"Medicine will be broadened by a spiritual conception of
the human being to an art of healing, or else it will remain a
soulless technology that removes only symptoms"
What is Anthroposophic Medicine?
“Anthropo” is Greek for the human being, “-sophy” for wisdom
Practiced in 78 different countries worldwide, Anthroposophic medicine strives for a renewal of the healing impulse. While acknowledging the dramatic advances in modern medical knowledge about the physical markers of disease, Anthroposophic medicine extends it with a clear recognition of the spiritual in the human being. While all Anthroposophic physicians have completed a conventional medical training, we generally take a very different approach towards therapy as we seek to treat the whole person, not simply manage or control the symptoms of his or her disease.
What kinds of Therapies are offered?
While working with a broad range of acute and chronic disease, we do offer special consultations and treatments for:
Working with a wide variety of challenges in childhood, such as:
- Developmental, behavioral, and learning difficulties
- Enuresis (bedwetting), Encopresis
- Inattention and Hyperactivity
- Sensory Integration Problems
- Disordered Sleep, Nightmares
- Colic, Food Sensitivities
Recurrent and chronic inflammatory illness such as:
- Asthma and seasonal allergies
- Recurrent Bronchitis or Pneumonia
Digestive imbalances, such as:
- Constipation, Chronic Diarrhea
- Poor Appetite, Sugar Cravings
- Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's disease
Mood and emotional imbalances, such as:
with a special recognition of the role of Biographical Rhythms
in cycles of change and crisis
Neurologic disease, such as:
- Supportive treatment in Epilepsy
- Supportive treatment in Multiple sclerosis and
other kinds of progressive Neuropathy
Adjuvant (supportive) treatments for Cancer, including:
- Dietary and lifestyle recommendations
Home Care Recommendations:
for helping families work through common acute illnesses at home
and many other approaches for working with an imbalanced process, rather than simply managing or suppressing its symptoms
Fundamental to all Anthroposophic therapies is the recognition that the physical signs and symptoms of disease are manifestations of an imbalanced process of life and spirit (sclerosis is good in the bones, not in the arteries).
As part of a more comprehensive view we therefore integrate:
- an appreciation of the importance of balanced life rhythms (sleep, diet, work and rest) as the foundation for health, growth, and regeneration;
- the connections between our emotional life and what we experience, and what can manifest as illness or symptoms of disease;
- an individualized approach to the unique elements of each person’s situation and biography. Together we seek to find steps on a path towards greater health and wellbeing; and
- time for real conversation, which generally means less need for and emphasis on diagnostic testing.
As the foundation of our therapies, natural substances (from the mineral, plant and animal world) are chosen specifically because of the way they correspond in a supporting or stimulating way to our body’s own processes. We use natural and homeopathic preparations made in Anthroposophic pharmacies, where special consciousness is given to the source, quality, and rhythmic preparation of the medicines.
Anthroposophic doctors seek to strengthen patient autonomy, recognize patient responsibility, and promote the patient's right to involvement in the selection of an appropriate therapy. The active participation of each individual in his or her own healing process is essential and provides an opportunity for changing behavior and gaining greater insight and a pathway for greater personal growth and development.
What can I expect during a consultation?
Because we are trying to treat illness on a holistic level, it is vital to try to gain an understanding of who you are as a whole person. We are really seeking to meet the person who is experiencing an illness, not simply categorize the disease. This takes time--an initial visit usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes--and involves going through your medical history, questions about your biography, patterns of illness in your family, as well as more general questions about your sleep, diet, relations, and daily activities. Parts of a physical examination are added as appropriate, as well as lab test and other studies as needed, but we find these can often by minimized by really striving to understand each person as an individual.
We prescribe a broad range of natural and homeopathic preparations, which are made for us by compounding pharmacies working out of the same holistic impulse. We do stock some medicines for more common, acute illnesses, but most of the time your prescriptions will be unique. This is more complicated than using ready-made off the shelf medicines, but it is worth the extra effort. If your situation is particularly complicated, we may ask for more time to consider your case, and then contact you in the next few days with a therapeutic plan.
We also work with movement (eurythmy) and art
(Collot painting) therapists. You have undoubtedly
experienced how an artistic activity (art, music,
singing) and careful, conscious movement (dance,
tai chi) can have a strong and direct influence on
your emotions and soul life, and even influence
your physiology (a racing heart, sense of balance,
rejuvenation). These therapies provide a doorway
to actively work with and influence one's disease.
Our experience shows that they beautifully complement
and enhance our efforts with medicines and natural
remedies. (See "Therapists" page above for more
information).
We welcome your inquiries.
For more information and links to other sites about Anthroposophic Therapies and related organizations please click on our "Resources" button on the menu at the top of the page.
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