The Therapies
Anthroposophical Nursing
Anthroposophical nursing is grounded in traditional nursing practice, but broadens it to encompass new kinds of treatment, taking the view that the patient is a "whole human being" with a body, soul and spirit. The unique needs of each individual patient are paramount, and while the anthroposophical nurse has a strongly nurturing and supportive role to play, their aim is to slowly help the patient to gain independence again and to be able to take increasing responsibility in their recovery and healing process. Anthroposophical nursing recognises that a central contributing factor in a patient's recovery process is how a treatment or nursing procedure is carried out, in addition to the medical accuracy. Therefore a training in anthroposophical nursing includes the need for self-development and cultivation of the sense for understanding the unique and differing needs of people.
Traditional nursing procedures are fundamental to anthroposophical nursing practice. These are extended by a treatment programme of external treatments and the administering of medicines. The treatments and medicines are normally prescribed and managed by the anthroposophical doctor, but are monitored in collaboration with the nurses' feedback. External applications include baths in prescribed substances, "rhythmic" medicated body rubs using the Hauschka/Wegman method and the employment of packs and compresses to specific parts of the body. These methods use oils, essences, tinctures and ointments, mainly of plant, mineral or metal origin prepared by anthroposophical pharmaceutical procedures. They aim to stimulate or boost the vital functions of the body and can affect breathing, circulation, digestion, metabolism and the generation of body warmth.
