Anthroposophic Medicine

Anthroposophic medicine focuses on the whole human being. It expands the usual view of the human organism in both its approach and in its research methods. Most of modern medicine focuses only on the physical-chemical laws that are primarily studied on a molecular-biological level. Anthroposophic medicine opens beyond that view, including observation of the patterns of vitality and growth in living organisms, as well as the individual activities of soul and spirit. Every illness affects a person on all these levels and, against this background, is an expression of the individuality of the patient, of a unique spiritual being, who then works with this destiny event in their own way. In anthroposophic medicine, these complex interrelationships are included in both the diagnosis and the therapeutic plan, in order to foster a salutogenetic (“health-creating”) approach.

Of course, all the treatment tools of modern medicine are used where necessary. Anthroposophic medicine expands and supplements these treatment options, however, with medicines that are extracted from the natural world. These include plant, mineral and animal preparations, which are produced using special pharmacy procedures. Care is also extended through nursing applications such as embrocations, compresses and wraps. Eurythmy therapy, rhythmical massage (and other body therapies), art therapies, psychotherapy and biography work also stand as important pillars of the therapeutic approach.

Anthroposophic medicine is used in various specialist disciplines such as oncology, cardiology, pediatrics, neurology and psychiatry. It is currently practiced in around 60 countries worldwide. In central Europe, there are several large anthroposophic hospitals, with associated specialist inpatient departments and outpatient clinics.

If you interested in more detailed information on anthroposophic medicine, we invite you to find out more about our core topics:

• Placing patients at the center of the therapeutic process
• Specialist work, professional networks and international coordination
• Phases in the development of anthroposophic medicine
• Watch a film to learn more about anthroposophic medical practice and its therapies 

It is not a matter of opposition to contemporary medicine, which works with the scientific principles and methods accepted today; we fully recognize its principles. [...] we add further insights, gained through other methods, to what can be known about the human being through today’s recognized scientific methods, and out of this extended insight into the world and the human being we find ourselves impelled to work also for an extension of the art of healing.

Rudolf Steiner, Ita Wegman  in: Fundamentals of Therapy: An Extension of the Art of Healing through Spiritual-Scientific Knowledge (1925)

Research in Anthroposophic Medicine serves to evaluate therapies and methods, understand mechanisms of action, assess effectiveness, safety, and cost-efficiency. Fundamental concepts, anthropological dimensions, and historical backgrounds are examined, as well as the perspectives of patients and healthcare providers. The assessment of benefits plays a crucial role (1). Additional research aspects include measuring the quality of care specific to Anthroposophic Medicine (2) and examining regulatory processes (3).

However, medicine consists of individual cases. Case reports hold significant value in anthroposophic research, providing relevant information that complements data from clinical studies. They often serve as the first presentation of discoveries, including new diseases and therapies, novel perspectives on pathogenesis, and innovative diagnostic procedures. Another important area is adverse effects, approximately 40% of which are identified through case reports (4).

The comprehensive presentation of our research areas and findings is currently being updated and will soon be available on the Anthromedics professional portal. A list of research institutes for anthroposophic medicine can already be found here.