Anthroposophical Medicine Combines Conventional And Alternative Medicine

Conventional Western medicine has answers and effective treatments for many of the ailments that plague us today, many of which were deadly not so very long ago. Conventional medicine also has its limitations with practitioners casting a disparaging eye towards methods and treatments that are outside of their realm of study. Many of these alternative treatments have been used for hundreds or even thousands of years with considerable anecdotal evidence of efficacy but have not passed the scientific method of testing demanded by Western science. Without that evidence many conventional medical practitioners reject those treatments out of hand. Others remain more open minded with a willingness and even enthusiasm to embrace what those alternative treatments have to offer.

Some physicians in that latter category are practicing what is called anthroposophical medicine. This holistic approach to healing recognizes both the value of conventional medicine employing surgery and medications when those are most effective as well as the recognition of the power of the body to heal itself when in proper balance. This branch of medicine essentially bridges the divide between conventional medicine and alternative approaches such as chiropractic, homeopathy, massage therapy, and herbal medicine. Practitioners of anthroposophical medicine are conventionally educated, licensed MDs who are also fully trained in natural, alternative healing methods with advanced post graduate study.

Since its introduction in 1920 by Rudolf Steiner with the first anthroposophical medicine clinic opened in 1921 by Dr. Ita Wegman in Arlesheim, Switzerland this complementary approach to medicine has grown to medical practices in 80 countries throughout the world. According to the International Federation of Anthroposophical Medical Associations, there are about 2,000 anthroposophical physicians currently practicing globally with an estimate of over 30,000 physicians now prescribing anthroposophic medicinal products such as herbs and homeopathic remedies.

Germany recognizes anthroposophical medicine as a "Special Therapy System" and it is a recognized specialty in Switzerland as well. There are approximately 28 hospitals, hospital departments, and rehabilitations centers dedicated to anthroposophic medicine in Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Great Britain, the United States, and Brazil.

This combination of complementary treatment approaches offers patients more options to address both symptoms and causes of disease. With a holistic approach not only the body is treated but also the mind and spirituality to bring about a renewed balance for overall health and well being. Anthroposohical medicine is the choice for those who believe that there is value in alternative healing methods along with conventional medicine to treat the whole person and not just their symptoms.