HomeHealth articleshomeopathyWhat Is the Difference Between Homeopathy and Allopathy?

Homeopathy and allopathy are two totally different sciences. For more information about the difference between homeopathy and allopathy, read the article below.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At August 20, 2018
Reviewed AtAugust 1, 2023

Introduction:

Homeopathy and allopathy are two different branches of medical science. Both focus on the same goal, which is to treat the disease, but both use different ways of treating it. Usually, there is a perception that some diseases are cured best by homeopathy, and some are with allopathy. However, this is not true. Both of them can cure all types of diseases but with different approaches.

What Is Homeopathy?

In the word homeopathy, homeo means same, and pathy means suffering, which means “similar suffering”. Therefore, homeopathy literally translates to "similar suffering." The concept behind the treatment modality of homeopathy is that a substance that causes particular symptoms can also serve to relieve those symptoms.

The basis of homeopathy is the idea that by diluting the same drugs, they can be used to treat similar symptoms that have distinct root causes. In addition, homeopathic doctors believe that the more a substance is diluted, the more effective it is at treating symptoms.

Homeopathic remedies are known for increasing the immune system rather than going after microorganisms to fight disease-causing causes. Homeopathic medicines can improve the patient's psychological, emotional, and physical well-being, which is a crucial component of treatment and strengthens the body's immunity.

What Is Allopathy?

Unlike homeopathy, which focuses on the root cause of the disease rather than symptoms, allopathy focuses on treating the symptoms of the disease instead of the root cause. Allopathic treatment targets the body’s immunity system to relieve the symptoms. The word allopathic is derived from the Greek “allos,” which means opposite, and the word “pathos” meaning “to suffer.” Therefore, allopathy means correcting symptoms with its opposite.

Allopathic medicines can cure a variety of diseases. The most common medicines used in allopathy are listed below:

Allopathic medicines also replace deficiencies of some of the hormones of the body, such as:

  • Insulin.

  • Thyroid hormone.

  • Estrogen.

  • Testosterone.

In addition, allopathy includes treatment by surgical methods and radiation therapy. Preventive care is also included in this branch of medical science, like vaccinations and prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of infections post-surgical procedures.

How Are Diseases Treated Using Allopathy and Homeopathy?

  1. Homeopathic medicines are believed to be the opposite of allopathic medicines because it works on the concept that whatever has caused the illness in the first place can also become the solution for the treatment. In contrast to allopathy, it uses small dosages of diluted substances.
  2. Allopathy medicines include drugs and surgeries to treat the disease; however, homeopathy improves the body's response to the disease to cure it.
  3. In allopathy, the particular affected organ or body part is targeted and associated with the risk and side effects. There are chances of the spread of infection to the surrounding tissues. On the contrary, homeopathic treatment is not associated with any risks or side effects. In addition, homeopathic treatment focuses on treating the whole body and is not restricted to treating the affected body part only.
  4. The homeopathic practitioner gives a very low dosage of medicines to boost immunity which then fights the disease. In addition, the person who is suffering from any disease is exposed to other similar diseases in a weaker form to help the immune system develop antibodies to fight the disease.
  5. There is a difference in the preparation of medicines in homeopathic and allopathic treatment. Homeopathic medicines undergo repeated dilution and shaking, known as potentisation. The practitioner believes that this potentisation can boost the body's natural defense and healing.

What Are the Importance of Homeopathic and Allopathic Treatment?

