nutritionist etc…

The register was set up by the government in 2008 to help protect the public; this is the first and foremost goal for the CNHC over any interests of practitioners.

The register if voluntary, and practitioners can register under many complementary health disciplines such as hypnothery, naturopathy, nutritional therapy, massage therapy and more.

Setting standards of health practitioners

The CNHC sets high standards that members must follow to help protect the public. Members must be fully trained and insured to register with the CNHC. If members don’t meet the standards then they’ll be struck from the register.

To become a member of the register practitioners must have also completed an approved training course in their area of discipline. Or have achieved competency to the level of the National Occupational Standards for the discipline concerned by means of relevant experience of at least three years and relevant training and been assessed as having met those standards.

Utilised by major health organisations

Major UK health organisations recommend or require the use of CNHC-registered practitioners including

• Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
• Macmillan Cancer Care
• Mind
• Citizens Advice

And many more health charities and hospices.

Matching sanctions of healthcare regulators

The CNHC take complaints very seriously and investigates alleged breaches of their code of conduct, ethics and performance rules where necessary. The CNHC uses disciplinary sanctions similar to those of statutory healthcare regulators.

Advocating value of complementary healthcare providers

The CNHC operates independently from the government. It advocates for the use of complementary healthcare to enhance the UK’s health and wellbeing. The register also seeks to influence policy to improve access to the disciplines that their members practice.

How to search for a CNHC member

The CNHC has an online register where you can search for members in your area: Search the CNHC register.

Please note however if a therapist is not CNHC registered then this does not mean that they are not qualified or insured. But if they are registered you know that they have been independently verified as meeting certain standards for your safety and security.

So if you are looking for a natural health practitioner who practices in any of the following, and they mention that they are a member of the CNHC. You now know what that means.

• Microsystems
• Acupuncture
• Naturopathy
• Nutritional Therapy
• Reflexology
• Reiki
• Shiatsu
• Sports Therapy
• Sports Massage
• Yoga Therapy

Our practitioners with the CNHC

Our nutritionist Lucy Osborne is registered with the CNHC as a naturopath.