Anthroposophic medicine for defenders: military rehabilitation by “Ukrainian Helicopters”

Rehabilitation for soldiers returning from the combat zone is always a complex and necessary process. Almost every one of them has faced acute psychological stress, the consequences of concussions, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, seeking help from rehabilitation centers that work not only with the body but also with the soul is an extremely important step.

The "Support Center for Combatants and Families of Fallen Soldiers" at “Ukrainian Helicopters” collaborates with the "Aurum" medical center, which has been helping our resilient soldiers return to normal life for two years. Our company allocated 100,000 hryvnias to ensure that two soldiers complete a full rehabilitation course and are able to continue performing their combat duties.

"Aurum" employs five rehabilitation specialists. Head of the Physiological Rehabilitation Department, Mr. Yevhen, explains that the facility operates based on anthroposophic medicine—a holistic medical approach that takes into account the physical, psychological, and spiritual state of the patient. The restorative practice consists of many components, including art therapy, movement therapy, wraps and baths, nutrition recommendations, psychological consultations, and group discussions on important topics such as death, the state, identity, and life values. Through comprehensive stimulation of the body's natural self-healing ability, a patient can return to a healthy state.

"I have been working in various types of rehabilitation for 25 years. I studied in Germany and Switzerland. I am convinced that it is necessary to treat not only the body but also the soul. Of course, we work with the body because emotions are released through physical form. Additionally, at our center, we integrate elements of psychotherapy, as it helps to find a path to solving the problem. Currently, 60 military personnel have completed the full rehabilitation course at our facility," sums up the chief doctor.

Soldier Oleksandr is a volunteer who joined the military at the start of the full-scale war. He has been wounded twice. The second injury was really severe – his small shin bone was shattered, and after treatment, he was advised to seek medical rehabilitation at "Aurumu" to restore the mobility of his limb, improve his sleep, lower his blood pressure, and eliminate back pain. Moreover, surgery is not suitable for him, as it could damage a nerve, rendering the limb non-functional.

"This is already my second rehabilitation course at this medical center. After the first one, I felt significant relief – I started sleeping better, the pain in my leg that felt like electric shocks disappeared, and I walk much more steadily. Additionally, three months ago, my daughter was born, and now I can hold her, carry her, and not feel sharp pain in my leg," shares Oleksandr.

If financial support from the airline "Ukrainian Helicopters" helps at least a few soldiers undergo physical rehabilitation, it will be a great start for other companies to assist and support such initiatives. The plans of the "Aurumu" medical center include expanding and finding sponsors for renting a new space in order to help even more people and attract highly qualified doctors. We are happy to work for good causes. May every defender receive the necessary support for a full life and the development of Ukraine.