Questions & Support

We’ve built this page to help you find clear answers; whether you’re exploring the clinic for the first time, returning after a break, or wondering what to expect next.

As a home-based practice working across time zones, we prefer contact via email. Please use the contact form below to ensure your message is received and not missed or marked as spam. Consultations are available via Zoom or international phone. For purchases, please email us and we’ll provide an invoice.

If you’re still unsure, scroll to the bottom for ways to reach out.

Erin and John Bumpus are located on the
Gold Coast, Queensland, AUSTRALIA.

Our current local time and date is:

Key Information

Getting Started

For prospective clients and general overview

  • Every human body relies on the same essential nutritional building blocks to function well, which means this approach can benefit almost anyone, from those looking to maintain good health to those addressing long-standing imbalances. This is not a condition-specific program; it focuses on meeting your body’s fundamental nutritional needs, supporting its self-regulating systems, and improving adaptability to everyday stress.

    To benefit from this work, you need to be open to taking appropriate nutritional supplements and making changes to your diet and lifestyle where needed. If you are unable to take any form of supplementation or are unwilling to adjust your daily habits, this program is unlikely to be the right fit for you.

  • We accept individuals and families who are ready to engage with structured, cycle-based care using HTMA, nutrition, and supplementation. Programs are available for adults and children aged 3 and over. Eligibility is based on model fit, not symptoms or diagnosis.

    See the How Our Programs Work Over Time and Program Structure & Inclusions pages for more detail.

  • We currently offer programs to clients living in:

    • Australia

    • New Zealand

    • United States

    • Canada

    • United Kingdom

    • Singapore

    We are not able to accept clients in countries where supplement access, customs restrictions, or scheduling barriers interfere with program delivery. If you live outside these regions, you may contact us to discuss your situation, but we cannot guarantee acceptance.

  • New clients must complete four cycles over 12–18 months as part of their Foundational Year, with HTMA retesting every 3–4 months. You must follow your Supplement Plan during each cycle and communicate if you need to pause or delay.

    See the How Our Programs Work Over Time page for more detail.

  • Each program cycle includes one HTMA, a one-on-one consultation, a personalised Supplement Plan, and adjustment support for the duration of your HTMA validity.

    See the Program Structure & Inclusions page for full details.

  • The Pathway Planning Session (PPS) is a standalone consultation used to assess clinical fit and recommend next steps. It does not include testing or supplement guidance and is required before beginning any program.

    See the Becoming a Client page for details.

  • Visit the Becoming a Client page to join the waitlist. We will contact you directly to offer an intake window and confirm if the timing works for you. If a place is available, you’ll be invited to book a PPS.

  • Yes. We recognise EMF sensitivity as a genuine concern and can work with clients who experience it, provided that basic program requirements can still be met. While all consultations are normally conducted online via Zoom, we can arrange for them to be held over the phone with no video if that is more comfortable. Where possible, we can also provide documents that you can download and print, so you do not need to read large amounts of text online. Email communication is still a core part of the program, so you will need access to email to receive updates, forms, and recommendations. If you are unsure whether this setup will work for you, we encourage you to discuss it during your Pathway Planning Session.

Payment and Admin

Clinic logistics and policies

  • The Pathway Planning Session (PPS) is paid at the time of booking through Stripe. It is a standalone session and does not make you an official client.

    If you decide to proceed with a program, a AUD $200 deposit per person is required to begin the testing process. The remaining balance is due when HTMA results are ready. After your first cycle, you may continue with the split payment option or choose to pay in full upfront.

    All invoices are issued by email unless payment is made at the time of booking in the case of the PPS.

  • A 10% discount may be available for clients who hold a valid concession card or are experiencing genuine financial hardship.

    In Australia, this typically includes:

    • Pensioners

    • Disability support recipients

    • Full-time carers

    • Students

    • Low-income earners with a government-issued Health Care Card

    Concession discounts apply only to Program Services, not to HTMA lab fees or the Pathway Planning Session (PPS). Concession pricing is not the same as a family discount and cannot be combined with it. If eligible for both, the family discount will usually offer a greater benefit.

    If you believe you may qualify, please let us know before your next invoice is issued so we can confirm both your eligibility and the appropriate discount.

    For more about the family discount, see our Family & Children Program Pricing page.

  • Program fees can be split into two parts: an initial deposit to begin testing, and the balance once results are received. This applies to each program cycle.

    We do not offer long-term payment plans or subscriptions. The PPS is always paid in full at the time of booking.

  • Our clinic policies for refunds, returns, and session cancellations are explained on the Refunds & Returns Policy page. This includes guidelines for PPS bookings, HTMA kit returns, and product or program cancellations.

  • At present, you cannot claim the hair tissue mineral analysis on Medicare. It may be possible to claim from private health funds, please check with your fund for more information. Some health funds offer rebates on non-specific health care items when recommended by a Medical Doctor.

