What Is the Difference Between an Osteopath & a Homeopath?

An osteopath is a physician who specializes treating the diseases of the muscles and skeletal structure of the human body. Homeopathic providers treat the person as a whole--not just the symptoms of disease--using natural remedies as opposed to medication.

Doctor of Osteopathy Training

• To become a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) you must complete four years of medical school and an additional 300 to 500 hours of study of the body's muscle and bone structure. DO's may specialize in a particular field of medicine just like a medical doctor.

Homeopath Training

• Some homeopathic practitioners are medical doctors who have received training in the practice of homeopathic medicine after medical school. You can become a homeopathic counselor by attending programs that are as short as a weekend or as long as a year long. Requirements and licensing laws for homeopaths vary from state to state.

What Can an Osteopath Do?

• A Doctor of Osteopathy is a licensed medical doctor who can prescribe medicine, diagnose illness and perform surgery. A DO uses a holistic approach to medicine which treats the whole person and not just the symptoms of a disease.

What Does a Homeopath Do?

• Unless a homeopath is a licensed medical doctor, they are not able to prescribe medication or perform surgery. Many homeopathic practitioners believe that stress on the body causes illness. They will treat the underlying stress in a person's life and prescribe herbal solutions in an attempt to find a cure. A homeopath also uses a holistic approach to the treatment of disease.

Where Do Osteopaths Work?

• Osteopaths practice medicine in doctor's offices and hospitals. An osteopath may open a clinic and practice medicine on their own.

Where Do Homeopaths Work?

• A homeopath may work in an alternative medicine clinic under the supervision of a medical doctor, or he may be affiliated with a health food store. Some homeopaths open counseling practices on their own.