Isopathy is a type of alternative treatment that is closely related to homeopathy invented by Johann Joseph Wilhelm Lux in the early 1800s. The difference between isopathy and homeopathy is that isopathy used remedies that are made up from the cause of the disease or from things that the disease produces such as pus. These rememdies are called nosodes that are divided down into auto and sarcodes. Isopathy is similar to homeopathy in the sense that many homeopathic vaccines have elements of isopathy incorporated.

Giving remedies that consist whole or in part of the disease is not a traditional method according to homeopathy. The fact that the patient is given something that made them sick in the first place may seem strange to some. The product is highly potentized and altered in such a way as to not cause harm to the patient. It is in fact not exactly same as the disease but somewhat similar creating a nosode.

Critics argue that giving patients products that consist of similar characteristics of the disease that they are suffering from may be dangerous. After all, it is that very disease that they are trying to remedy. Treating like for like is not an entirely new term though, and has been used in traditional medical methods for decades. Antidotes are often found for diseases through examining the disease itself and using parts of it to create immunity or restoration.

Isopathy is considered an alternative form of treatment because it tries to stay as natural as possible using extracts from animals, plants and minerals much similar to homoeopathy. It is also considered alternative because of its lack of scientific knowledge or proof that in fact this type of treatment is beneficial. Alternative treatments have had a long and fruitful history in eastern countries and it is only now that we in the western world are opening our eyes to alternative medicine. It may be because we are tired of traditional medicine, want to try something more natural or simply because we have exhausted all of our options. Therefore alternative treatments such as isopathy are getting more and more recognition nowadays.

Typically one can go to a registered clinic and have isopathic treatment in much the same way as one would go to a local doctor or physician. The physicians though, have to be fully registered, licensed and practice under the correct governing body.