With over 250 forms of alternative medicine, it can be confusing to separate one system from another. The following are some distinctions that make homeopathic medicine unique: 

Ø   Homeopathic medicine is one of the older forms of alternative medicine with historical roots dating back to ancient Greece .  Homeopathy is the heir to the vitalist (empirical medicine) tradition of healing.

Ø   Homeopathic medicine is a complete system of healing unto itself.  Most forms of alternative medicine are treatment modalities without an underlying system. 

Ø    Homeopathic medicine is more firmly based on core principles that guide its treatment than other forms of alternative medicine.  Much of alternative medicine utilizes principles that are derived from conventional medicine. 

Ø   Homeopathic medicine is the third most common form of alternative medicine in the world today (behind herbal medicine and oriental medicine) and is said to be the fastest growing.

Ø   Homeopathic medicine is more well researched than most other forms of alternative medicine. 

Ø   Homeopathic medicine is more successful in treating acute conditions such as epidemic disease than most other forms of alternative medicine.  This was an important reason for its historical success. 

Ø   Homeopathic medicine are standardized in their preparations and better accepted by the FDA than medicines from other forms of alternative medicine.

Ø   Homeopathic practitioners spend more time with their patients and get to know them better than most other forms of alternative medicine.

Ø   Homeopathic medicine is one of the least expensive forms of alternative medicine.

Ø   Homeopathic medicine is one of the most holistic forms of alternative medicine.  It truly treats patients on all levels of their being.  Alternative medicine is often more symptom focused. 

Ø   Homeopathic medicine is a form of energy-medicine.  Many forms of alternative medicine are matter-based. 

Ø   Homeopathic medicine has a unique focus on the healing power of nature.

Ø   Homeopathic medicine has a unique focus on the principle that less is more. 

Ø   Homeopathic medicine is on the cutting edge of our understanding of life and the natural world.      

  (Information on this page is obtained by permission from AMCH)