Anthroposophic Medicine is an integrative multimodal treatment system (IVAA International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations, Anthroposophic medicine UK). It is an extension of conventional medicine broadened to incorporate a holistic approach to health and illness.
Anthroposophic Medicine is available in 80 countries worldwide. In mainland Europe, and in particular in Switzerland and Germany, it is provided in large hospitals in addition to clinics. Anthroposophic Medicine integrates both mainstream as well as natural remedies, a wide range of therapies and nursing care. The holistic understanding of nature and the human being underpinning Anthroposophic Medicine is based on Anthroposophy developed by Rudolf Steiner (1861-25) and further applied to medicine in collaboration with Dr Ita Wegman, MD (1876-1943).
Anthroposophic Community Hospital Herdecke, Germany.
The hospital provides district general services to the local population of Greater Herdecke/North Rhine Westphalia area. It provides acute and outpatient services including urgent emergency and intensive care with 17 medical specialties for inpatient care and 530 beds across the hospital.
In addition to our physical body and psyche/cognition anthroposophy also identifies two more entities: a source of vital forces, or life energy, that keep us alive and maintains both physical and mental processes – similar to the concept of chi in Traditional Chinese Medicine – as well as the human “I”, or our individuality. All four levels interact with each other. Further to this is the concept in Anthroposophic Medicine of the interactive interplay of three subsystems: the nervous-sensory system, the motor-metabolic system – both being polar opposites of each other – and the mediating rhythmic system between them, found in the breathing and circulatory organs.
In Anthroposophic Medicine disease is not exclusively understood as physical pathology but is also considered as an opportunity for individual reflective practise and personal development. Health difficulties of any kind, be it mental or physical, can be seen as an imbalance within the above-mentioned systems of body, life, mind and individuality. This imbalance can also show in creative processes and be worked with; thus, artistic activity can help transform and rebalance.
The spiritual in Anthroposophic Therapeutic Arts is of profound relevance. The arts and spirituality have always been intertwined, as art is the truest expression of the indescribable. Through art we can attune to both ourselves and feel part of a greater whole. We can use art to explore, find meaning, express ourselves and/or create something unique. Art is understood to be an intrinsic human ability and need that can ignite insights and new perspectives, assist in stimulating self-healing forces and resilience. Visual arts, music, speech and singing are all applied therapeutically (ICAAT International Coordination of Anthroposophic Arts Therapies). The various artistic modalities have shown to bring and hold different properties and benefits.
Camphill Medical Practice, Aberdeen.
A practice that combines NHS services with services from the medical charity Camphill Wellbeing Trust that provides Anthroposophic medicine and therapies.
The concept is to work therapeutically on an entirely artistic level. No previous knowledge or experience in any of the modalities is required. In a safe and contained space, the client is encouraged and supported to explore the artistic modality and express their emotions, feelings, needs and life situations artistically. Client and therapist consider these creative expressions together. The artistic processes can also be used as a tool to identify life challenges. Through working with these tendencies, a new equilibrium can be reached. The role of the therapist is to accompany and support the client through their creative journey. The therapist may suggest specific creative exercises with the aim to benefit the client in improving their health situation.
St Luke's Therapy Centre, Stroud.
A highly experienced team of GPs in private practice and therapeutic practitioners, that offer both anthroposophic and holistic medicine.
The Art Room at St Luke's.
The therapeutic arts can foster deep inner experiences that can help nurture individual development. The client may then become more open to discover new perspectives and to find a greater meaning in life. Personal answers can be found in an unintentional, and sometimes playful, way and existing questions have the chance to be reframed. Long-term observations have shown that even after years following treatment health continued to improve.
