Objectives The importance of mind–body oriented therapies in oncology has increased in recent years. Eurythmy therapy (EYT, Greek: eurythmy=harmonious rhythm) is a mind–body oriented therapy used in anthroposophic medicine. EYT can lead to long-term alleviation of chronic disease symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. Yet, little is known about the underlying physiological mechanisms. This study aims to compare the effects of EYT and conventional ergometer training (CET) on heart rate variability (HRV). Design In a cross-over design, 20 healthy subjects performed two different EYT exercises and two sessions of CET. ECGs were recorded throughout these procedures. HRV was quantified by the extent of very low (VLF), low (LF) and high frequency (HF) oscillations. Results VLF oscillations (7.6, 6.9 vs. 6.5 log m s 2 at rest) and LF oscillations (8.1, 7.2 vs. 6.2 log m s 2 ) increased during both EYT exercises when compared to rest after the EYT exercises. Both EYT exercises led to a decrease of LF/HF oscillations ratio at rest after EYT when compared to rest after CET (0.4, 0.5 vs. 1.4). On the contrary, HRV decreased during CET compared to rest (VLF: 5.4 log m s 2 ; LF: 4.5 log m s 2 ). Conclusion EYT showed strong modulating effects as well as a significant improvement of HRV after the end of EYT. At comparable workloads, EYT stimulated HRV more effectively than CET. These results suggest that various chronically ill patients may also benefit from EYT in terms of HRV improvement.