External Applications in Anthroposophic Nursing

Rhythmical Leg Embrocation According to Wegman/Hauschka with Rosemary 10% Oil, Combined with Rhythmical Abdomen Embrocation According to Wegman/Hauschka with Oxalis 10% Oil

Kind of substance

Rosemary 10% oil, WALA, Oxalis 10% ointment

Guiding principle for the application

Rosemary forms a characteristic aromatic and resinous essential oil in its leaves, flowers and stalks, which is easily communicated to the air. Its taste is rather astringent and somewhat hot due to resins, bitter substances, tannins and vegetable acid.

Rosemary’s warming processes have a stimulating effect on digestion and circulation. The plant’s bitter substances and tannins awaken and strengthen the patient’s vital forces. Rosemary therefore has a strong incarnating effect.
Legs belong to the motor-metabolic system. Rhythmical leg embrocations have a stimulating effect on intestinal peristalsis and stimulate excretion.

Oxalis has a strong vegetative power that can reintegrate dying processes back into life. When applied via the skin, Oxalis can help to release destructive soul influences that have penetrated the body too deeply. As an external application, wood sorrel is particularly helpful when there is excessive sensitivity and a tendency to disturbances and cramping in the digestive process (e.g., after a fright, shock or ingesting opiate-based painkillers).
Oxalic acid is “extremely effective in energizing the etheric system (= all physiological processes in the organism, editor’s note) in the digestive tract. This results in particularly strong activity.” […] “You will achieve something in all cases if you use either compresses or embrocations with oxalic acid...” (Steiner R. Physiology and healing. GA 314, lecture of Jan. 1, 1924, 3rd German edition 1989, p.196 & 197)

Guiding Principle for the substance

Indications

  • Constipation, habitual
  • Constipation, postoperative

Instructions

Particularities:
This application works best when combining rhythmical leg embrocations with rosemary oil with a rhythmical abdomen embrocation with oxalis 10% oil.

Rhythmical embrocation according to Wegman/Hauschka can only be learned in seminars from instructors.

Evidence
Well-proven in many patients
Dosage
1 x daily
Onset of effect
Should occur after approx. 1 hour, otherwise further measures are recommended
Length of therapy
Repeat for weeks in the first half of the day
Other recommended therapies
If it is not possible to administer rhythmical embrocation, the abdomen can also be treated with an Oxalis abdominal compress.

Case example

An 86-year-old female patient after a stroke and severe hemiplegic spasticity suffers from shooting cramps, especially in her left leg, which cause severe pain. That is why the patient is on pain meds. She also has difficulty swallowing and can no longer chew properly. She eats her pureed, low-fiber food listlessly. Spontaneous laxation has been impossible for weeks. Repeated use of enemas was minimized with the help of a rhythmical leg embrocation with rosemary in combination with a rhythmical abdomen embrocation (in this case with oxalis 10% ointment). After this treatment of her abdomen and legs, the patient was able to have a spontaneous bowel movement within one hour.
TB

Author

TB, MM