What is Anthroposophic Naturopathy?
Natural Therapies encompass many integrative medical modalities, including Naturopathy, Homoeopathy, Herbalism, Nutrition, Ayruvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and other traditional forms of prescribing healing substances.
Alongside this, many practitioners also practice other modalities such as massage, home nursing, cupping, poultices, healing movement, speech and sound therapies, music therapy, counselling, art therapies, touch for health, reflexology, social and community health care programs, school health care and biography work.
The term Anthroposophic Naturopath covers the art of prescribing anthroposophic medicines as well as prescribing appropriate therapies as part of a whole treatment plan for the patient. Most practitioners work with a comprehensive multi-modality model that includes working together with other health professionals in a mutually respected way. This being possible because anthroposophic medical work is founded upon a specific diagnostic picture that provides practitioners with a common language.
Anthroposophic Naturopathy is mainly concerned with Constitutional Health which is based upon understanding the patient in terms of not only symptoms of illness but also a broader insight into salutogenesis and destiny. This gives the patient a special relationship to themselves and a feeling of a deeper satisfaction and trust in working with their illness.
Furthermore, the Anthroposophic approach is a truly holistic one that includes the physical, psychological, spiritual and social health of each individual.
Origins of Anthroposophic Medicine
In the 1920’s a physiotherapist, named Ita Wegman, after hearing a lecture by Rudolf Steiner, asked him ‘How can we renew the ancient healing Mysteries?’. This question led to her becoming a doctor and then working in close association with Steiner to develop Anthroposophic Medicine and establishing the first Anthroposophic Hospital in Arlesheim, Switzerland; known as the Ita Wegman Klinik. Together they developed a unique approach to healing using many new medicines, especially the use of Mistletoe in Cancer research. Their work culminated in a book they co-authored as “Fundamentals Of Therapy’, which contains some deep esoteric insights into healing.
Training & Endorsement
Anthroposophic Naturopathy is gaining more credibility amongst the Anthroposophic and Integrative medicine groups as well as becoming more well known amongst Natural Therapy Practitioners, both nationally and internationally.
Our current times demand that we find new and innovative ways to support health care as well as health education and health choices. We need a model that truly encourages ethical individualism and a humanistic and patient-centred approach in the quality of care and practice standards.
Further information on Anthroposophic Naturopathy training can be found by following these direct links:
- Foundation Course 2026
- Advanced Training for Anthroposophic Naturopathy 2026-28
- Anthroposophic School Health Consultant Course 2026-28
For General Information about Anthroposophic Medicine visit the following Associations:
ISAN – International Society of Anthroposophic Naturopathy
Medical Section – Dornach Switzerland
AAMA – Australian Anthroposophic Medicine Association
IVAA – International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations
IKAM – International Coordination of Anthroposophic Medicine
SPAN – Society for Physicians of Anthroposophic Naturopathy in America