Therapeutic Εurythmy

The term Εurythmy is derived from the Greek "Eu" and "Rhythm" (Ευ + ρυθμός: Ευρυθμία). "Beauty or Eu" is the harmony of inner and outer, of spiritual experience and its expression in physical movement. Eurythmy was developed for theatre and then expanded for educational and therapeutic purposes.
Therapeutic eurhythmy combines speech, gestures and music, translating them into a unique form of movement. Specific movements are thus assigned to each consonant and vowel. Geometric shapes are assigned to the vowels: in the case of A, for example, the hands are stretched long and upward, forward, backward, or diagonally downward. For O, the hands form a large circle with only the fingers touching. For E, the hands are outstretched, wrists crossed.
Consonants are generally expressed through movement: for D, for example, is represented by a forward movement; for P, by the hands circling vertically downwards, etc.
Based on the person's medical diagnosis, the eurythmy therapist selects a few of these sounds and gestures and practices them with the patient in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The goal is to regulate the body's forces of expression, which have been disturbed as a result of the illness. Eurythmy movements create a connection between the external movements of the body and the internal vital functions of the body. In this sense, eurythmy can be seen as an effective and specific remedy along with medication.
Therapeutic Eurythmy exercises may involve the whole body, or combinations such as arms and legs, feet and feet, toes and fingers, steps and jumps may also be added.
During the procedure, the sequence of movements is adapted to the patient's condition: eurythmy therapy can also be performed in a sitting or lying position, even in seriously ill patients or those receiving treatment in intensive care units.
The exercises are specifically designed to stimulate, strengthen and regulate every bodily function and process. Depending on the exercise program chosen, circulation and breathing, metabolism, general mobility and balance can be regulated. As all organs and their systems are stimulated by active movement, movement patterns of rhythmicity affect the functions of specific organs, as well as the emotional and mental capacity of the individual to express and experience.