Anthroposophical Medicine: A Bridge Between Science, Spirit, and Healing
- The Bioregulatory Medicine Institute
- Oct 24
- 10 min read
BRMI Staff
A Living Medicine for the Whole Human Being
Anthroposophical medicine is far more than a medical specialty—it’s a whole-person approach to health that integrates the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of life.
Rooted in science-based medicine yet expanded by spiritual insight, it views human beings as made up of body (the physical form and functions), life forces (the energy that keeps the body alive and growing), soul (our thoughts, feelings, and inner life), and spirit (the deeper self that gives us awareness, purpose, and individuality).
Healing, therefore, must address each of these aspects in harmony.
At its heart, anthroposophical medicine seeks to activate the body’s innate self-healing forces through a balance of modern diagnostics, natural remedies, and therapeutic arts such as eurythmy, massage, music, and painting. It recognizes the deep interconnection between the human being and nature, seeing both as expressions of the same living intelligence.
The Visionaries: Dr. Rudolf Steiner and Dr. Ita Wegman
This medical movement was born from the collaboration of two remarkable minds: Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), an Austrian philosopher and founder of anthroposophy, and Dr. Ita Wegman (1876–1943), a pioneering Swiss physician specializing in women’s medicine.
Steiner’s philosophy of anthroposophy (from the Greek anthropos, human, and sophia, wisdom) is a path of knowledge that connects spiritual understanding with practical life. It teaches that the spiritual world is accessible through inner development and conscious awareness. To Steiner, the evolution of human consciousness—culminating in freedom and love—was the purpose of life itself.
When Wegman met Steiner in 1902, she was inspired by his ideas on spiritual science and healing. By 1917, she was experimenting with botanical medicines under Steiner’s guidance, leading to the creation of Iscar, a mistletoe extract that evolved into Iscador, now an approved adjunctive cancer treatment in Europe.
In 1921, Wegman founded the first anthroposophic medical clinic in Arlesheim, Switzerland—a model for integrative care that combined conventional medicine with therapies addressing the patient’s spiritual and emotional dimensions. Together, Steiner and Wegman co-authored Fundamentals of Therapy, the cornerstone text of anthroposophical medicine.
The Goetheanum: A Center for Spiritual Science
Steiner’s architectural masterpiece, the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, remains the epicenter of the anthroposophical movement. Originally built in 1913 as a “school of spiritual science,” it embodied Steiner’s vision of art, form, and sacred geometry as healing forces. Although the first building was destroyed by arson in 1922, a second Goetheanum, built entirely of sculpted concrete, rose from its ashes in 1928.
Today, the Goetheanum houses conferences for doctors, educators, artists, and therapists from around the world. It remains a living symbol of anthroposophy in practice—a place where science and spirituality meet in the service of healing.
Global Growth and Recognition Of Anthroposophical Healing
Since the 1920s, anthroposophical medicine has spread globally, gaining legal recognition in Germany in 1976 as a “special therapeutic system.” Today, it is practiced in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics across Europe, North America, and beyond.
The Filderklinik in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of the most prominent anthroposophic hospitals, offering specialties ranging from pediatrics to psychosomatic medicine, all within a healing architectural and artistic environment.
Worldwide, there are over 180 anthroposophic outpatient clinics and numerous hospitals offering integrative care. The University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany’s first private medical university, was founded from this movement in 1983.
Anthroposophical healing concepts have also flourished in education (Waldorf schools), biodynamic agriculture, ethical banking (Triodos Bank), naturopathic medicine (Weleda, WALA), and social development projects, making it one of the most influential holistic movements in modern times.
The Philosophy: Healing the Whole Human Being
Anthroposophical medicine begins with a simple yet profound insight: illness is not merely an error in the body, but a message from the soul. True healing requires restoring balance between the body (physical), soul (emotional), and spirit (consciousness).
Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, anthroposophic physicians aim to understand the inner meaning of illness—why it arises, and what it expresses about the individual’s inner life. Treatment is therefore individualized, combining medical, psychological, and spiritual insight.
