Allopathic (/əˌlɒpəˈθɪk/) is often misspelled as "alopathic" or "allapathic," but the correct spelling includes the first two letters "al-" from the Greek word "allos" meaning "other" or "opposite." This refers to the medical practice of using treatments that are different from the patient's symptoms. The "-pathic" ending comes from "pathos" meaning "disease" and refers to the treatment of a disease with drugs that produce effects different from those of the disease itself.
Allopathic is an adjective that refers to a conventional system of medicine that is practiced by licensed medical professionals, such as physicians. Allopathic medicine, also known as Western medicine or mainstream medicine, is based on the principles of diagnosis and treatment developed through scientific research and evidence-based practices.
The term "allopathic" comes from the Greek words "allos" meaning "other" and "pathos" meaning "suffering." It was coined by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, to contrast his system with the prevailing medical practices of his time. In this context, allopathic medicine refers to any system of medication that treats symptoms or diseases with substances that produce effects different from those caused by the disease itself.
Allopathic medicine encompasses a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, including conventional surgeries, medications, and other interventions. It focuses on the management of symptoms and the elimination or suppression of the disease process. Allopathic practitioners use drugs, surgery, radiation, and other interventions to address physical ailments and diseases.
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method, employing anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and other disciplines to understand the functioning of the human body and to develop treatments that target specific diseases or conditions. It often relies on pharmaceuticals, surgeries, and medical devices to cure or alleviate symptoms, aiming for the restoration of health. Allopathic medicine has a strong emphasis on scientific research, evidence-based practice, and clinical trials to validate treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Pertaining to allopathy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "allopathic" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "allos" meaning "other" or "opposite", and "pathos" meaning "suffering" or "disease". The term was coined in the early 19th century by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, who is also known as the founder of homeopathy. Hahnemann used the term "allopathy" to differentiate conventional medicine, which aims to treat diseases by using substances that produce different effects than the symptoms, from the principles of homeopathy. Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that "like cures like", meaning using highly diluted substances that would produce similar symptoms in healthy individuals to stimulate the body's natural healing process.