Resources

Empirical studies – nursing; allied professions (including nursing perspectives or nursing participants)

 

Andermo, S., Hök, J., Sundberg, T., & Arman, M. (2017). Practitioners’ use of shared concepts in anthroposophic pain rehabilitation. Disability and Rehabilitation, 39(23), 2413–2419. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2016.1231843

Arman, M., & Backman, M. (2007). A longitudinal study on women’s experiences of life with breast cancer in anthroposophical (complementary) and conventional care. European Journal of Cancer Care, 16, 444–450. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2354.2006.00773.x

Arman, M., Ranheim, A., Rehnsfeldt, A., & Wode, K. (2008). Anthroposophic healthcare—Different and home-like. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 22(3), 357–366. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6712.2007.00536.x

Arman, M., Hammarqvist, A.-S., & Kullberg, A. (2011). Anthroposophic healthcare in Sweden—A patient evaluation. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 17(3), 170–178. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.11.001

Arman, M., & Hök, J. (2016). Self-care follows from compassionate care—Chronic pain patients’ experience of integrative rehabilitation. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 30(2), 374–381. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12258

Ben–Arye, E., Gressel, O., Silbermann, M., Portalupi, E., Bonucci, M., Keshet, Y., Can, G., Kading, Y., Samuels, N., Livas, M., & Breitkreuz, T. (2021). Enhancing palliative care with mindful touch: Impact of a manual and movement therapy training program in an international multidisciplinary integrative oncology setting. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 61(2), 229–236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.08.004

Ben–Arye, E., Keshet, Y., Livas, M., & Breitkreuz, T. (2018). Crossing the death threshold: Experiencing multi-disciplinary end–of–life integrative oncology training. Supportive Care in Cancer, 26(7), 2251–2257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4068-6

Martin Hernández, S., Sousa, J. M., & Casanova Garrigos, G. (2025a). Nursing process expanded by anthroposophy: Perception of anthroposophical nurses. Texto & Contexto-Enfermagem, 34, e20240328. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-265X-TCE-2024-0299en

Martin-Hernandez, S., Sousa, J. M., & Casanova-Garrigos, G. (2025b). Nurses’ perceptions of the characteristics of anthroposophic nursing care: A descriptive study. Revista gaúcha de enfermagem, 46, e20250094. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-1447.2025.20250094.en

Martin-Hernandez, S., Sousa, J. M., Casanova-Garrigos, G. (2025). Nurses’ perceptions of metaparadigmatic concepts in anthroposophic nursing. Revista gaúcha de enfermagem, 78(6), e20240596. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2024-0596

Ozolins, L.–L., Hörberg, U., Dahlberg, K. (2015). Caring touch—Patients’ experiences in an anthroposophic clinical context. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 29, 834–842. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12242

Ranheim, A., Kӓrner, A., Arman, M., Rehnsfeldt, A. W., & Berterö, C. (2010). Embodied reflection in practice—‘Touching the core of caring’. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 16, 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-172X.2010.01836.x

Therkleson, T. (2012). Ginger and osteoarthritis. In Qian Chen (Ed.). Osteoarthritis—Diagnosis, treatment and surgery. InTech. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/30687

Therkleson, T. (2014a). Ginger therapy for osteoarthritis: A typical case. Journal of Holistic Nursing 32(3), 232–239. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898010113520467

Therkleson, T. (2014b). Topical ginger treatment with a compress or patch for osteoarthritis symptoms. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 32(3), 178–182. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898010113512182

Tröndle, M., Stritter, W., Odone, V., Peron, K., Ghelman, R., & Seifert, G. (2021). Beyond the standard of care: An exploratory qualitative study of an implemented integrative therapeutic care program in a Brazilian pediatric oncology unit. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 27(11), 1002–1010. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2021.0058

Zeugin, B., Lüddeckens, D., & Schrimpf, M. (2018). Crossing fields. Anthroposophical end-of-life care in Switzerland. In M. Schrimpf & D. Lüddeckens (Eds.), Medicine –Religion–Spirituality. Global perspectives on traditional, complementary and alternative healing (pp.201–240). Transcript. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328251107

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Theses/Dissertations

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Klich-Heartt, E. I. (2003). External calf compresses with lemon as a nursing adjunct for fever treatment [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Dominican University of California. 

