Anthroposophic medicine integrates conventional medicine with an anthroposophic perception of the human being. It takes a holistic approach to health and is generally considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). First developed in 1920, it has been used in both primary and clinical care, and has proved both to be safe and effective and to offer a high degree of patient satisfaction, earning a high level of acceptance within European society.  It offers sustainable and cost-effective solutions for public health and considerable added value to the health systems in the EU.

There are many aspects of the anthroposophic medical approach to preventing and curing illness and to promoting health that can be integrated in a conventional medical approach. 

Diagnosis 
Anthroposophic medicine builds on the well-established facts and methods of diagnosis and treatment of conventional medicine, which it extends with a holistic approach based on the principle of ‘salutogenesis’, a term which describes an approach focusing on factors that support human health and well-being, rather than on factors that cause disease. More specifically, the ‘salutogenic model’ is concerned with the relationship between health, stress and coping. This leads to effective strategies for treatment programmes but also for disease prevention through education and lifestyle programmes and the development of self-management in the prevention of and coping with disease.

In addition, the anthroposophic medical diagnostic process integrates specific anthroposophic diagnostic skills and modalities into a conventional medical diagnosis, for a holistic treatment of the individual patient. It views a pathological condition as the culmination of a longer process, and so the analysis of the process that leads to a pathological condition is of major importance in assessing the specific situation of the individual patient in his or her biography and for the subsequent diagnosis and therapeutic process. It also assesses the situation of the patient’s illness and the patient’s relationship with his or her social and natural environment as well as any psychological, mental or spiritual imbalances in the individual patient.

Treatment
This comprehensive individual analysis leads to a highly individualised treatment approach, corresponding to individualised use and application of both anthroposophic and conventional medicinal products and other therapies. The therapeutic approach is seen as a process rather than a switch from a condition of illness to a condition of health. All therapeutic treatments are aimed at stimulating the ability of the patient to self-heal and emphasis is put on an optimal multi-disciplinary approach, adjusting the application of anthroposophic medicinal products and supplementary anthroposophic therapies, according to the actual situation of the patient. These might include the input and advice of the therapists of physiotherapy and rhythmic massage, dietetics, eurythmy therapy, art therapy, psychotherapy and further anthroposophic therapeutic and life-style approaches. 

The autonomy of the patient is central to anthroposophic medicine; self-responsibility, patient choice and active participation are all central to the healing process. The treatment approach is agreed in close discussion with the patient.

Research shows that the anthroposophic medical approach is effective, safe and can reduce costs due to  a sparing use of antibiotics, painkillers and anti-depressives ; a recent surey of 150 000 patients shows a cost reduction of 15 to 25% for the insurance companies and lower mortality rates.

Anthroposophic medicinal products
Anthroposophic medication is individualised and uses both conventional and anthroposophic medicinal products.

Anthroposophic medicinal products are conceived, developed and produced according to anthroposophic pharmaceutical principles, some of which they share with homeopathy and some of which are according to specific non-homeopathic processes. They are produced in a process-oriented way that reflects the inter-relationship between human beings and the realms of nature in minerals, plants and animals, and manufactured in accordance with the Anthroposophic Pharmaceutical Codex (APC). Their quality is GMP standard and controlled by the criteria and parameters of official pharmacopoeia.

25% of total prescriptions of anthroposophic medicinal products are injections, which are of particular importance in acute and severe medical situations such as in emergency clinics in particular in hospitals. In addition, anthroposophic treatments for external use include compresses, hydrotherapy, medical washes, medicinal baths (whole body and foot bath), rhythmic massage (with oil or ointment) and inhalations performed with specific anthroposophic medicine techniques.

In conclusion, anthroposophic medicine offers a multidisciplinary approach to the patient concerning his or her body, soul and individuality and stimulates personal development. It concentrates on factors that support human health and well-being rather than on factors that cause disease. It therefore builds up a constructive way of dealing with complaints and illness rather than only fighting illness. Anthroposophic medicine is efficient and cost effective and provides therapies and medicinal products at low risk.

Dr Madeleen Winkler
Vice President, International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations (IVAA)