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'''Anthroposophic medicine''' (or '''Anthroposophical medicine''') is an [[Integrative medicine|integrative medical]] system that extends [[Conventional medicine|conventional medical practice]] with an [[Anthroposophy|Anthroposophic]], more encompassing understanding of the human being as [[physical body]], [[life body]], [[soul]] (or [[Astral body|astral body]]) and [[I]]. Developed the 1920s by [[Rudolf Steiner]] (1861–1925) in conjunction with Dr. med [[Ita Wegman]] (1876–1943), anthroposophical medicine views these four aspects of the human being as interpenetrating and concretely relating to aspects in the natural world. Remedies are extracted from nature and used as [[phytotherapy]], [[Homeopathy|potentized substance]], or externally applied. Anthroposophic medicine has developed and expanded the fields of [[artistic therapy]], [[painting therapy]], [[sculpture therapy]], [[music therapy]], [[speech therapy]] and [[Eurythmy therapy|eurythmy therapy]] (an Anthroposophic movement therapy). [[Anthroposophic Nursing]] extends the field of the practical nurse with a holistic approach towards [[illness]] and [[healing]] and uses [[Rhythmic massage|rhythmic massage]], [[Einreibung]], [[therapeutic baths]] like the [[oil dispersion bath]] and [[Herbal compresses|herbal compresses]]. [[Psychotherapy]] and [[biography work]] are also a part of Anthroposophic modalities. Anthroposophic medicine is practiced in over 65 countries with an estimated 24 institutions ([[Hospital|hospitals]], [[Hospital department|hospital departments]], [[Rehab center|rehab centers]]) in [[Wikipedia:Germany|Germany]], [[Wikipedia:Switzerland|Switzerland]], [[Wikipedia:Sweden|Sweden]], [[Wikipedia:Italy|Italy]], [[Wikipedia:The Netherlands|The Netherlands]], and the [[Wikipedia:United States|United States]] and over 240 [[Outpatient facility|outpatient facilities]] worldwide.<ref>{{Cite journal|first1=Gunver S.|last1=Kienle|first2=Hans-Ulrich|last2=Albonico|first3=Erik|last3=Baars|first4=Harald J.|last4=Hamre|first5=Peter|last5=Zimmermann|first6=Helmut|last6=Kiene|title=Anthroposophic Medicine: An Integrative Medical System Originating in Europe|pmc=3865373|journal=[[Glob Adv Health Med]]}}</ref> In [[Wikipedia:Europe|Europe]] there are over 2,700 [[Physician|physicians]] fully trained in Anthroposophic medicine and a survey found that 15,000 physicians prescribe Anthroposophic remedies in Europe.<ref>http://www.efpam.eu/medicine5.html</ref>   

'''Anthroposophic medicine''' (or '''Anthroposophical medicine''') is an [[Integrative medicine|integrative medical]] system that extends [[Conventional medicine|conventional medical practice]] with an [[Wikipedia:Anthroposophy|Anthroposophic]], more encompassing understanding of the human being as [[Wikipedia:physical body|physical body]], [[life body]], [[Wikipedia:soul|soul]] (or [[Wikipedia:Astral body|astral body]]) and [[Wikipedia:I|I]]. Developed the 1920s by [[Rudolf Steiner]] (1861–1925) in conjunction with Dr. med [[Ita Wegman]] (1876–1943), anthroposophical medicine views these four aspects of the human being as interpenetrating and concretely relating to aspects in the natural world. Remedies are extracted from nature and used as [[phytotherapy]], [[Homeopathy|potentized substance]], or externally applied. Anthroposophic medicine has developed and expanded the fields of [[Wikipedia:artistic therapy|artistic therapy]], [[painting therapy]], [[sculpture therapy]], [[Wikipedia:music therapy|music therapy]], [[Wikipedia:speech therapy|speech therapy]] and [[Eurythmy therapy|eurythmy therapy]] (an Anthroposophic movement therapy). [[Anthroposophic Nursing]] extends the field of the practical nurse with a holistic approach towards [[Wikipedia:illness|illness]] and [[Wikipedia:healing|healing]] and uses [[Rhythmic massage|rhythmic massage]], [[Einreibung]], [[therapeutic baths]] like the [[oil dispersion bath]] and [[Herbal compresses|herbal compresses]]. [[Wikipedia:Psychotherapy|Psychotherapy]] and [[biography work]] are also a part of Anthroposophic modalities. Anthroposophic medicine is practiced in over 65 countries with an estimated 24 institutions ([[Wikipedia:Hospital|hospitals]], [[Wikipedia:Hospital department|hospital departments]], [[Wikipedia:Rehab center|rehab centers]]) in [[Wikipedia:Germany|Germany]], [[Wikipedia:Switzerland|Switzerland]], [[Wikipedia:Sweden|Sweden]], [[Wikipedia:Italy|Italy]], [[Wikipedia:The Netherlands|The Netherlands]], and the [[Wikipedia:United States|United States]] and over 240 [[Outpatient facility|outpatient facilities]] worldwide.<ref>{{Cite journal|first1=Gunver S.|last1=Kienle|first2=Hans-Ulrich|last2=Albonico|first3=Erik|last3=Baars|first4=Harald J.|last4=Hamre|first5=Peter|last5=Zimmermann|first6=Helmut|last6=Kiene|title=Anthroposophic Medicine: An Integrative Medical System Originating in Europe|pmc=3865373|journal=[[Glob Adv Health Med]]}}</ref> In [[Wikipedia:Europe|Europe]] there are over 2,700 [[Wikipedia:Physician|physicians]] fully trained in Anthroposophic medicine and a survey found that 15,000 physicians prescribe Anthroposophic remedies in Europe.<ref>http://www.efpam.eu/medicine5.html</ref>   

