Eurythmy - "harmonious movement" - came into being in 1912 through the work of the Dr Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian scientist, philosopher and educator. Developed as a new performing art of movement, eurythmy brings to expression those archetypal creative movements that underlie speech and music. Dr Steiner describes how when human speech or music sounds forth, the air is "sculpted" into gesture. Through eurythmy this hidden gesture of our speech organs or of musical tone is made visible through the entire human body.

Eurythmy therapy is a branch of eurythmical work. When the human organism loses its equilibrium an imbalance results and illness may ensue. The intervention of eurythmy therapy can affect a change to restore the organism towards balance. This may avoid the development of illness or encourage a positive return to health.

Conditions addressed by Eurythmy Therapy:

True healing is about more than the disappearance of symptoms. Eurythmy therapy is an active process allowing the patient to consciously participate in the process of achieving balance and good health. Many conditions can be addressed by eurythmy therapy although it is not used in acute or inflammatory situations. Some of the more common are listed here:

• Asthma & respiratory disease
• High/low blood pressure
• Heart and circulatory
• Disease
• Menstrual problems
• Stress & fatigue
• Hormonal imbalance & weight
• Control
• Epilepsy
• Strokes & nervous disorders
• Digestive disorders
• Psychiatric conditions
• Learning difficulties
• Developmental problems
• Sleep disorders
• Diabetes
• Allergies & immune conditions and some systemic disease including HIV and cancer.

How do I request Eurythmy Therapy?

A consultation with an anthroposophical doctor familiar with eurythmy therapy is strongly recommended. Some medical practitioners may also be happy to give advice over the telephone. Anthroposophical doctors will be happy to recommend a eurythmy therapist in your area, or alternatively you may contact the "Association of Eurythmy Therapists".

If a consultation with an anthroposophical doctor is not possible, the eurythmy therapist may, at their discretion, seek your written permission to write to your general practitioner (GP) requesting details of your medical history. They may also request permission to discuss your condition with an anthroposophical doctor. Once this process is underway the therapy sessions can then be arranged.

What happens during a eurythmy therapy session?

You will learn the eurythmy exercises with the therapist over a course of around seven weeks. Ideally sessions take place several times a week. For adults each session lasts about 30-40 minutes and you are encouraged to take a short rest afterwards. Positive benefits may be quickly noticed but longer term results are achieved by ongoing daily practise at home. After the initial therapy and practice period, a break allows the effects to continue. A medical check up can then determine if further exercises are required. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or request advice from your therapist at any point in the process.