The Fourfold and Threefold Human Being
Rudolf Steiner described the human being as far more than a physical organism. To truly understand health and illness, he taught, we must recognize the interwoven dimensions of our nature—what he called the Fourfold Human Being—and how they function together in a Threefold System.
🌿 The Fourfold Human Being
According to Steiner, every person is composed of four dynamic layers that work together as a single whole:
Physical Body – The tangible, material form that connects us to the earth. It’s the part of us that can be weighed, measured, and studied through natural science.
Etheric (Life) Body – The vital energy that gives life, growth, and regeneration to the physical form. It is the organizing principle that holds the body together and sustains health.
Astral (Feeling) Body – The seat of movement, sensation, and emotion. Through this body we experience desire, joy, pain, and awareness.
Ego (I) – The spiritual core of individuality and self-consciousness. It gives each person purpose, direction, and the ability to transform through experience.
In health, these four bodies are harmoniously aligned. When one becomes dominant or weakened, imbalance—and ultimately illness—can arise. Healing means restoring balance and helping each layer work in concert with the others.
The Threefold Human Being
Steiner also described a threefold organization within the body that mirrors our thinking, feeling, and willing:
The Nerve-Sense System – Concentrated mainly in the head and nervous system, this region supports perception, clarity, and thought. It is cool, still, and oriented toward awareness.
The Rhythmic System – Found in the heart, lungs, and circulation, it mediates between thinking and willing. Its breathing and heartbeat bring rhythm, balance, and emotional harmony.
The Metabolic-Limb System – Located in the limbs and organs of movement and digestion, this system fuels action and will. It is warm, dynamic, and transformative.
Steiner symbolically linked these systems to the alchemical elements: salt (cool, crystalline clarity of the nerve-sense system), mercury (the rhythmic system’s balancing movement), and sulfur (the fiery activity of metabolism and will).
When these systems function in balance, the human being lives in harmony—thinking clearly, feeling deeply, and acting purposefully. Illness, in this view, is not merely a breakdown but a disturbance of rhythm between these forces. For instance, an overactive metabolic system can manifest as inflammation or fever, while excessive nerve activity may lead to rigidity or exhaustion.
Therapeutic Modalities in Anthroposophical Medicine
Anthroposophical medicine employs a multimodal approach, integrating conventional treatments with natural and artistic therapies that strengthen the whole constitution.
1. Botanical, Mineral, and Animal Medicines
Derived from plants, minerals, and natural substances, these remedies are prepared using specialized anthroposophic methods—often involving rhythmic processes or potentization similar to homeopathy. Renowned producers include Weleda, WALA, and Abnoba Heilmittel.
2. Eurythmy Therapy
From the Greek for “harmonious rhythm,” Eurythmy Therapy is a form of movement meditation that engages the patient’s life forces through gestures related to sounds, vowels, and music. Studies suggest benefits for musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and psychosomatic disorders.
3. Art Therapy
Developed by Margarethe Hauschka, anthroposophic art therapy uses painting, sculpture, and drawing to help patients process emotions and activate inner healing.
4. Music Therapy
Instruments like the lyre, chrotta, flute, and harp are used therapeutically to harmonize body rhythms and emotional states.
5. Speech Therapy
Through rhythm, breath, and articulation exercises, this therapy supports respiration, confidence, and self-expression, often used for developmental and psychosomatic conditions.
6. Rhythmical Massage
Created by Dr. Ita Wegman, this gentle, wave-like massage restores vitality and circulation while soothing the nervous system.
7. External Applications
Warm compresses, oil embrocations, and herbal baths are used to stimulate the body’s self-regulation, enhance immunity, and support relaxation.
8. Anthroposophic Psychotherapy
Extending beyond conventional psychotherapy, this method integrates biographical, existential, and spiritual counseling, helping patients find meaning in their life’s journey and illness experience.
The Future of Anthroposophical Medicine
Over the past century, anthroposophical medicine has evolved into a research-based, integrative model that aligns with the growing global movement toward bioregulatory medicine. Studies published in journals such as Global Advances in Health and Medicine and Complementary Medicine Research demonstrate positive outcomes in areas like cancer care, depression, pediatrics, and chronic illness.
