Much has been said about the effectiveness of homeopathy. Here is our take on the alternative treatment.
Dictionary definition
Developed by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the 1700s, homeopathy is an alternative medical practice based on the idea that the body has the ability to heal itself. It employs holistic methods of treatment based on the premise “like cures like”. This means that if a substance causes a symptom in a healthy person, giving the person a small amount of the same substance may cure the illness. In theory, a homeopathic dose enhances the body’s normal healing and self-regulatory processes.
What can homeopathy do?
Homeopathic remedies are commonly used as a preventive measure. But they are also used to treat allergies, long-term ailments such as diabetes, eczema and sinusitis, and minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, muscle strains and sprains. Because homeopathic remedies are natural and chemical-free, they are an alternative cure for common health problems.
Is this treatment for you?
There has been considerable debate over homeopathy, as critics believe its treatments have little to no effectiveness. Proponents of homeopathy have maintained that its remedies are less invasive and have a very low risk of adverse reaction when compared to prescription drugs. As a result, it has been used to treat ailments such as pain, skin flare-ups, fever, aches and chills, ear infections and diarrhoea.
Most treatments are available at pharmacies and supermarkets. These include pills and topical creams that contain extracts from ingredients like onions to treat the common cold and hay fever, poison ivy for sprains and strains, and belladonna for high fever.
Apart from going to the store, you can also consult homeopathy practitioners who will prescribe a safe, natural system of medicine. They believe it will restore overall balance, ease symptoms and promote good health.
However, if symptoms persist, it is always best to seek professional help. Tell your doctor that you have been using alternative therapy, or are thinking of combining it with conventional medical treatment.
Where can you find homeopathy practices in Singapore?
- Allwell Homeopathy & Wellness Clinic, 91 Lorong K Telok Kurau, Singapore 425724 (allswellhomeo.com)
- Satguru Homeopathy Clinic, 235 Yishun Street 21, #01-452, Singapore 760235 (satguruhomeopathy.com)
- Advance Homeopathic Clinic, 89 Short Street, #10-09 Golden Wall Centre, Singapore 188216 (singaporehomeopathy.com.sg)
