Homeopathy vs naturopathy – what is the difference?
In the world of complementary health there are numerous approaches to healing and well-being. Two practices that are often confused due to their similar names are homeopathy and naturopathy. While both systems emphasize natural remedies and holistic health, they each have their own unique principles, methods and applications.
In this blogpost, I aim to provide an objective overview of the distinctions between naturopathy and homeopathy to help you better understand these two modalities. That said, I am a homeopath and not a naturopath. I have experienced naturopathy over the years, but have studied homeopathy.
This blog is not about indicating which modality is better, but is merely meant to help you understand, in simple terms, what some of the differences are.
There are differences between the two modalities, however it is worth noting they are also complementary with each other, so if you are seeing a naturopath, you may also consult a homeopath. Ideally you will keep both informed of what you are taking, since both focus on holistic care.
We’ll start of by examining the similarities between the two modalities, which will help understand why they can be confused when you are not familiar with one or the other modality:
- Holistic: both modalities take into the account the person as a whole – mind/emotions and body
- Individual approach: both modalities look at each client as an individual and any form of treatment is based on your particular situation.
- Philosophy: both modalities are underpinned by the concept that the body is capable of healing itself with the right support.
- Education: Homeopaths and Naturopaths both undergo rigorous tertiary education training.
- Safe and effective: both modalities are considered safe and effective.
- Complementary: both modalities are complementary, not alternative, and can work alongside conventional health practitioners.
Some of the differences between the two modalities include:
- Homeopathy comes from Homeo = same, pathy/pathos = suffering. Homeopathy focuses on the ‘Law of Similars’ also known as the principle of “Like Cures Like” – essentially the remedy selected will be one that would cause the symptoms of the disease to appear in a healthy person. When a person is sick, and the symptoms appear then the right remedy is able to be matched. It is not the disease that homeopathy cures, but rather it’s the imbalance caused by the disease in that person.
- Naturopathy comes from Naturo = nature, pathy/pathos = suffering. It focuses on disease prevention by keeping the body healthy through natural treatments and is based on the belief of the healing power of nature.
- Consultations: Both have a deep and holistic approach in their case taking, but they focus on the use of different methodologies to bring about changes. Homeopathy encompasses a broad range of homeopathic remedies and may include dietary recommendations but does not include supplements, flower essences, herbal remedies. Naturopathy encompasses a wide range of treatments such as supplements, herbal remedies and dietary recommendations.
- Naturopaths are more likely to prescribe a range of treatment methods, whereas a Homeopath will prescribe only homeopathic remedies.
- Homeopathy and its remedies are cost effective, and can have an impact in days, weeks or months. Naturopathy can be more expensive and usually requires longer term focus but can also have an impact in days, weeks or months.
In my experience the biggest confusion between homeopathy and naturopathy is that they believe we all use supplements, herbal remedies or similar, but few people are aware of the way homeopathic remedies are prepared, which is a fundamental difference.
Homeopathic remedies are made from natural substances derived from the plant, mineral, or animal kingdoms. They are prepared according to a system of ‘potentisation’ whereby the source material is serially diluted and succussed (shaken vigorously). The method of preparing homeopathy is very consistent and has remained the same since its discovery over 200 years ago. You will usually need very few homeopathic remedies to achieve your desired result. The time it takes depends very much on your personal situation.