Anthroposophic Treatments: Principles, Spectrum, Application

Anthroposophic medicine is still regarded as an ”alternative” form of treatment. Unfairly so, since it doesn't seek to replace conventional medicine, it is an extension of it, dealing not only with physical but adding soul and spirit. Founded in science, it draws on everything modern medicine has to offer in the way of useful findings, techniques and preparations. Moreover, approaching the individual from a spiritual science perspective means it also supplements the
above with various special forms of treatment. These include naturopathic medicines, modified physical and palliative treatments involving baths, compresses, bandages and special (rhythmic) massages, as well as artistic forms of treatment such as sculpture, drawing and painting, music therapy, elocution and eurythmy therapy.

The aim of all artistic forms of treatment is that the patient stimulates the internal healing processes of body and soul under guidance from the therapist. This proactive and creative approach often leads to a restoration of health. Getting actively to grips with clay, wood or stone, with colour, form, sound, language, and movement encourages new ways of perception, of hearing, seeing and feeling. Patients learn to appreciate the environment and the world within themselves from new and creative perspectives, which in turn help overcome physical illness and mental problems.

For this artistic treatment there is no need to possess certain talents. The idea is not to give a perfect recital or create the perfect drawing or sculpture. The focus is on experiencing the artistic process, one's own creativity and the dialogue this produces between the internal and external, between proximity and distance. Even those who consider themselves unmusical or lacking artistic talent can achieve this.

Frequently the enthusiasm for artistic forms of treatment grows as the individual becomes actively involved. Once any initial fear has been conquered, the realisation of just how liberating, uplifting and strengthening creative activity can be grows through the experience; in the long-term repetition of artistic pursuits many patients discover significant reserves of health, not to mention ways of coping with their ongoing existence.

Anthroposophic medicine, with its synthesis of natural and spiritual science, links the conventional pathogenic approach (focusing on the illness) to a salutogenetic medical perspective (focusing on health). This produces a holistic appreciation of health, illness and treatment – and that's exactly what modern humanity needs….

Published by Medical Section of the School of Spiritual Science, Goetheanum

https://medsektion-goetheanum.org/en/anthroposophic-medicine/what-is-anthroposophic-medicine