Te Huia, M. (2025). Anthroposophic nursing in Aotearoa New Zealand: How do anthroposophically educated registered nurses use the anthroposophic paradigm to inform their practice? An interpretative descriptive approach. [Doctoral thesis, Auckland University of Technology] Tuwhera. https://openrepository.aut.ac.nz/items/14da0134-7572-40a4-b208-ba9adb9a7327

Therkleson, T. (2003). A phenomenological inquiry into the patient’s experience of the external application of ginger [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Edith Cowan University. 

Therkleson, T. (2009). The experience of receiving ginger compresses in persons with osteoarthritis. A phenomenological study [Unpublished PhD thesis]. Edith Cowan University. 

Turbott, G. J. (2013). Anthroposophy in the Antipodes. A lived spirituality in New Zealand 1902–1960s [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand.  

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Grey literature (textbooks, discussion papers, descriptive narratives, case studies)

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Bertram, M., & Kolbe, H. J. (2016). Dimensionen therapeutischer Prozesse in der Integrativen Medizin. Springer Verlag.

Deckers, B., von Schoen-Angerer, T., Voggenreiter, B., & Vagedes, J. (2016). External Nursing Applications in the Supportive Management of Prolonged Postoperative Ileus: Description of Interventions and Case Report. Holistic Nursing Practice, 30(4), 216–221. https://doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0000000000000158

Evans, M., & Rodger, I. (2017). Anthroposophical medicine. Healing for body, soul and spirit (3rd ed.). Floris Books. 

Fingado, M. (2005). Rhythmical body oiling (Rhythmische Einreibungen). In S. Therkleson (Trans.), Handbook from the Ita Wegman Clinic (2nd ed.). Rato Health. 

Fingado, M. (2012). Compresses and other therapeutic applications: A handbook from the Ita Wegman Clinic. Floris Books.

Freeman Rock, B. (2014). Taking an anthroposophic approach to care. Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand, 20(11), 36.

Glöckler, M. (2020). What is anthroposophic medicine? Rudolf Steiner Press. 

Glöckler, M., & Heine, R. (Eds.) (2010). The anthroposophic medical movement. Responsibility structures and modes of work. Verlag am Goetheanum.

Hauschka, M. (1990). Rhythmical massage. Mercury Press. 

Heine, R. (Ed.). Anthroposophic nursing practice. Foundations and indications for everyday caregiving. C. Brousseau (Trans.). Portal books.  

Heusser, P. (2016). Anthroposophy and science. An introduction. Peter Lang.

Holdrege, C. (2014). Goethe and the evolution of science. In Context, 31, 10–23.

Kienle, G. S., Albonico, Baars, E., Hamre, H. J., Zimmermann, P., & Kiene, H. (2013). Anthroposophic medicine: An integrative medical system originating in Europe. Global advances in health and medicine, 2(6), 20–31. https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2012.087

Kienle, G. S., Ben-Arye, E., Berger, B., Cuadrado Nahum, C., Falkenberg, T., Kapócs, G., Kiene, H., Martin, D., Wolf, U., & Szöke, H. (2019). Contributing to global health: Development of a consensus-based whole systems research strategy for anthroposophic medicine. Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. Article 3706143. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3706143

Kienle, G. S., Kiene, H., & Albonico, H-U. (2006). Anthroposophic medicine. Effectiveness, utility, cost, safety. Schattauer.

Kramer, M. R., Schmiesing, L., & von Dach, C. (2022). Illuminating nursing’s value: The 12 anthroposophic nursing gestures. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 40(3), 281–295. https://doi.org/10.1177/08980101211039083

Landman-Reiner, A. (2021a). Complementing reductionism: Goethean science Part 1: Qualities and wholeness. Explore, 17(4), 360–365.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.02.015

Landman-Reiner, A. (2021b). Complementing reductionism: Goethean science Part 2: Life’s unique principles. Explore, 17(4), 366–371.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.02.016

Layer, M. (2006). Handbook for rhythmical Einreibungen according to Hauschka/Wegman. Temple Lodge.

Lisenbee, M. (2022). Holistic nursing: A way of being in the world. Beginnings, 42(6), 6–8.

Manchester, A. (2009). Nursing the anthroposophical way. Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand, 15(1). 24.

Martin, D. (2020). 100-year anniversary of anthroposophic medicine as an integrative medical system. Complementary Medical Research, 27(6), 375–378. https://doi.org/10.1159/000511668

Mason, D. M. (2014). Holism and embodiment in nursing: Using Goethean science to join 2 perspectives on patient care. Holistic Nursing Practice, 28(1), 55–64. https://doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0000000000000010

McElroy, K. (2013). Anthroposophic medicine: Deepening our understanding of herbs, healing and the human being. Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine, 25(4), 182–186. 

