INTEGRATIVE MEDICAL PRACTICE

ANTHROPOSOPHIC MEDICINE

Anthroposophic Medicine is a holistic system of medicine developed by Rudolf Steiner as an extension of conventional bio-medicine. It evolved out of Anthroposophy — a system of knowledge of the whole human being — formulated by Rudolf Steiner in the first quarter of the twentieth century. It is founded on the understanding of the human being as a living Body, Soul and Spirit, and on the exact description of these three aspects in health and illness. Health is seen in the healthy interaction of these members; ill-health in the disturbance of their equilibrium; and healing is brought about through the therapeutic substances or activities that will restore the balance.

Anthroposophic Medicine describes the correspondences and specific relationships that exist between the human being, the starry universe and the surrounding world of nature. Understanding the nature of the specific substances and forces within the mineral, plant and animal kingdoms enables these to be harnessed pharmaceutically and used rationally and individually in therapy. Understanding the nature of Soul and Spirit and their connection to the Body provides for the exploration of the psychospiritual dimensions in illness and healing. Illness can thereby be treated at a deep level. Transformation and self-empowerment is actively supported as part of the healing process.

Anthroposophic Medicine forms a broad medical framework into which other therapeutic systems such as homeopathy, naturopathy and acupuncture can be integrated.

Other therapies used in this integrated medical system to assist the healing process include therapies evolved out of Anthroposophy such as:

psychophonetic counselling,
art therapy,
therapeutic eurythmy,
nutritional therapy,
rhythmical massage,
and hydrotherapy

as well as other therapies derived from health disciplines such as:

homeopathy,
naturopathy,
phytotherapy,
acupuncture,
chiropractice,
craniosacral therapy,
aromatherapy and others.

Iscador mistletoe therapy is a cancer therapy developed out of Anthroposophic Medicine.