  • Yes. John Bumpus is a Chartered Natural Medicine Practitioner and a Senior Fellow of the Society of Natural Therapies and Researchers (SNTR). He holds a Bachelor of Health Science from Quantum University and a Diploma in Nutritional Balancing from Westbrook University.

    For more, visit the About John page.

    You can also view the SNTR website here: https://sntr.com.au/

During your Program

For clients already in a program

  • Each Supplement Plan is based on current HTMA results and is intended to be used while those results remain valid. If you experience a delay, we recommend reaching out before starting, as your Plan may no longer reflect your current needs.

  • If you need to pause, you must let us know before your program cycle expires. Once your HTMA or Plan is no longer valid, you may need to begin a new cycle before continuing. If more than six months have passed since your last HTMA with no communication, your client status will lapse and you may need to reapply. Pausing is possible, but communication is essential to remain active.

  • You’ll receive a reminder when your current HTMA is nearing expiry. This includes guidance on when to retest and how to move into the next cycle. While we track the timing for you, you must confirm whether you plan to continue so your place in the clinic is maintained.

  • Yes. Short questions related to your current Supplement Plan can be supported during your program cycle, as long as your HTMA results and Plan are still valid. This includes questions about tolerance, substitutions, or product use. If your request falls outside the scope of your current Plan or requires deeper review, we may recommend a follow-up consultation.

  • Minor adjustments may be available during your current cycle for things like tolerance, affordability, or product availability. These requests must be made while your Plan is still valid and are handled as part of your program. To request a change, contact John directly using the client support email address provided when your HTMA results are issued.

  • We can adjust your Plan if you’re experiencing tolerance issues or need help with cost. You’ll be guided to pause, troubleshoot, or substitute products when appropriate. This is included in your program while your cycle is still active.

Returning or Reordering

For returning clients or those unsure of their status.

  • When your current HTMA is nearing expiry, we’ll email you to ask if you’d like to continue. If you choose to proceed, we’ll guide you through the next steps and issue your invoice manually. There is no automated checkout — each cycle is prepared and invoiced individually to ensure your program stays personalised and clinically appropriate.

  • Each program cycle includes two expiry dates: your HTMA expiry marks the end of Adjustment Support, and your Supplement Plan remains valid for one additional month. This overlap gives you time to retest and transition into your next cycle. Your Plan is not a general supplement routine — it is a time-based prescription designed to shift body chemistry. If you go beyond both expiry dates without retesting or review, continuing the Plan is no longer recommended.

  • If one month has passed since your Supplement Plan expiry and we haven’t heard from you, your client status will lapse and you will be considered inactive. This allows enough time for clients on longer cycles to stay within range, but communication is still required. If your status lapses, re-entry will depend on current clinic capacity and may not be guaranteed.

  • Your next step depends on how long it’s been since your last program cycle. If it’s been less than six months, you can usually resume with your Normal Retest Program. Between 6–11 months, extra consultation time may be required. After 12 months, a 90-minute consultation is needed, and after two years, you must reapply as a new client. Returning is not guaranteed and will depend on current clinic capacity at the time you reach out.

  • We do not generally offer HTMA as a standalone service. Our clinic uses HTMA as part of a structured program that includes interpretation, planning, and follow-up. However, a one-time HTMA-only request may be approved for existing or recently active clients, provided your last HTMA was within the past six months. This option includes the lab test only and does not include consultation, supplement guidance, or a new Plan. If approved, we recommend selecting Profile 2 to receive the lab’s automated interpretation.

Practical Topics

Questions about the Hair Sample

Questions about collecting and submitting your hair sample.

  • We’ve created a full visual guide with step-by-step instructions for collecting your sample. To view it, visit How to Cut a Hair Sample for HTMA on mineralbalancing.org.

  • Hair kits are not sent automatically, but we can post one to you on request. If you choose to request a kit, please note that this will add approximately 1–2 weeks to the overall timeline, depending on your location.
    Please email us for more information.

  • If you’re unable to provide a scalp hair sample, we’ll discuss your options during the Pathway Planning Session before proceeding. Scalp hair is required for all standard programs, as it’s the only source with reliable reference ranges. In rare exceptions, beard or underarm hair may be considered — but pubic hair is not accepted. Only one hair location may be used per sample, and electric clippers should not be used due to contamination risk.

  • The hair used for testing must be untreated. This means the sample should not be bleached, permed, or dyed. If all of your hair has been chemically treated, wait 6 to 8 weeks until enough new growth is available near the scalp. Most modern dyes no longer contain heavy metals, so in some cases a sample may still be acceptable — please contact us before collecting if you're unsure.

  • Certain shampoos and hair treatments can leave residue that interferes with results. Medicated products like Selsun Blue, Grecian Formula, and Head & Shoulders can introduce elements such as lead, selenium, or zinc. Water quality also matters — if your home uses a water softener or has hard water, shampoo your hair twice with unsoftened or distilled water before sampling. If you're regularly exposed to welding fumes, or industrial dust, please avoid these exposures between washing and sample collection to reduce external contamination.

  • Swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater can affect your hair sample by introducing external elements. This won’t prevent you from being tested, but it’s important to let John know before analysis so he can take it into account when reviewing your results.

  • Hair holds a stable record of your mineral levels, but it reflects the past, not the present. For example, a sample cut in April shows your body chemistry from roughly December to March — the time when that hair was growing. While the sample remains chemically stable if stored in a clean, dry paper envelope (never plastic or foil), the longer you wait to send it, the less it reflects your current status. For the most relevant results, collect and post your sample as close to the cut date as possible.

  • Once your hair sample arrives at the lab, it takes around 4 business days to process. This does not include postage time, which varies depending on your location.

    For clients outside the USA, we strongly recommend Express Post:

    • Express Post: ~2 weeks total (includes lab processing)

    • Regular Mail: May take up to 1 month

    If you request a hair kit, this may also add 1–2 weeks to the overall timeline. We'll notify you when your results are in.

Supplement Questions

Questions about how supplements are selected, adjusted, or used.

  • Yes. John will review any supplements you’re already taking and consider how they may affect your mineral levels and HTMA results. Some products can alter your patterns or work against the direction of your Plan. For example, B vitamins can raise sodium and may not be suitable for certain profiles. If you choose to continue a supplement that may interfere, that’s your decision — but it may affect your progress or the accuracy of future results. John will advise you of any concerns, but it’s up to you to decide whether to proceed.

  • John formulates each Supplement Plan using a range of brands selected for their quality, relevance to mineral patterns, and clinical goals. He no longer relies primarily on Endo-Met products but may include them when appropriate. Most supplements will be sourced through online dispensaries or direct ordering, based on what is available and accessible in your region. Product selection is always tailored to your individual needs and location.

  • Yes, we do recommend synthetic supplements when they are the best fit for your mineral patterns. The terms “natural” and “whole food” are often used in marketing but don’t always reflect the actual quality or suitability of a product. Most synthetic vitamins are chemically identical to their natural counterparts and offer more precision and predictability. In mineral balancing, the goal is to shift body chemistry, which can be difficult to do with food-based supplements that contain a mix of competing nutrients. Product choice is based on clinical need, not label claims.

  • Allergies are always taken seriously, and your Plan will be designed to avoid known allergens. If you experience symptoms while taking a supplement, the first step is to determine whether it's a true intolerance or part of a temporary healing reaction. If you’re unsure, reach out for guidance. John will help troubleshoot and adjust your Plan if needed, as long as your current cycle is still active.

  • We understand that today’s health landscape is full of competing opinions, from blogs and podcasts to influencers and AI. While questions are welcome, we don’t provide re-education or debate when recommendations are challenged based on outside content. John’s guidance is based on clinical experience, structured training, and a clear interpretation method. If our approach no longer aligns with your values, you're free to pause care. The InMB method is intended to be followed as a structured, long-term strategy, not adapted to match conflicting trends.

  • Yes, in most cases — but this depends on your country’s import rules and the products involved. If customs issues arise or something becomes unavailable, let us know and we’ll help you find a suitable substitute.

  • If your doctor starts, stops, or adjusts any medications, notify us right away. Your Supplement Plan may need to be updated to prevent interactions. Support can only continue if your medication details are current.

  • If you’re working with another practitioner, let us know before your Plan is prepared. We’ll assess whether their recommendations can be integrated. If they’re submitted after your Plan is issued, a rework fee may apply. Integration is not guaranteed.

Still need help?

Most questions are answered in the sections above. If you're an existing client, you're welcome to use the form below to get in touch.

General Enquiries – Read Before Contacting Us

  • Existing clients can use this form to reorder packages.

  • For general questions about mineral balancing, we invite you to visit mineralbalancing.org or join the Mineral Balancing Friends Facebook Group, where John contributes regularly.

  • Please note: HTMA testing is only available as part of a program package.

  • We do not accept guest article submissions, sponsored content, or SEO service pitches.

Notice: No SEO, Article Submissions, or Sponsored Enquiries

We do not accept SEO services, marketing offers, or sponsored content enquiries.
This is a health care practice — not a sales platform. We do not advertise, do not use external marketing agencies, and do not host a blog, so guest article submissions are not applicable.

We don’t promote our services because we don’t need to. Our clinic operates at full capacity through word of mouth, client results, and trusted community education.

Media or interview request?
If you're reaching out to invite John Bumpus as a guest speaker, please visit our official Media Kit on mineralbalancing.org for contact details and appearance information.

Unsolicited promotional enquiries will be marked as spam and ignored.
Thank you for respecting our time and values.

Phone enquiries: +64 [490] 195 – 692 (for existing clients only)
Please do not call for new client enquiries.