Anthroposophic medicine, health and social care

Anthroposophic Medicine

What is Anthroposophic Medicine?

Anthroposophic medicine is a holistic approach to medicine. It is an extension of orthodox medical practice, rather than an alternative. Founded in the 1920s by Rudolf Steiner and Dr Ita Wegman anthroposophic medicine focuses on strengthening the patient's organism and individuality. The recognition of the self-determination, autonomy and dignity of patients is central to the success of anthroposophic medicine. 

Anthroposophic medicine is an integral system that broadens the scope of conventional medicine by the addition of diagnostic aspects and methods of treatment derived from anthroposophy. Rather than being an alternative form of medicine it is an extension of conventional medicine.

In addition to the tools used in conventional medicine anthroposophic medicine provides further therapeutic applications. These additional tools include treatment with medicines, but also:

  • various therapies such as art, music, singing and therapeutic speech
  • physiotherapy and massage
  • counselling
  • curative education and social therapy 
  • eurythmy therapy

Anthroposophy can be regarded as a tool for advancing our understanding of the human being, taking into account that the human being

  • has a body, soul and spirit   
  • is related to the surrounding world
  • has a biography
  • is a social being and
  • has the possibility for continuous development

Out of these aspects anthroposophy has consequences for medical thinking - both in diagnosis and therapy. 

A well known application of anthroposophy in society, related to medicine, is the work with people with learning disabilities all over Europe. Here the anthroposophic approach aims to see beyond learning difficulties to the individual with his full human dignity, rather than focusing solely on particular disabilities. This special approach towards these people is known as curative education and social therapy, and has become famous all over the world.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Anthroposophy was developed by the Austrian doctor of philosophy and scientist Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). Together with the Dutch physician Dr Ita Wegman MD (1876-1943) Rudolf Steiner lay the foundations of anthroposophic medicine. In 1921 the first anthroposophic hospital was founded in Arlesheim, Switzerland. Close to the hospital a pharmaceutical laboratory was established for professional pharmaceutical manufacturing of the anthroposophic medical products, which the anthroposophic doctors needed for the treatment of their patients.

INTERNATIONAL OVERVIEW
Today there are about 2,000 trained anthroposophic doctors, who are members of national associations of anthroposophic doctors which come under the umbrella of the International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations (IVAA).

Based on the number of prescriptions, it has been estimated that anthroposophic medicinal products are prescribed by more than 30,000 physicians in 18 of the 27 EU member states, as well as in Norway, Switzerland, and some 65 countries worldwide.
 
Anthroposophic medicine is integrated in general and specialised public healthcare in several countries and is used in the context of all illnesses, for both minor and major indications.

Anthroposophic hospitals include:

  • university teaching hospitals
  • other hospitals integrated into public basic health care and emergency care
  • departments for anthroposophic medicine in public hospitals and
  • clinics for special disorders

Anthroposophic medicine is increasingly recognised in the academic world and taught at medical schools in several EU Member states. Teaching is integrated into the basic medical education, part of special courses or provided in singular courses.
There are several research centres for anthroposophic medicine in Germany, Holland and Switzerland. The Institute of Complementary Medicine KIKOM, Bern, Switzerland also provides a professorship for anthroposophic medicine.
  
High standards of professionalism in anthroposophic health care is achieved through guidelines for training and practice for anthroposophic physicians.  
In addition to the basic training at medical schools the special training in anthroposophic medicine consists of theoretical courses for 2-3 years, followed by periods of mentorship within institutions authorised by the national doctors' associations, and case presentations. 
The international community of anthroposophic physicians has agreed on minimal requirements for high standard medical services summarized in “Guidelines for Good Professional Practice in Anthroposophic Medicine”. 

Conclusions

Anthroposophic medicine offers:

  • a highly individualised approach to the patient, which puts symptoms or illness in the context of the body-soul-mind constellation within the social and biographical situation
  • a western integrative medical system, which is thoroughly founded on modern medical diagnostics and treatments
  • additional medical treatments in all field of medicine including intensive care medicine
  • special tools in the treatment of chronic and long-term diseases and
  • additional approaches for the treatment and rehabilitation of those with learning difficulties and mental illness

Anthroposophic medicine educates the patient to take initiative with regard to their own health, to participate actively in the healing process and to develop a healthy lifestyle. The patient is encouraged to embark on a path of continuous self development.