Areas of practice
Client information on eurythmy therapy
Areas of practice where eurythmy therapy is offered:
Clinics: Some clinics allow participation in anthroposophical therapies. The eurythmy therapist carries out the therapy in an appropriate room or in the patient's room with the bedbound patient (https://anthro-kliniken.de)
Kindergarten and school: The working methods in the institutions are very individually organised. Not all institutions can offer eurythmy therapy.
Special Needs education and social therapy: In anthroposophically run curative schools and homes eurythmy therapy is an integral part of the care and is usually carried out as individual therapy (https://inclusivesocial.org/en)
Health classes: these are mainly aimed at preventing illness, but also at promoting general well-being. The courses in small groups are popular, e.g. on the topics of back health, blood pressure, exhaustion, burn-out, stress management or general everyday fitness, e.g. for senior citizens.
The procedure in private practice is usually as follows:
Your doctor has prescribed eurythmy therapy for you or eurythmy therapy has been recommended to you. In the following you will find some basic information about the treatment setting in private practice. We would like to point out that this is general information which may not always do justice to the individual context or country.
Duration: as a rule, a treatment session lasts 30 minutes plus an additional rest period, which serves to integrate the newly acquired experience. Some therapists offer a separate rest room, others use the time for documentation, while you can rest in the same room in a screened area.
Doctors usually prescribe 6-12 sessions, which usually take place once a week. But eurythmy therapy can also be done without a prescription (in certain countries).
Costs: The professional associations of the respective countries make cost recommendations, which are often based on the reimbursement modalities of the health insurance funds.
Therapists: Lists of therapists in each country are available from the respective professional associations. Some therapists carry the international quality seal Anthromed
Clothing: easy, loose everyday clothes in which you feel comfortable is appropriate. You do not need sportswear. Clothing that is too tight can restrict your freedom of movement. Some therapists have gymnastic shoes (eurythmy shoes) in all sizes, others will ask you to bring your own. Socks, barefoot or sturdy shoes are not suitable.
General procedure: As a rule, the therapist will conduct a short history taking, supplemented by a movement diagnosis. The therapeutic goal and a treatment concept are derived from both. In many cases, initial exercises (warm-up) and a final exercise, frame the so-called main exercises, which are usually performed standing or sitting. In some practices you will be asked to fill out a patient questionnaire for documentation reasons. Sometimes these are part of an anonymous survey within a study. Your consent will be sought if this is the case.
Exercises: These are performed with the arms and legs. The exercise can be done vigorously, even including jumps or in tiny versions with the fingers and every version in between. There are rhythmic exercises, which are sometimes accompanied by poems, verses and musical elements. Movement meditations can be included in the treatment.
Individuality in the treatment process: The therapy sessions are tailored to the patient's individual prerequisites, movement possibilities and general circumstances.
Materials: Copper balls, rollers and rods are widely used as standard in eurythmy therapy practice. Balls made of gold, silver, iron and lead or different types of wood are also used. Furthermore, soft balls, silk cloths, balancing cushions or bars are used especially in the treatment of children.
Practice at home: eurythmy therapy stimulates the inherent healing forces of the organism addressing the kernel of the individual. This activity of the Self is greatly supported by independent practice and this usually forms an important part of the healing process. You will be instructed by the therapist on how to perform the exercises.