Rhythmical Einreibungen is an Anthroposophic Nursing treatment that weaves together the polar principles of form and life to support health. The forms of the hand movements are guided by the structure and function of each body part. Archetypal form principles of straight line and circle enhance these movements. Imbuing each movement with the qualities of rhythm, breathing and warmth unites the forms with the realm of life. Gently and fluidly, the hand movements glide over the body supporting inner harmony and a sense of well-being.

Rhythmical Einreibungen addresses directly the etheric and physical bodies of the human being; bringing renewal of the etheric body's inherent well-spring of life forces and supporting it's enlivening of the physical body. The higher members of the individual also respond to this treatment, renewing their interest to work through the bodily organization in a harmonious way. Overall, the effect is to support both unconscious life processes and consciousness. It is recognized that the patient receives the gift of Rhythmical Einreibungen and inwardly works with it in a way unique to individual needs. The gentleness of the approach allows for this individual inner effect. Rhythmical Einreibungen is a treatment in itself, and at the same time, enhances receptivity to the therapeutic substances applied via the skin during treatment.

"Our hands serve the Rhythmical Einreibungen, by way of practicing
real human touch, using the substances in a specific way,
and bearing witness to the rhythms of the world."    ~ Herman Glaser 

Rhythmical Einreibungen is applicable to support wellness and to support individuals through a variety of illness conditions. It supports rhythmic life processes of sleeping and waking, breathing, circulation, digestion and elimination. It promotes relaxation, relief of pain, life forces, tissue healing, and awareness of one's center and boundaries. Rhythmical Einreibungen can be given to support health needs for individuals with developmental disabilities, in pregnancy, for infants, children, the elderly, and for individuals approaching death.

Rhythmical Einreibungen is one of the three cardinal Anthroposophic Nursing treatments. The other areas of Anthroposophic Nursing treatment are External Applications such as compresses, poultices and oil cloths, and therapeutic baths such as footbaths, nutritional baths, oil dispersion baths, as well as others.

Rhythmical Einreibungen was first developed by Dr. Ita Wegman in the 1920's in the Arlesheim Klinik, an Anthroposophic medical clinic she founded in Arlesheim, Switzerland. She collaborated extensively with Dr. Margarethe Hauschka in furthering the treatment. Originally this treatment was given as a means to enhance the application of therapeutic substances to the body. Since this time Rhythmical Einreibungen has been highly refined through the dedicated work of Anthroposophic Nurses. It is taught and used in many countries around the world.

Rhythmical Einreibungen is taught by Anthroposophic Nurses in accordance with the "Handbook for the Certification of Specialists in Rhythmical Einreibungen According to Wegman/Hauschka". This Handbook is issued from the International Forum for Anthroposophic Nursing (IFAN), in Dornach, Switzerland (www.icana-ifan.org). It is available via the "Quality in Anthroposophic Nursing" (QAN) website (www.qualitaet-ap.org).
                                                                                                                                                                              — Janice Balaskas, RN, ANS, LES

The Rhythmical Einreibungen (RE) Specialist Course (Level 2) is an opportunity for Registered Nurses to commit to a path of deepening their understanding and practice of Rhythmical Einreibungen as an Anthroposophic Nurse.

In this course all Level 1 content is reviewed and deepened. New theory and practice includes Human Development, RE of the Organs, the Pentagram Treatment, and the application of RE for specific populations and health needs. Students are expected to widen their RE experience by working with patients with a variety of care needs. The Anthroposophic Nursing process is taught and is practiced extensively in order for this to become a working tool. Enrollment in the RES Mentoring Program is required to enter the Specialist courses. Written assignments and oral presentations are on-going requirements throughout the training. RE Specialist Certification is awarded upon successfully passing the written, oral and practical components of the final examination.