Anthroposophy in New Zealand
Looking at the unique make-up of an individual when prescribing therapies, medicines or treatments
What is holistic care?
There are a number of groups and individuals providing medical, healing
and care work that comes out of indications given by Rudolf Steiner.
These include residential homes, school and workshops at Hohepa Homes
through to the therapies provided by practitioners, anthroposophical
nurses and doctors around New Zealand. Care is given through a holistic
approach to wellbeing that can encompass medicine, therapy, education,
meditation and creative activity.
What is Anthroposophic medicine?
Anthroposophic medicine has ties to homeopathy and looks at the unique
make-up – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual – of an individual
when prescribing therapies, medicines or treatments. Rudolf Steiner
began working with practitioners before 1920 and in 1921 the first
anthroposophic medical clinic was opened.
Therapies
There are a number of therapies that come out of the teaching of Rudolf
Steiner. These often work in conjunction with other aspects of self-care
and wellbeing. Therapies include nursing, eurythmy, music, speech,
drama and artistic therapy. There are trained practitioners working in
these areas in New Zealand with links to a wider international network
of practitioners, trainers and professional bodies.
Hohepa
Hohepa is a disability service provider, catering for children and
adults with an intellectual disability. In Hawke’s Bay, Hohepa has a
school and homes for children, and services for adults. The adult
service includes a range of residential life-styles and daytime
vocational services. In Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, services
cater for adults, with residential support and day services programmes.
The Auckland service includes support to young adults making the
transition from schooling, into services and community of their choice.