What is Anthroposophic Medicine?

Anthroposophic medicine is an approach to medical practice rooted in the anthroposophic philosophy developed and promoted by Austrian Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century. It is holistic in nature, viewing the body as a whole rather than examining medical conditions as isolated issues, and integrating concepts from psychology and spirituality as well. Practitioners must have medical degrees in order to work, receiving additional training in anthroposophic medicine after they successfully graduate from medical school.

This approach to medicine developed in the 1920s. Adherents believe that the body has three interconnected systems, the rhythmic, metabolic-limb, and nerve-sense system. Each of these systems is centered in a different area of the body and interacts with the others, and when people develop physical problems, the body as a whole must be addressed to treat them. Additionally, practitioners recognize concepts like the ego and the astral body, believing that ill health is not just physical in nature, but also spiritual and psychological. The patient's mind, body, and spirit must all be treated, according to the principles of anthroposophic medicine.

In anthroposophic medicine, practitioners can use a variety of treatment options including homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage, and physical exercises. Conventional treatments like antibiotics are not used. This approach is considered a form of alternative medicine, as it does not rely on evidence-based medical practice or treatments developed with the use of rigorous scientific studies. Like other forms of alternative medicine, it has been criticized by some members of the medical community as a result of the lack of scientific discipline.

Each anthroposophic medicine practitioner works slightly differently. Some practitioners strongly reject conventional medicine and focus on alternative means for the management and treatment of their patients. Others work as complementary practitioners, working with conventional medical providers to provide their patients with an array of treatment options, integrating treatments from multiple medical traditions. A cancer patient, for example, might be referred for surgery and radiation, and receive herbal treatment as well.

Anthroposophic medicine practices can be found in many regions of the world. Patients who are interested in alternative medical practice can find listings of physicians in their area through professional organizations of anthroposophic physicians. Patients meeting with a prospective physician may want to formulate a list of questions about how the practitioner approaches medical treatment, what kinds of treatments the doctor uses, and how the doctor feels about complementary medical care if the patient is interested in this option.