General:
Anthroposophically extended medicine is a human-centered approach to health and healing that recognizes the non-physical (spiritual, emotional, creative, and vital energy or life force) components to reality within each human being and underlying all of the natural world. Practiced by fully trained medical doctors and other medical professionals, it acknowledges and works with all the information acquired through contemporary science and “normal” allopathic medicine, integrating this with knowledge derived from a spiritual and holistic understanding of the whole human being. It takes into consideration the fact that what can be learned through natural science, through the accepted study of medicine, is not all that there is to life, to a human being, or to medicine.
As reported in the comprehensive Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office study published in 2006, Anthroposophic Medicine, effectiveness, utility, costs and safety, in anthroposophic medicine there is a different focus with themes of self-determination, autonomy and dignity of the patient, and helping people to help themselves. The stimulation of self-healing is intended and self-responsibility is addressed. Therapy and healing do not merely imply the restoration to a former healthy condition, but an inner strengthening of the organism and of the individuality. All substances and methods used therapeutically should aid this process rather than seeking merely to eliminate or block a pathological situation, even at the expense of adversely affecting or harming the (human) organism as is frequently found with standard allopathic medications.
History:
Anthroposophic medicine is one of the important complimentary medical disciplines in Central Europe. It was developed by Dr. Rudolf Steiner, working together with medical doctor Ita Wegman, in the early 1920’s in Switzerland. There are now hospitals and clinics throughout Europe that are based on working with these principles, and anthroposophical medicine is practiced by many hundreds of doctors in 80 countries worldwide.
Medicines and therapies:
Many unique and effective medicines have been developed out of anthroposophic medicine, utilizing substances from the mineral, plant and animal worlds, often as homeopathic or herbal preparations, to stimulate and support the body’s own natural healing capacity. These are used together with other natural remedies and supplements, dietary and lifestyle changes, and one or more of the complementary therapies that have evolved with and out of the anthroposophical medical approach.
These anthroposophic therapies are also available at or near the Ita Wegman Family Health Center including oil dispersion baths, therapeutic eurythmy, rhythmical massage, art (painting, color, sculpture and woodworking) therapy, music therapy and others. Working with anthroposophical medicine means finding the interventions in the natural, artistic and therapeutic world, that can restore balance or heal insults to the body, soul or spirit, in a productive, developmentally and organically correct way.
The plan:
A comprehensive holistic integrative approach to health and healing is developed with and for each individual patient. This often allows for a sensible reduction in allopathic medications, utilizing a more natural approach to overcome illness and achieve wellness rather than merely focusing on treating or suppressing symptoms and pathological findings. However, such a plan actually requires work and involvement. The patient (or parent) has to be interested in pursuing something besides a “quick fix.” Taking natural medicines, engaging in therapeutic activities, changing what one is eating, processing the things we still need to work on… all takes time and work, and this work is necessary to create positive change and improve balance and health.
Although acute situations may at times require an acute allopathic intervention (such as an antibiotic), effective help for illnesses that antibiotics and other drugs won’t touch (such as viral illnesses) can often be found among the natural anthroposophical homeopathic preparations and healing methods. Both options are addressed in the Thurs. Walk-In Hour (for single acute medical problems).
Article: Feature article in healthy living about 2 anthroposophic physicians, Dr Scharff and Dr Hertle.
Blotcher, Jay, 2006. ‘Body & Soul,’ healthy living, SPRING and SUMMER 06, pp 28-31. Anthroposophic medicine, largely unknown, trains MDs to heal the whole person.