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iv: Anthroposophical Views
Lessness Dora Wagner In anthroposophical medicine, Bladderwrack is not the plant of choice to cure diseases of the thyroid gland. Rather, Colchicum autumnale (the Autumn Crocus, or Autumn Saffron) is used. To understand why, we have to explore the anthroposophical concept of the Threefold Human Being— a concept which reflects how the whole individual is animated, not just the nerves and the senses. Three different levels of organisation are distinguished in the human body: The Nerve-Sense-System— comprising the brain, the nervous system, the skin and all sensory organs —is mainly centred in the head, but permeates the entire body, including peripheral and autonomic nerves. Here, life expresses itself through densification, differentiation and individualisation, releasing the life forces that form the basis of consciousness; thinking, feeling and willpower. The soul is seen as having a physical foundation in the processes of nerves, in rhythmic activities, and in metabolism. To some extent, then, soul is seen as separate from the external environment surrounding the body. By contrast, the Metabolic-Limb-System engages with the outside world, both in its nutritional and activity functions. Here, the world is absorbed, internalised, and metabolised. The organs of this system are actively involved in the transformation, transportation and excretion of substance; in cell division, growth, regeneration, and the capacity to create new life. Perception is of little importance here; life expresses itself in a general, undifferentiated way. Substances are dissolved and dynamized, muscular metabolic activities create the strength to move limbs. The principle of polarity in the anthroposophical image of the human being leads to a concept of the middle— the Rhythmic-System —which synthesizes and transforms the opposing poles of the Nerve-Sense-System and the MetabolicLimb-System. By connecting one pole to the other, the Rhythmic-System effects a
well-ordered, higher unity. In healthy people, the ratio between respiratory rate and heart rate reaches a value of about 1:4, especially during the sleeping hours. Impulses for renewal, healing and integration emanate from this mediating centre. These rhythmic processes form the physical basis of the emotional quality of feeling, which always alternates between two opposing polarities; joy and sorrow, love and hate. Anthroposophical medicine sees a basic correlation between the Threefold Human Being and the Threefold Plant. This also corresponds to an important basic concept of the late medieval alchemy of Paracelsus— the Tria Principia of Sal/Mercury/Sulfur. In this way, relationships between humans and plants dictate the therapeutic use of flowers, leaves or roots. For example, decoctions of roots are used to support diseases of the head and nerve-sense organisation; infusions and preparations made from leaves are used for disorders of rhythmic functions (especially of the heart and lungs); remedies made from fruits and flowers are recommended for metabolic and digestive disorders. The same principles apply to the selection of medical herbs; if a plant shows any kind of deviation, distortion or abnormality, if the tripartite structure of roots, flowers and fruits, leaves and shoots is unusual, this can suggest an area of application— and the possible curative effects, too. According to both anthroposophical and homeopathic medicine, the essential idea of a plant is also passed on, not just in its substance, but by an appropriate method of preparation. So, I’m contemplating Colchicum autumnale, trying to figure out why this plant is used for thyroid diseases and how the tripartite system can help me determine its healing properties. When summer has passed and autumn begins, when days become shorter, when the air is noticeably cooler and we have a certain melancholy mood, we might discover pale
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