===Key Concepts===

===Key Concepts===

Anthroposophic medicine bases itself on an accurate understanding of the human being. A physician must fulfill the requirements of a conventional medical training before qualifying as an Anthroposophic physician. [[Nurse|Nurses]] and [[Therapist|therapists]] have similar requirements. The concept of a [[Fourfold human being (Anthroposophic medicine)|fourfold]] aspect to the human being as well as a view of the [[Threefold human being (Anthroposophic medicine)|threefold]] aspect to the human being are important in Anthroposophic medicine.

Anthroposophic medicine bases itself on an accurate understanding of the human being. A physician must fulfill the requirements of a conventional medical training before qualifying as an Anthroposophic physician. [[Wikipedia:Nurse|Nurses]] and [[Wikipedia:Therapist|therapists]] have similar requirements. The concept of a [[Fourfold human being (Anthroposophic medicine)|fourfold]] aspect to the human being as well as a view of the [[Threefold human being (Anthroposophic medicine)|threefold]] aspect to the human being are important in Anthroposophic medicine.

====The Fourfold Human Being====

====The Fourfold Human Being====

The human being is viewed in four interrelating aspects. The most basic is the [[physical body]] which the human being has in common with [[Wikipedia:Mineral|minerals]], [[Wikipedia:Plant|plants]] and [[Wikipedia:Animal|animals]]. Without any other aspect, this would only be a [[Wikipedia:Corpse|corpse]]. The forces in this area are those that are present in machines. The living element is called the life body or [[Etheric body|etheric body]] and it is seen as the foundation of [[Wikipedia:Growth|growth]], [[Wikipedia:Metabolism|metabolism]] and [[Wikipedia:Reproduction|reproduction]] that man has in common with plant and animal organisms. The [[soul]] or [[astral body]] is common to animals and is seen as the cause of [[Wikipedia:Consciousness|consciousness]], [[Wikipedia:Feeling|feelings]], movement and their respective organs like muscles and nerves. The [[spirit]] or "[[I]]" is unique to [[Human|humans]] and allows the activity of rational [[thinking]], [[self-control]]. It is the reason for the upright posture, culture and morality.

The human being is viewed in four interrelating aspects. The most basic is the [[Wikipedia:physical body|physical body]] which the human being has in common with [[Wikipedia:Mineral|minerals]], [[Wikipedia:Plant|plants]] and [[Wikipedia:Animal|animals]]. Without any other aspect, this would only be a [[Wikipedia:Corpse|corpse]]. The forces in this area are those that are present in machines. The living element is called the life body or [[Etheric body|etheric body]] and it is seen as the foundation of [[Wikipedia:Growth|growth]], [[Wikipedia:Metabolism|metabolism]] and [[Wikipedia:Reproduction|reproduction]] that man has in common with plant and animal organisms. The [[Wikipedia:soul|soul]] or [[Wikipedia:astral body|astral body]] is common to animals and is seen as the cause of [[Wikipedia:Consciousness|consciousness]], [[Wikipedia:Feeling|feelings]], movement and their respective organs like muscles and nerves. The [[Wikipedia:spirit|spirit]] or "[[Wikipedia:I|I]]" is unique to [[Wikipedia:Human|humans]] and allows the activity of rational [[Wikipedia:thinking|thinking]], [[Wikipedia:self-control|self-control]]. It is the reason for the upright posture, culture and morality.

Though the physical body is easily studied by analytic [[science]], Anthroposophic medicine does not give this undue precedent over the other aspects of the human being. Instead science is adapted into a form suitable to the unbiased study of each of the other three higher aspects. [[Goethean science]] is the intuitive scientific approach developed by [[Anthroposophy]].

Though the physical body is easily studied by analytic [[science]], Anthroposophic medicine does not give this undue precedent over the other aspects of the human being. Instead science is adapted into a form suitable to the unbiased study of each of the other three higher aspects. [[Goethean science]] is the intuitive scientific approach developed by [[Wikipedia:Anthroposophy|Anthroposophy]].

