External Applications in Anthroposophic Nursing

Partial Embrocations – Medical Indications and Effects

The Arms

Guiding principle
Rhythmical embrocation of the arms has an effect of building up the person's inner metabolic organism and breathing.
The arms are less burdened by gravity and are freer in their connection to the body than the feet and legs. They can be freely moved about, enabling them to perform expressive creative activities such as playing an instrument, producing handicrafts, writing, etc. The forces involved in such pursuits can be given to the work but they can also be directed back into the body via rhythmical embrocations, where they can have a strengthening effect.


Rhythmical embrocation of the arms has five subsections: the hand, forearm, elbow, upper arm and shoulder.

Medical indications



The Legs

Guiding principle
Rhythmical embrocation of the legs and feet stimulates the metabolism and facilitates elimination. It also supports the prophylaxis of thrombosis and bedsores, stimulates circulation and helps with warmth generation in cases of cold extremities. Where there is pain associated with osteoarthritis or rheumatism the application enlivens the joints and the entire leg.

Rhythmical embrocation of the leg has four subsections: the lower leg, knee, thigh and foot.

Medical indications




Lower Leg

Guiding Principle
Rhythical embrocation of the lower leg enlivens the leg. To the person treated the calf feels light and expanded; it has an anti-cramping, calming effect.

Medical indications



The Knee

Guiding principle
The knee is the largest joint in the human body. It has to withstand the force of gravity as well as being manipulated and stabilised by the strongest muscles in the body. The joint itself creates the conditions for uplift and for the overcoming of gravity by forming cartilage and synovial fluid.
Rhythmical embrocation of the knee envelops and warms it. The life processes in the joint are stimulated in a way that can alleviate pain and facilitate the ability to move in cases of inflamed swelling and degeneration.

Medical indications



Treat acute inflammatory knee complaints with caution.

The Thighs

Guiding principle
Rhythmical embrocation of the thighs has an enlivening and stimulating effect on digestive processes and the urogenital organs.

Medical indications


The Feet

Guiding principle
The feet have the task of carrying the human body on a small surface between the heel and the ball of the foot, enabling balance in the upright position. The arch of the foot eludes gravity.
Rhythmical embrocation of the feet intensifies the pervasion of warmth in them. This in turn enables the soul to loosen its hold on the neurosensory system in the head area, which directly facilitates the ability to fall asleep. The process of letting go while dying can also be remarkably facilitated.

Medical indications




The Stomach/Abdomen

Guiding principle
In many people the stomach area is tense and bowel activity is disturbed. This region is warmed through by the circular warming gestures of rhythmical embrocation. This has a relaxing and rhythm-bestowing effect.

Medical indications





The Back and Neck

Guiding principle
Many people experience strain unconsciously in the form of increasing shoulder and neck tension, associated with weakness in the lower back. Tension can be relieved and the play of back muscles enlivened by strokes and warming circles.
The person's breathing deepens and the patient feels warmed through and relaxed, deep in the muscles and the soul.

Medical indications