EURYTHMY (Movement Therapy)

Eurythmy therapy is a movement therapy, which has been practised for over 80 years. It is effective both in preventing and treating acute, chronic and degenerative illnesses.

It is a part of the anthroposophic medical approach developed out of the work of Rudolf Steiner, which takes into account both the physical and the soul-spiritual aspects of the human being. It integrates conventional and complementary medicine in its holistic treatment of the individual.

Eurythmy as an art of movement originates from music and the sounds of speech, both vowels and consonants. Each sound quality has its own deep relationship to the human being and the activities within the human physiology. In eurythmy they are then transformed into movements of the whole body. When used as a therapy, the movements and gestures are worked with in such a way that they stimulate processes in the human being on both a bodily and soul-spiritual level.

Eurythmy helps to strengthen, regulate and harmonise. The exercises help to improve posture, mobility, spatial orientation, rhythm, breathing, circulation, and warmth. Eurythmy therapy stimulates the life forces and powers of healing which are inherent within the human being. It also strengthens a sense of wellbeing and self confidence. The therapy is used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, such as cardio-vascular disorders, neurological problems, muscular-skeletal disorders, and irregularities in child development, life crisis and associated medical complaints. It is also helpful in the treatment of mental illness.

Each patient’s therapy is designed to meet the needs of the individual and a programme of exercises is developed with each client to be practised at home. It is a therapy in which one takes an active role in the process of healing.

The eurythmy therapy exercises are done either standing, sitting or lying down. The sessions with a therapist are generally 45 minutes long (including a rest time). Eurythmy therapy is available in some NHS practices, clinics, Steiner Waldorf schools and special needs residential communities.

Eurythmy therapists are regulated by CAHSC (Council for Anthroposophical Health and Social Care) to ensure high professional standards of care.

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"Each movement relates to a particular sound or letter - like sign language but with your whole body. The therapist accompanied me and we did the movements side by side, as gentle guidance, non-threatening, at my own pace, and tailored to my exact needs. So I never felt incompetent. A confidence and trust built with my therapist, and I experienced a real sense of calm."