History
WALA - the company behind Dr.Hauschka Skin Care - was founded in 1935 by Dr. Rudolf Hauschka.
In 1924, Rudolf Hauschka had a fundamental experience which was instrumental in shaping his subsequent scientific and philosophical development. During the Anthroposophical summer conference in Arnhem (Holland) he met Dr. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. Many of the conversations between the two men centred on the question: what is life?
Steiner’s answer was: ‘Study rhythms, rhythm carries life.’
Hauschka took up this suggestion and developed manufacturing processes in which he incorporated the rhythms of nature. Even today WALA still uses these processes to obtain water-based extracts of medicinal herbs which remain stable without the use of alcohol, and to make the herbal essences for Dr.Hauschka Skin Care products which contain all the vitality of the plants. It was these two procedures which played such an essential part in the rhythmic manufacturing process which gave WALA its name: Warmth and Ash, and Light and Ash.
WALA medicines were developed by a committed group of doctors who took a different approach to that of conventional medicine. Their aim was that the medicine would help the organism to heal itself, thereby allowing the body, soul and spirit to recover. Today, over 110 million people in Europe put their trust in complementary medicine.
In the 1960’s Dr.Hauschka wanted to extend the WALA product range by adding an exceptional type of cosmetic that reflected the ideas of the company and enhanced the health of the skin. Elisabeth Sigmund, a cosmetologist, was at the same time experimenting with her own range of natural skin care products. Dr.Hauschka wrote her a letter of inquiry and was so impressed by her response that he invited her to WALA. Elisabeth accepted and in a phase of intensive work a new skin care range was developed by a diverse team consisting of pharmacists, chemists, anthroposophical doctors, and cosmetologist Elisabeth Sigmund. In 1967, the Dr.Hauschka Skin Care range was launched.
Elisabeth Sigmund, the mother of Dr.Hauschka skin care, not only provided the basic recipes and ideas for the range, but developed a whole new kind of cosmetic treatment. She was well aware of the importance of touch in her treatment. Because of this, lymphatic stimulation - performed with fine brushes and gentle hand movements - continues to be the cornerstone of her treatment. This activates the fluid processes in the tissues, enhances regeneration and improves general health, cleansing the tissues and removing waste products. Today Estheticians offer Dr.Hauschka Treatments around the world.
In the earliest days the company was a pioneering force in a society that had all but lost touch with natural products. Today, more than 70 years later, it is increasingly evident that the natural approach may be the only one that can lead us to the future. For WALA, this was always the natural choice.
