Anthroposophic medicine is an extension of conventional medicine and aims to heal holistically through a full understanding of the human being. This is done by supporting an individual’s innate healing forces through unique remedies and treatments and thus bringing mind, body and spirit into balance.
An Anthroposophic doctor is a conventionally trained MD who after several years of post-graduate practice is then eligible to study and train in anthroposophic medicine. Anthroposophic Medicine was developed by scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner, PhD and Ita Wegman, MD in Switzerland in 1920, and is currently practiced across the globe.
Illness is not merely a random mechanical break-down. It occurs when there is an imbalance in the harmony of the various systems or life forces that make up a human being. And it does so for a purpose – “dis-ease” arises in order that we may be made aware of the need to heal. An Anthroposophic doctor will attempt to restore the balance using a variety of therapies and specially made remedies, as well as conventional drugs when necessary. Anthroposophic treatments may, among other things, include art, music, movement and massage therapies.
For example: let’s look at a common problem nowadays – a stomach ulcer. Remedies would be given as appropriate, natural or conventional. Massage could be employed to stimulate the life forces. Painting or other artistic therapies could be used to “open up” the feeling realm, as there is often a link between ulcers and closed- or inward-directed personalities. Lastly, counseling would engage the “ego.” An ulcer often indicates the need for a person to consider changes in lifestyle and attitudes.
A Wondrous Threefold System: the human being through a lens of three separate but intrinsically connected systems
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Nerve-sense system: this region is focused in the cold, still, quiet and hard head. Nerve tissue does not normally regenerate, grow or reproduce. These processes of life are halted and transformed to another level to serve our thinking consciousness. Our thoughts should grow logically from one to another, we are able to reproduce thoughts, and consciousness itself is a mysterious process of self maintenance. If this region overgrows the other regions, we have hardening, sclerotic illnesses and early aging.
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Metabolic and limb system: this region opposes the above. Movement and metabolism (inward physical movement and transformation of substance through nutrition), as well as reproduction are key. Inflammatory illnesses, conditions more associated with childhood occur when this region is too strong.
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Rhythmic system: this region is the mediator between the two above polar opposite regions. Breathing and circulation are the two processes with their foci in the lungs and heart.
Please visit the Physicians’ Association for Anthroposophic Medicine (PAAM) for more information.