Traditional medicine has a role in treating heat injuries, says expert

He tells forum it could work with conventional medical treatments, but more research needed

- Chin Hui Shan

Traditional practices and conventional medical treatments could work together to help treat heat injuries, but more research is needed in this area, said an expert at a heat health conference on Jan 10.

Conventional treatments, such as ice bath and intravenous drip, may be needed immediately for acute onset of heat injuries.

But subsequently, traditional medical treatments, including acupuncture and cupping, can help a patient rehabilitate or prevent heat injuries.

"Conventional medicine and traditional medicine are not at loggerheads with each other — they simply need to put aside differences to understand and acknowledge each other's unique strengths and position themselves appropriately at different phases of recovery to bring about the most benefits," said Mr Brandon Yew, senior traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician at TCM clinic Real Health Medical.

He also noted that cultural and traditional beliefs and practices play a crucial role in many areas of South-east Asian communities due to their strong sense of culture and heritage.