Eurythmy with Bees

Mailin Wolki’s article explores whether eurythmy therapy – a form of therapeutic movement based on archetypal gestures – could have a positive influence on honeybee colonies, particularly in relation to the Varroa parasite. Beginning in 2020, she conducted research with Dr Johannes Wirz in Dornach, Switzerland, working with Demeter-managed colonies. She performed short sessions of eurythmy movements alongside the hives, typically lasting 5–15 minutes, and compared treated colonies with untreated ones.

Although the research found no significant reduction in Varroa infestation, some interesting changes were observed in the bees’ behaviour and acoustics. In 2021, observers reported that the bees initially became more excited before sounding calmer and more harmonious during treatment. In 2022, acoustic recordings detected changes in eight of eleven analysable recordings, with quieter colonies becoming louder and louder colonies becoming calmer. While the findings are preliminary and require further research, the work raises intriguing questions about the relationship between movement, sound and the wellbeing of bee colonies.

Read the full article below or download it as a PDF here