Your Practical Guide to Homeopathy in Hong Kong

What is the current regulation and registration situation in Hong Kong?

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. 

How does homeopathy work?

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. 

What conditions does homeopathy treat?

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: 

• Allergies
• Migraines and headaches
• Mental health conditions, such as depression, stress and anxiety
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Dermatitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cold and coughs
• Premenstrual syndrome

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.

Who can benefit from homeopathy?

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:

• It is not recommended to replace proven conventional medicine with homeopathic treatment. 
• Some of the homeopathic products can contain heavy metals like mercury or iron. Always consult with your healthcare provider about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions. 

How much does it cost to see a homeopath in Hong Kong?

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.  

List of homeopaths in Hong Kong

Does insurance cover consultations and treatments with homeopathy in Hong Kong?

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.