As modern medicine rediscovers the importance of meaning, environment, and consciousness in healing, anthroposophical medicine stands as a bridge between science and spirit—a path toward truly human-centered healthcare.
Resources and Learning More
International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations (IVAA): ivaa.info
Physicians’ Association for Anthroposophic Medicine (PAAM): anthromed.org
Weleda & WALA Medicines: weleda.com | wala.de
Goetheanum Medical Section: medsektion-goetheanum.org
BRMI Resource Library: www.brmi.online
References
Bott, V. (1996). Spiritual Science and the Art of Healing: Rudolf Steiner's Anthroposophical Medicine. Inner Traditions/Bear & Co.
Ernst, E. (2004). Anthroposophical Medicine: A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift, 116(4), 128-130.
Heusser, P., Braun, S. B., Ziegler, R., Bertschy, M., Helwig, S., van Wegberg, B., & Cerny, T. (2006).
Palliative in-patient cancer treatment in an anthroposophic hospital: I. Treatment patterns and compliance with anthroposophic medicine. Complementary Medicine Research, 13(2), 94-100.
The Building. Goetheanum. N.d. https://www.goetheanum.org/en/anthroposophyrudolfsteiner/the-goetheanum-building/ Web 19 Sept. 2016.
Robin Schmidt. History of the Anthroposophical Society. Goetheanum. N.d. https:// www.goetheanum.org/Overview.481.0.html?&L=1. Web 11 Aug. 2016.
Kienle, G. S., Albonico, H. U., Baars, E., Hamre, H. J., Zimmermann, P., & Kiene, H. (2013). Anthroposophic medicine: an integrative medical system originating in Europe. Global advances in health and medicine, 2(6), 20-31.
Davy, John. "Rudolf Steiner: A Sketch of His Life and Work." Http://www.rsarchive.org. Rudolf Steiner Archive & E.Lib, 28 Oct. 2014.
Steiner R. Goethe’s theory of knowledge: an outline of the epistemology of his worldview (1886). Great Barrington, MA: SteinerBooks; 2008.
Steiner R. Goethe’s conception of the world (1897). London: The Anthroposophical Publishing Company; 1928.
Steiner R. The story of my life. London: The Anthroposophical Publishing Company; 1928.
Steiner R. An outline of esoteric science (1910). Great Barrington, MA: Anthroposophic Press; 1997.
Steiner R. The riddles of philosophy (1900/1901). Great Barrington, MA: SteinerBooks; 2009.
Steiner R. Truth and knowledge (1892). Great Barrington, MA: Steiner Books; 1981
Steiner R. Spiritual science and medicine (1920). Forrest Row, UK: Rudolf Steiner Press; 1989.
Steiner R, Wegman I. Fundamentals of therapy (1925). Forrest Row, UK: Rudolf Steiner Press; 1967.
Steiner R. Curative eurythmy. (1921). Bristol, UK: Rudolf Steiner Press; 1983.
Von Rohr, E., Pampallona, S., Van Wegberg, B., Cerny, T., Hürny, C., Bernhard, J., ... & Heusser, P. (2000). Attitudes and beliefs towards disease and treatment in patients with advanced cancer using anthroposophical medicine. Oncology Research and Treatment, 23(6), 558-563.
Resources for Anthroposophical Medicine
The IVAA (International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations) represents and coordinates the national anthroposophic doctors' associations on both the European and international levels in regard to political and legal affairs.
The AnthroMed Library is a Repository Website for articles relating to Anthroposophic Medicine, sponsored by The Physicians' Association for Anthroposophic Medicine (PAAM). The site is currently maintained by LILIPOH Publishing, a source for additional articles on anthroposophic health.
LILIPOH Magazine - A quarterly magazine with a focus on anthroposophical health.
The Physicians Association for Anthroposophical Medicine (PAAM) was founded in 1981 and is the only physicians' organization which promotes Anthroposophic Medicine in North America. PAAM regularly sponsors lectures, conferences and educational events throughout the United States, and interfaces with other organizations interested in developing Anthroposophic Medicine. Its aim is to facilitate personal contact and exchange of knowledge between Anthroposophic health practitioners. PAAM is affiliated with the International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations and the Medical Section of the School for Spiritual Science at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland.