Riehm, C. (2022). The twelve nursing gestures of anthroposophic nursing: Case study from nursing practice based on a palliative patient. Der Merkurstab, 75(3), 166–175. https://doi.org/10.14271/DMS-21501-DE

Seifert, G., & Längler, A. (Eds.). (2022). The healing power of touch—Guidelines for nurses and practitioners: External applications in pediatrics. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85507-9

Sustick, E. (2019). Fostering warmth. North American Anthroposophic Nurses Association. https://anthroposophicnursing.org/articles

Therkleson, T. (2005). Anthroposophical nursing. Australian Journal of Holistic Nursing, 12, 43–50.

Therkleson, T. (2006). Profiles in nursing practice. An anthroposophical perspective. Rato Health.

Therkleson, T. (2007). Nursing the human being. An anthroposophical perspective. Mercury Press.

Trevelyan, J. (1997). Anthroposophical medicine: A nursing perspective. Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery, 3(6), 152–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1353-6117(05)81001-7

Therkleson, T., & Stronach, S. (2015). Broken heart syndrome. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 33(4), 345–350. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898010115569883

van Bentheim, T., Bos, S., de al Houssaye, E., & Visser, W. (1987). Caring for the sick at home. Anthroposophic Press. 

Varriale, R. (2019, Spring). Anthroposophic palliative care. Lilipoh. https://lilipoh.com/articles/anthroposophic-palliative-nursing/

Wegman, I. (1976). Rudolf Steiner’s endeavor toward an expansion in the art of healing. In C. Murphy, P. W. Scharff, E. Schwartz (Eds), Mercury 2. Journal of the Anthroposophical Therapy and Hygiene Association, 2, 11–14. (Original work published 1920)

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Empirical studies – EAT (External Anthroposophic Therapies) & others

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Altman, R. D., & Marcussen, K. C. (2001). Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 44(11), 2531–2532. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11710709/

Atsumi, T., & Tonosaki, K. (2007). Smelling lavender and rosemary increases free radical scavenging activity and decreases cortisol level in saliva. Psychiatry Research, 150(1), 89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2005.12.012

Effati-Daryani, F., Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, S., Mirghafourvand, M., Taghizadeh, M., & Mohammadi, A. (2015). Effect of lavender cream with or without foot–-bath on anxiety, stress and depression in pregnancy: A randomised placebo–controlled trial. Journal of Caring Sciences, 4(1), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.5681/jcs.2015.007

Field, T., Cullen, C., Largie, S., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2008). Lavender bath oil reduces stress and crying and enhances sleep in very young infants. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, 18(4), 571–572. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18053656/

Höffmann, A. K., Lakshmanan, P., Hollmann, C., & Ostermann, T. (2018). An experimental study on oil-dispersion baths generated by the Jungebad apparatus. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 41, 147–153.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.014

Koster, E. B., Baars, E. W., & Delnoij, D. M. J. (2016). Patient-centered outcomes on quality of life and anthroposophic healthcare: A qualitative triangulation study. Quality of Life Research, 25(9), 2257–2267. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-016-1276-8

Koster, E. B., Baars, E. W., & Delnoij, D. M. J. (2020). Patient-reported quality of care in anthroposophic and integrative medicine: A scoping review. Patient Education and Counselling, 130(2), 276–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2019.09.010

McCaffrey, R., Thomas, D. J., & Kinzelman, A. O. (2009). The effects of lavender and rosemary essential oils on test-taking anxiety among graduate nursing students. Holistic Nursing Practice, 23(2), 88–93. https://doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0b013e3181a110aa

Morris, N., & Morris, N. (2002). The effects of lavender (Lavendula angustifolium) baths on psychological well-being: Two exploratory randomised control trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 10(4), 223–228. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12594973/

Mühlenpfordt, I., Blakeslee, S. B., Everding, J., Cramer, H., Seifert, G., & Stritter, W. (2022). Touching body, soul, and spirit? Understanding external applications from integrative medicine: A mixed methods systematic review. Frontiers in Medicine, 9, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.960960

