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With over 500 hundred million people using homeopathy around the world, you may wonder about the potential benefits that this alternative medicine could offer you.
Homeopathy is a complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) based on the use of highly diluted substances to allow the body to heal itself. The main principle of homeopathy is “like cures like”, meaning a substance that causes certain symptoms can innately help eradicate the same symptoms. The second principle is centered around processes such as dilution and succession which imply that the more a substance is diluted the more power it has to treat symptoms. Some of the main conditions treated by homeopathy include asthma, depression, stress, anxiety, ear infections, allergies, hay fever, dermatitis, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
Many government regulations do not recommend using homeopathy to treat health conditions due to the lack of scientific evidence suggesting that homeopathy is an effective practice to successfully prevent or treat diseases.
It is becoming increasingly common for clinics in Hong Kong to offer a broader range of services including allied health practitioners who use alternative medicine techniques such as Homeopaths.
In Hong Kong, Homeopathy is not regulated and does not require registration. However, the Hong Kong Association of Homeopathy (HKAH) was established in 2005 as a legally registered non-profit professional organization. Its purpose is to promote the concept of homeopathy in Hong Kong and support the establishment of a sound system of registration and regulation of homeopathy. All members registered with HKAH have to comply with the code of practice of the medical association.
Homeopathic medicine assumes that no two individuals battling the same illness can get the same treatment. Unlike conventional medicine that prescribes medicines, homeopaths tailor a special treatment depending on the patient’s mental, emotional and physical health.
Homeopathy is based on the idea that substances that produce symptoms in a healthy person can treat an illness with similar symptoms. For example, peeling a red onion makes you feel itchiness in the eyes and causes a runny nose. That’s why a homeopathic remedy Allium cepa, commonly known as onion, is used to cure sick patients during a cold. Other treatments are made from poison ivy, white arsenic, herbs etc.
Homeopaths dilute these ingredients by adding water or alcohol. To get a more powerful medicine, homeopaths try to use a lower dose of original substance. Final remedies come in a variety of forms, like tablets, gels, sugar pellets, liquid drops and cream.
Some people use homeopathy to maintain health while others use it to treat a wide range of long-term illnesses. Many practitioners believe it can help with any condition.
Here is the list of the most common conditions that people seek homeopathic treatment for:
It can also be used to treat minor issues such as bruises, scrapes, muscle strains or sprains. However, homeopathic treatment is not recommended for illnesses like asthma, cancer, heart disease or in emergencies.
Homeopathy helps people of all ages. It is incredibly effective for pregnant mothers and young babies as it deals with conditions and ailments experienced during pregnancy and early childhood. Homeopathy helps with constipation, pregnancy complications and the common conditions of babyhood like colic, teething, allergies.
Things to consider:
In Hong Kong the cost of a consultation with a homeopath varies greatly, depending among others on the location and facilities. Our research at Healthy Matters shows that the price for the first consultation ranges from $950 to $1,690 and for the follow-up consultation from $500 to $1,200.
* All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in July 2022. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.
Clinics
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Details
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Balance Health | Address: 2705, 27/F, Universal Trade Centre, 3-5 Arbuthnot Road, Central Tel: 2530 3315 |
HomeoCare HK | Address: Unit B & D, 17th Floor, Hart House, 12-14 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Tel: 6464 3584 |
Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) | Address: 13/F & 17/F Kailey Tower, 16 Stanley Street, Central Tel: 2523 7121 |
Maya Health Institute | Address: 1003 Lap Fai Building, 6-8 Pottinger Street, Central Tel: 3568 3135 |
The Round Clinic | Address: 12/F, 1227-28, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang Tel: 2648 2612 |
Vitality Centre | Address: 9th Floor, Li Dong Building, 9 Li Yuen Street East, Central Tel: 2537 1118 |
According to Alea, homeopathy consultation can be reimbursed under international plans where complementary medicine (alternative medicine) costs are included. The related expenses are always capped per claim. For local plans, costs associated with homeopathy consultation and treatments are not covered while costs for Chinese medicine, physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments are usually included. If you want to know more about insurance coverage of different health treatments, contact an expert at Alea at hello@alea.care.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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