The First Steps towards Anthroposophic Medicine
Anthroposophical medicine is a complementary approach to medicine that integrates the theories and practices of modern medicine with homeopathic medicines, physical and artistic therapies and biographical counseling. The medical approach has its foundation in a spiritual-scientific understanding of the human being that regards human wellness and illness as biographical events connected to the body, soul and spirit of the individual.
The rise of Anthroposophy in the Field and Science of Medicine
The first steps towards an anthroposophic approach to medicine were made before 1920, when the homeopathic practitioners and pharmacists began working with Rudolf Steiner, who recommended the new medicinal substances as well as specific methods for their preparation. In 1921, Dr. Ita Wegman opened the first anthroposophic medical clinic, now known as the Ita Wegman Clinic in Arlesheim, Switzerland. Wegman was soon joined by a number of other doctors. He began to train nurses first anthroposophical clinic.
A request for Wegman, Steiner visited the clinic regularly and suggested treatment guidelines for patients in particular. Between 1921 and 1925 also gave several series of lectures on medicine. In 1925, Wegman and Steiner wrote the first book on the anthroposophic approach to medicine, the principles of therapy.
Clinic has been expanded and will soon open a branch in Ascona. Wegman taught widely, visiting Holland and England in particular often, and doctors increasingly began to include the anthroposophical approach to their practice. Cancer Clinic, Lukas Clinic, was opened in 1963 Arlesheim.
Modern history and dissemination of practice
There are about 28 hospitals anthroposophic departments of hospitals, rehabilitation centers and sanatoriums in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Holland, England, Italy, USA and Brazil, and more than 140 clinics worldwide. Four hospitals in Germany and Switzerland are anthroposophical state supported; three university teaching hospitals under the supervision of the universities nearby. Three European universities (Bern, Hamburg and Witten / Herdecke) have professors anthroposophic medicine and other universities offer courses in the region. Anthroposophic medicine is recognized in Germany as a "system of special therapy" in conjunction with homeopathy and herbal medicine under the Medicines Act, and has its own range at the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. Anthroposophical medical therapy is a recognized specialty in the health policy of the Swiss government since 1999.
The International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations estimates that currently about 2000 anthroposophical doctors around the world. Based on the number of prescriptions, it is estimated that the anthroposophic medicinal products are prescribed more than 30,000 doctors.