Similar names, different systems. Where each came from, how they differ, their legal status in India, and how to check what qualification a practitioner actually holds.
By Dr. Meenakshi Shriwas · BHMS · MD (Homoeopathy) · PhD (Homoeopathy) ·
Many patients assume "electro-homoeopathy" is a modern or electrical form of homoeopathy. It is not. The two are separate systems with different founders, different medicines and a different legal status in India. This article explains the difference factually, so you can make an informed choice.
Homoeopathy
Founder: Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, in the late 18th century.
Principle: the principle of similars, with individualised prescribing and potentised medicines.
Status in India: a recognised system of medicine under the Ministry of AYUSH. Education and practice are regulated by the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH). Practitioners qualify with the BHMS degree and register with their State Board or Council.
Founder: Count Cesare Mattei, in Italy, in the 1860s.
Approach: plant-based preparations made by its own methods and used according to its own theories. Despite the name, it does not involve electricity, and its principles are different from Hahnemann's homoeopathy.
Status in India: at the national level it has not been recognised as a system of medicine. In court proceedings in 2024, the Union Health Ministry stated that its Inter-Departmental Committee had found, in 2021, that there was insufficient scientific data on it. Rajasthan has a state law — the Rajasthan Electropathy System of Medicine Act, 2018 — that provides a state board for the system. Its practitioners are not registered homoeopathic physicians.
Principle: homoeopathy — similars and individualised prescribing; electro-homoeopathy — its own separate theories.
Degree: homoeopathy — BHMS (5½ years, admission via NEET), then MD and PhD; electro-homoeopathy — separate courses and certificates.
Regulation: homoeopathy — NCH and State Boards of Homoeopathy; electro-homoeopathy — no national recognition, separate arrangements in some states.
Why the difference matters to a patient
Qualification: a homoeopathic doctor holds a BHMS (and possibly MD/PhD) and a registration number with a State Board or Council of Homoeopathy. Electropathy courses and certificates are different qualifications.
Medicines: the products, preparation methods and labelling are different. Always know what you are taking.
Expectations: whichever practitioner you see, be cautious of promises of complete recovery, unlabelled medicines, or advice to stop prescribed treatment.
How to check
Ask any practitioner what their degree is and for their registration number, and which council they are registered with. See how to choose a qualified homoeopath.
Dr. Meenakshi Shriwas practises homoeopathy and holds BHMS, MD (Homoeopathy) and PhD (Homoeopathy).
Consult Dr. Meenakshi. In Udaipur: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 1 PM by appointment, and 6 PM – 9 PM walk-in with no appointment needed. Online consultations are available by video call or WhatsApp, with medicines couriered from the clinic.
No. Electro-homoeopathy was founded by Count Cesare Mattei in Italy in the 1860s and follows different principles and preparation methods. Homoeopathy was founded by Samuel Hahnemann.
At the national level it has not been recognised as a system of medicine; the Union Health Ministry has stated its committee found insufficient scientific data. Rajasthan has a state Electropathy Act (2018).
No. Despite the name, it uses plant-based preparations made by its own methods.
Ask for their degree (BHMS, MD, PhD in homoeopathy) and their registration number with the State Board or Council of Homoeopathy.
This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Homoeopathic treatment is individualised; responses vary from person to person and no specific outcome is promised or guaranteed. Continue any medication prescribed by your treating doctor, and seek urgent local medical care for any warning sign described above.