Allopathic medicine - Definition and Overview

Advocates of homeopathy and other forms of alternative medicine often use the term allopathy or allopathic medicine to refer to mainstream, Western medicine.

The term allopathy was coined by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, who used it to refer to what he saw was a system of medication which combats disease by using remedies which produce effects that are different (hence Greek root allo- "different") from those of the disease being treated. He claimed his theory of homeopathy, which tries to mimic the symptoms (hence homeo-, "the same") was a more effective and humane alternative.

The term allopathy today is used most frequently (and incorrectly) in criticisms of modern medicine made by practitioners of alternative healing. However, standard medicine has never paid allegiance to an allopathic principle.

History of Allopathy

Practitioners of alternative medicine have used the term "allopathic medicine" to refer to the practice of "conventional" medicine in both Europe and America during and before the 19th century. In America, this was also referred to as regular medicine: that is, medicine that was practiced by the regulars. The practice of "conventional" medicine in both Europe and America during the 19th century is sometimes referred to as the age of heroic medicine.

See also

• Alternative medicine, Naturopathic Medicine

External links

• On the misuse of the term allopathy (http://www.ncahf.org/articles/a-b/allopathy.html)
• The Princeton Review - Allopathic Medicine (http://www.princetonreview.com/medical/research/articles/decide/allopathic.asp)