Antipathy, Isopathy, and Homeopathy
Written by Marilyn Freedman, HOM
© Marilyn Freedman
Throughout history, several ancient medical approaches have been used to treat illness. The three primary methods are antipathy, isopathy, and homeopathy.
Antipathy
“Anti” means opposite, and “pathy” means suffering—thus, antipathy means opposing suffering. Antipathic treatment involves applying remedies that are opposite to the symptoms of the disease. This approach aims to counteract or suppress the disease by creating conditions hostile to it. Antipathy forms the foundation of Western or conventional medicine, which often uses medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatories. While effective, these drugs can cause side effects, some of which may be addictive or toxic.
Isopathy
“Iso” means equal, and “pathy” means suffering—therefore, isopathy means equal to suffering. Isopathic treatment involves using the identical agent that causes the disease to cure it, based on the principle that “the cause is the cure.” This method dates back to at least 1000 BCE in China, where smallpox prevention involved applying material from active sores to healthy individuals. In 1797, Dr. Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine, following the publication of homeopathy by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in 1790. Vaccination is a modern application of isopathy. Isopathic treatments are also employed for snake bites.
Homeopathy
“Homeo” means similar, and “pathy” means suffering—thus, homeopathy means similar to suffering. Healing occurs by administering a substance that would produce similar symptoms in a healthy person. References to homeopathy appear in ancient texts such as the Bible and works by Hippocrates and Paracelsus. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann formalized homeopathy in 1796, creating a system of medicinal pharmacology that remains widely used today. According to homeopathic principles, a remedy that causes symptoms in a healthy individual can cure a sick person experiencing those same symptoms. Over 4,000 homeopathic medicines have been developed, many of which date back over 200 years. Homeopathy is unique as a truly holistic therapy, affecting the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels simultaneously. Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, non-toxic, non-addictive, and free from side effects.
The Crossover
Conventional medicine occasionally incorporates homeopathic principles, such as treating attention deficit disorders with amphetamines or using snake venom to treat snake bites. Isotherapy is also used within contemporary homeopathy; for example, remedies made from disease materials like chickenpox serve both as preventative measures and treatments. Unlike vaccines, these remedies are taken orally and contain no preservatives.
Homeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century
According to Health Canada, 71% of Canadians regularly use natural health products, including vitamins, minerals, herbal medicines, and homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy is one of the most widely used forms of herbal medicine worldwide. In 2008, countries such as Australia, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom spent millions of US dollars on homeopathic products, and in 2007, adults in the United States spent approximately 2.9 billion dollars on homeopathy. The World Health Organization recognizes homeopathy as the second largest system of medicine globally, with an estimated 500 million people receiving homeopathic treatment in 66 countries. The worldwide homeopathy market is valued at approximately RS 135 billion.