  • Homeopathic treatment depends on the case in which disease diagnosis has comparatively less importance than the person's individuality. Therefore, a well-taken case history is very necessary for homeopathy. Still, there are so many homeopaths treating it like allopathy, but both treatment modalities have different principles, rules, and outcomes.
  • Both of them have some advantages and disadvantages. The difference is that both have their own role in the well-being of patients. However, if an individual is taking homeopathic treatment, one should know the basic concept of homeopathy. Many people prefer to self-medicate with the help of the internet or books and suggest their medicines to others. However, this is not beneficial for patients. Therefore, patients should understand that homeopathy is totally different from other fields of medicine like allopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, etc.
  • Every field of medicine is different, and homeopathy is a complete science in itself. The major difference in homeopathy is that there is no need for a "material dose." One of the fundamental principles is the "law of the minimum," which means there is no need to take a bag full of medicines throughout life.
  • An individual just needs the correctly chosen medicine after a well-taken case history with a minimum dose and in the simplest form. There are so many examples of successful treatment which are no less than any miracle by itself. Many long-standing chronic diseases of many years have been treated with a single dose of homeopathy.
  • On the contrary, allopathic medicines can not cure chronic diseases like blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, etc., but they treat the diseases by controlling the symptoms with medicines. In addition, medicines for treating chronic diseases possess side effects. To treat the side effects, another medication has to be taken. However, allopathic medicines cure the symptoms instantly; for example, a running nose can be instantly stopped by taking Levocetirizine medicine.

Conclusion:

Homeopathy and allopathy are effective in treating various illnesses. Both treatment modalities have their own advantages and disadvantages, and both work on different principles for treating illness. Individuals can choose any of them and should be aware of their mechanism of action for treating illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Which Is Safer - Homeopathy or Allopathy?

Homeopathic treatment is considered safe as it does not cause any adverse reaction in the body. Instead, homeopathic medicines are given in highly diluted doses, and therefore they do not interact with conventional drugs through their pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. As a result of this, they both can be used together.

2.

How Do You Decide Between Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Ayurveda?

Homeopathy is the best treatment as compared to allopathy or ayurveda in terms of safe and sound treatment. Homeopathy has no side effects; allopathy aims to cure diseases, and ayurveda takes multiple sessions or a long term to cure the disease.

3.

Are There Any Side Effects of Homeopathy?

The adverse side effects of homeopathy compared to other medicines are very low. Homeopathic medicines are usually safe, but some homeopathic medicines may cause adverse effects, and they may react with other medicines.

4.

What Are the Diseases That Are Treated by Homeopathy?

The diseases which are treated by homeopathy include:
- Asthma.
- Hay fever.
- Ear infections.
- Depression.
- Stress.
- Anxiety.
- Allergies.
- Arthritis.
- Dermatitis.
- High blood pressure.

5.

How Does Homeopathy Work?

Homeopathy works by the curative response and an aggravation.
- Curative Response - Symptoms will get improved without causing any complications.
- An Aggravation - Sometimes, the symptoms will worsen temporarily. But they are short-lived, which is a good sign that homeopathy medicine is working.

6.

What Are the Advantages of Homeopathy?

The advantages of homeopathy include the following:
- Effective and fast acting.
- Helps build resistance.
- Scientific and natural medicine.
- Homeopathy is safe for everyone.

7.

Does Homeopathy Have a Chance of Replacing Allopathy?

Yes, you can replace homeopathy with allopathy. If someone is taking allopathic medicine for a long time, it is not advised to stop immediately. Your homeopathic doctor will recommend you take homeopathic treatment along with allopathic treatment.

8.

How Long Does It Take for Homeopathic Medicines to Work?

Homeopathy works from three minutes to three weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. The average time for homeopathic medicine to work is seven to ten days, which aggravates the symptoms initially and is followed by the cure of the disease.

9.

Is It Safe to Drink Water After Taking Homeopathic Medicine?

Homeopathy holds the concept of the “half an hour” rule. You are not supposed to drink water before or after taking medicine. It starts working from the nerve endings in the mouth, and it is recommended to stay in contact with the linings of the mouth.

10.

What Are the Effects of Homeopathy on Kidneys?

Homeopathy does not have any adverse effects on the kidneys. Homeopathy is an effective method of treating chronic kidney disease. It works on kidney patients by controlling creatinine levels.

11.

What Are the Drawbacks of Homeopathic Medicine?

Homeopathic medicines cannot cure certain diseases which, includes:
- Diseases from genetic abnormalities.
- Diseases from nutritional deficiency.
- Diseases that need medical intervention.

12.

How Long Does the Homeopathic Treatment Last?

Homeopathy treats the root cause of most diseases. However, some diseases cannot be treated by using homeopathic treatment. But it provides a permanent cure for most ailments.
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Dr. Kavita Rajput
Dr. Kavita Rajput

Homeopathy

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