The Anthroposophical View of Nature and the Human Being<ref>[[Heusser P. Anthroposophy and Science: An Introduction. Frankfurt am Main, Germany: Peter Lang Publishing; 2016.]]</ref><ref>[[Bartelme RR. Anthroposophic Medicine, an Introduction; and a Book Review of Anthroposophy and Science. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2017;16(4):42–46.]]</ref>

The Anthroposophical View of Nature and the Human Being<ref>[[Heusser P. Anthroposophy and Science: An Introduction. Frankfurt am Main, Germany: Peter Lang Publishing; 2016.]]</ref><ref>[[Bartelme RR. Anthroposophic Medicine, an Introduction; and a Book Review of Anthroposophy and Science. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2017;16(4):42–46.]]</ref>

=====The four elements=====

=====The four elements=====

These four aspects of the human being relate to the [[four elements]]. The physical body relates to physical, the etheric relates to fluid or watery element, the astral relates to the air or gaseous element, and the I relates to the warmth in the human being.  

These four aspects of the human being relate to the [[Wikipedia:four elements|four elements]]. The physical body relates to physical, the etheric relates to fluid or watery element, the astral relates to the air or gaseous element, and the I relates to the warmth in the human being.  

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|+The fourfold human being and the elements

|+The fourfold human being and the elements

!Characteristic aspects in relation to the human being

!Characteristic aspects in relation to the human being

|-

|-

|Spirit or "[[I]]"

|Spirit or "[[Wikipedia:I|I]]"

|Warmth

|Warmth

|Temperature, fever

|Temperature, fever

|-

|-

| colspan="1" rowspan="1" |“Soul” ([[astral body]])

| colspan="1" rowspan="1" |“Soul” ([[Wikipedia:astral body|astral body]])

|Air

|Air

|Breathing

|Breathing

|Turgor, Edema

|Turgor, Edema

|-

|-

| colspan="1" rowspan="1" |Matter ([[physical body]])

| colspan="1" rowspan="1" |Matter ([[Wikipedia:physical body|physical body]])

|Earth, Stone, Mineral

|Earth, Stone, Mineral

|Bones

|Bones

===Research===

===Research===

[[File:2021-11-15 fig 2 en pubmed anthroplot.png|thumb|Number of publications found on [[Wikipedia:Pubmed|pubmed]] about anthroposophic medicine. Derived from<ref>{{Cite|last=Kienle|first=Gunver|title=Klinische Forschung zur Anthroposophischen Medizin – Update eines «Health Technology Assessment»-Berichts und Status Quo|date=|url=|work=[[Forschende Komplementärmedizin]] / Research in Complementary Medicine|volume=18|pages=269–282|publication-date=2011|trans-title=Clinical research on anthroposophic medicine - Update of a "Health Technology Assessment" report and Status Quo|doi=10.1159/000331812|issn=1661-4119|last2=Glockmann|first2=Anja|last3=Grugek|first3=Renate|last4=Hamre|first4=Harald Johan|last5=Kiene|first5=Helmut|author-link5=Helmut Kiene}}</ref>.]]

[[File:2021-11-15 fig 2 en pubmed anthroplot.png|thumb|Number of publications found on [[Wikipedia:Pubmed|pubmed]] about anthroposophic medicine. Derived from<ref>{{Cite|last=Kienle|first=Gunver|title=Klinische Forschung zur Anthroposophischen Medizin – Update eines «Health Technology Assessment»-Berichts und Status Quo|date=|url=|work=[[Wikipedia:Forschende Komplementärmedizin|Forschende Komplementärmedizin]] / Research in Complementary Medicine|volume=18|pages=269–282|publication-date=2011|trans-title=Clinical research on anthroposophic medicine - Update of a "Health Technology Assessment" report and Status Quo|doi=10.1159/000331812|issn=1661-4119|last2=Glockmann|first2=Anja|last3=Grugek|first3=Renate|last4=Hamre|first4=Harald Johan|last5=Kiene|first5=Helmut|author-link5=Helmut Kiene}}</ref>.]]

Anthroposophic physicians have objected against controlles trials out of ethical reasons as they interfere with the doctor patient relationship and the medical judgement of the physician. In the recent decades there has been growing research in this field anyway (as can be seen in the figure to the right). One main focus were trials on [[mistletoe therapy]]. A main research goal has been epistemology and theory of medicine as concepts central to anthroposophic medicine like the etheric body or spiritual aspects are difficult to cope with in the conventional medical system.

Anthroposophic physicians have objected against controlles trials out of ethical reasons as they interfere with the doctor patient relationship and the medical judgement of the physician. In the recent decades there has been growing research in this field anyway (as can be seen in the figure to the right). One main focus were trials on [[mistletoe therapy]]. A main research goal has been epistemology and theory of medicine as concepts central to anthroposophic medicine like the etheric body or spiritual aspects are difficult to cope with in the conventional medical system.