Anthroposophic health care although listed as a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) – approach according to the Ministerial Advisory Committee for Complementary and Alternative Health (MACCAH, 2002;2004) in New Zealand (NZ), is an integrated healing system that has been practiced and widely used in Europe. Based on foundations developed by Rudolf Steiner and Ita Wegman, anthroposophic medicine is a holistic healing approach considering the whole human being, namely body, soul and spirit (Evans & Rogers, 1992; Steiner & Wegman, 1991; Therkleson, 2005). Instead of focusing on individual symptoms, anthroposophic therapeutic approaches will aim not only at the physical complaint but target the whole person, inclusive of emotional, psycho-social and spiritual aspects. Diagnosis and therapies are therefore based on assessing the individual with a holistic framework and rather than aiming for a cure, the emphasis is on salutogenic strategies, supporting the person to find equilibrium by stimulating innate healing abilities (Evans & Rogers, 1992; Mittelmark & Bauer, 2017; Therkleson & Sherwood, 2004).
Health care professionals practicing with anthroposophic principles use orthodox, scientific foundations and extend their practice with the holistic foundations of anthroposophic health care.
In NZ anthroposophic nurses (ANs) work in a variety of clinical settings, e.g. in anthroposophic health centers (e.g. Helios Integrative Medical Center), primary health practices (Manchester, 2009), in therapeutic communities (Freeman Rock, 2014), hospice and some as independent practitioners in the community. AN therapies support the human being through rhythmical massage/embrocation, hydrotherapy, poultices, compresses and biography work (Therkleson, 2004).
In the past education to gain registration as an anthroposophic nurse was offered through the Taruna College in Hawkes Bay (Certificate and Diploma in Holistic Healthcare). The diploma qualification is a requisite for inclusion on the ANANZ Register of Anthroposophic Nurses (AN). Some of the ANs currently practicing in NZ have gained registration overseas at an Anthroposophic Hospital (Germany or Switzerland).