Anthroposophic Medicine and Professionals in Cancer Care
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Anthroposophic medicine: an overview ›
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Anthroposophic medicine: an overview
Anthroposophic medicine is an integrative medical system founded in 1920, with roots in central European folk medicine. This system is based on a holistic understanding of humans, nature, disease, and healing. It incorporates the concept of four levels of formative forces and views human beings as having a three-fold constitution, integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. Anthroposophic medicine combines conventional treatments with complementary approaches that address these interconnected aspects of well-being.
What do anthroposophic practitioners offer?
Practitioners of anthroposophic medicine offer a variety of therapies, including remedies derived from plants, minerals, and animals, alongside conventional medical care. They also incorporate massage, counseling, psychotherapy, and other specific techniques into treatment plans. Anthroposophic medicine is widely practiced in hospitals and clinics in Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland, where it is often integrated with conventional cancer care. One notable therapy within anthroposophic medicine is mistletoe (Iscador), which is one of the most commonly prescribed complementary cancer therapies in central Europe and has been the subject of extensive research.1Kienle GS, Albonico H-U et al. Anthroposophic medicine: an integrative medical system originating in Europe. Global Advances in Health and Medicine. 2013 Nov; 2(6): 20-31.
Who are anthroposophic practitioners?
Anthroposophic care is provided by a variety of healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, nurses, and therapists. While it is most commonly practiced in Europe, some conventional healthcare professionals in the United States and Canada can pursue certification in anthroposophic medicine. This training enables them to integrate anthroposophic principles into their practice, offering patients a more holistic approach to healthcare. Certification in anthroposophic medicine ›, however, is an additional credential that complements, rather than replaces, conventional medical qualifications.
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Physicians’ Association for Anthroposophic Medicine: Directory of Providers ›
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Reviewer of selected sections
Dr. Rao is a medical oncologist, the medical director of integrative oncology at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health, and director of medical oncology for genitourinary cancer at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. He is the 2022-23 president-elect of the Society for Integrative Oncology. Dr. Rao is also the host of the podcast Integrative Oncology Talk, with support from the Society for Integrative Oncology.
After graduating from the University of Michigan Medical School and completing a residency program in internal medicine at the University of California San Diego, Dr. Rao completed a fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona and later obtained a board certification in integrative medicine through the American Board of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Rao has trained in Ayurveda and Healing Touch. He also attended the Leadership Program in Integrative Medicine at Duke University. His research interests include genitourinary oncology, sleep, and integrative medicine implementation and program development.
Christine has a dynamic background in the life sciences, public health, and program operations. Her career began at the lab bench with a Gates Foundation-funded HIV Vaccine research group, which led her to graduate studies in public health epidemiology at UC Berkeley. Her research experience spans clinical epidemiology research to evaluating the impacts of community nutrition programs in Los Angeles, the Central Valley, and Oakland. Most recently she has worked in executive operations for a seed-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco. Personally, Christine is passionate about holistic health and wellness. She is a clinical herbalist and Reiki master, and she has been practicing yoga for 15+ years. She brings a breadth of experiences to her work leading the CancerChoices program.
Last update: October 14, 2024
Last full resource review: August 2021
CancerChoices provides information about integrative in cancer care, a patient-centered approach combining the best of conventional care, self care and evidence-informed complementary care in an integrated plan cancer care. We review complementaryin cancer care, complementary care involves the use of therapies intended to enhance or add to standard conventional treatments; examples include supplements, mind-body approaches such as yoga or psychosocial therapy, and acupuncture therapies and self-care lifestyle actions and behaviors that may impact cancer outcomes; examples include eating health-promoting foods, limiting alcohol, increasing physical activity, and managing stress practices to help patients and professionals explore and integrate the best combination of conventionalthe cancer care offered by conventionally trained physicians and most hospitals; examples are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy and complementary therapies and practices for each person.
Our staff have no financial conflicts of interest to declare. We receive no funds from any manufacturers or retailers gaining financial profit by promoting or discouraging therapies mentioned on this site.
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