Mühlenpfordt, I., Stritter, W., Bertram, M., Ben–Arye, E., & Seifert, G. (2020). The power of touch: External applications from whole medical systems in the care of cancer patients (literature review). Supportive Care in Cancer, 28(2), 461–471. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-05172-7

Ostermann, T., Blaser, G., Bertram, M., Michalsen, A., Matthiessen, P. F., & Kraft, K. (2008). Effects of rhythmic embrocation therapy with solum oil in chronic pain patients: A prospective observational study. Clinical Journal of Pain, 24(3), 237–243. https://doi.org/10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181602143

Saeki, Y., & Saeki, Y. (2000). The effect of foot–bath with or without the essential oil of lavender on the autonomic nervous system: A randomized trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 8(1), 2–7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10812753/

Sayorwan, W., Ruangrungsi, N., Piriyapunyporn, T., Kotchabhakdi, N., Hongratanaworakit, T., & Siripornpanich, V. (2013). Effects of inhaled rosemary oil on subjective feelings and activities of the nervous system. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 81(2), 531. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.1209-05

Sayorwan, W., Siripornpanich, V., Piriyapunyaporn, T., Hongratanaworakit, T., Kotchabhakdi, N., & Ruangrungsi, N. (2012). The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity. Journal of the Medical Association Thailand, 95(4), 598–606. https://www.thaiscience.info/journals/Article/JMAT/10971475.pdf

Therkleson, T. (2010). A phenomenological study of ginger compress therapy for people with osteoarthritis. The Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology, 10(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.2989/IPJP.2010.10.1.6.1078

Therkleson, T. (2010). Ginger compress therapy for adults with osteoarthritis. Journal of Advanced Nursing (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), 66(10), 2225–2233. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05355.x

Vagedes, J., Fazeli, A., Helmert, E., Boening, A., Martin, D., & Berger, B. (2019). Efficacy of rhythmical massage in comparison to heart rate variability biofeedback in patients with dysmenorrhea—A randomized, controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 42, 438–444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.11.009

Vagedes, J., Helmert, E., Kuderer, S., Müller, V., Voege. P., Szőke, H., Valentini, J., Joos, S. Kohl, M., & Andrasik, F. (2018). Effects of footbaths with mustard, ginger, or warm water only on objective and subjective warmth distribution in healthy subjects: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 41, 287–294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.024

Vagedes, J., Kuderer, S., Vagedes, K., Hiller, S., Beissner, F., Szőke, H., Joos, S., & Wolf, U. (2021). Increasing warmth in oncological patients: A randomized controlled cross-over pilot trial examining the efficacy of mustard and ginger footbath. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 20, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/15347354211058449

Vagedes, J., Kuderer, S., Vagedes, K., Szőke, H., Kohl, M., Joos, S., Beissner, F., & Wolf, U. (2022). Do chest compresses with mustard or ginger affect warmth regulation in healthy adults? A randomized controlled trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Article 5034572. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5034572

von Schoen-Angerer, T., Deckers, B., Henes, J., Helmert, E., & Vagedes, J. (2018). Effect of topical rosemary essential oil on Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 40, 191–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2017.10.012

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Reports & other literature

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Lunde, A., Busch, M., Gunnarsdottir, T. J., Falkenberg, T., van Dijk, M., & van der Heijden, M. (2023). Integrative nursing. Handbook for teachers in nursing. https://pure.eur.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/83146353/Integrative_Nursing_Handbook_for_Teachers_in_Nursing.pdf

Ritchie, J. A. (2001). A model of integrating primary care: Anthroposophic medicine. National Centre for Social Research, Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of London. https://www.camphillwellbeing.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Integrated-Primary-Care-CWT-research.pdf

Te Huia, M., & Mercer, C. (2019). Relationships and implications for complementary and alternative medicine in Aotearoa New Zealand: A discussion paper. Nursing Praxis in New Zealand, 35(3), 25-32. https://doi.org/10.36951/NgPxNZ.2019.012

V & VN (2022). Area of expertise: Anthroposophic nursing care. https://www.venvn.nl/media/oaylm2kk/20220521-engels-expertisegebied-verpleegkundige-antroposofische-zorg.pdf

Vincensi, B. B. (2019). Interconnections: Spirituality, spiritual care, and patient-centered care. Asia–Pacific Journal of Oncology, 6(2), 104–110. https://doi.org/10.4103/apjon.apjon_48_18

World Health Organization. (2023). WHO benchmarks for training in anthroposophic medicine. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/366645?show=full