Rudolf Steiner Archive and e.Library
Medical Section at the Goetheanum
AWSNA - Association of Waldorf Schools of North America is a nonprofit membership organization of independent Waldorf Schools and Institutes in Canada, the United States, and Mexico
Books
Overview of Anthroposophic medicine. The System of Anthroposophic Medicine published by the International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations.
Anthroposophic Medicine for the Family, an accessible guide describing many practical ways to support family health naturally; written by a physician from Milan, Dr. Sergio Maria Francardo.
Comprehensive 2006 review of efficacy, costs, and safety of anthroposophic medicine, with special comments on research methodology. Kienle G, Kiene H, Albonico HU. Anthroposophic Medicine: Effectiveness, Utility, Costs, Safety. Stuttgart and New York: Schattauer, 2006. ISBN-10:3-7945-2495-0 and ISBN-13:978-3-7945-2495-2.
Articles
A 2012 summary of the development of Anthroposophic medical institutions and practitioners worldwide, released by the International Association for Anthroposophic Medical Associations (IVAA).
Kienle G, Albonico HU, Baars E, Hamre H, Zimmermann P, Kiene H. “Anthroposophic Medicine: An Integrative Medical System Originating in Europe” Global Advances in Health and Medicine November 2013, 2, 6.
Kienle GS, Mussler M, Fuchs D, Kiene H. Individualized Integrative Cancer Care in Anthroposophic Medicine: A Qualitative Study of the Concepts and Procedures of Expert Doctors. Integr Cancer Ther. 2016 Dec; 15(4):478-494. Epub 2016 May 4.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27151589 Kienle GS, Glockmann A, Grugel R, Hamre HJ, Kiene H. [Clinical research on anthroposophic medicine:update of a health technology assessment report and status quo]. [Article in German] Forsch Komplementmed. 2011; 18(5):269-82. Epub 2011 Oct 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22105040 Hamre HJ, Kiene H, Ziegler R, Tröger W, Meinecke C, Schnürer C, Vögler H, Glockmann A, Kienle GS. Overview of the Publications From the Anthroposophic Medicine Outcomes Study
(AMOS): A Whole System Evaluation Study. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 Jan; 3(1):54-70. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24753995
Hamre HJ, Witt CM, Glockmann A, Ziegler R, Willich SN, Kiene H. Anthroposophic therapy for chronic depression: a four-year prospective cohort study.
BMC Psychiatry. 2006 Dec 15; 6:57. Epub 2006 Dec 15.
Hamre HJ, Witt CM, Kienle GS, Meinecke C, Glockmann A, Willich SN, Kiene H. Anthroposophic therapy for children with chronic disease: a two-year prospective cohort study in routine outpatient settings.
BMC Pediatr. 2009 Jun 19; 9:39. Epub 2009 Jun 19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19545358
Anthroposophical Pharmacies
Uriel Pharmacy Located on a small farm in rural Wisconsin, Uriel Pharmacy was founded in 1996 by Mark McKibben, R.Ph. to meet the needs of anthroposophical oriented practitioners and their patients. Uriel hand-makes natural medicines designed for the whole human being, using ingredients from their biodynamic gardens.
Final Note
Anthroposophical medicine invites us to remember that healing is both an art and a science—a living dialogue between body, soul, and spirit. As Steiner wrote, “To truly know the human being, we must behold not only what can be weighed and measured, but what can be felt and known through the heart.”
Bioregulatory medicine is a total body (and mind) approach to health and healing that aims to help facilitate and restore natural human biological processes. It is a proven, safe, gentle, highly effective, drugless, and side-effect-free medical model designed to naturally support the body to regulate, adapt, regenerate, and self-heal. BRMI is a non-commercial 501(c)(3) foundation and will expand and flourish with your support. Our goal is to make bioregulatory medicine a household term.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the direct care of a qualified health practitioner who oversees and provides unique and individualized care. The information provided here is to broaden our different perspectives and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.