BACH FLOWER™ THERAPY

Much of the following information is from The Dr. Edward Bach Centre's book "The 38 Bach Flower™ Essences - An Introduction and Guide to Flower Essences"

Dr. Edward Bach, M.B., B.S., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.H. was a physician and homeopath, who spent his life searching for the purest methods of healing.

He believed, as many doctors do today, that attitude of mind plays a vital role in maintaining health and recovery from illness.  When he died in 1936 he had developed a complete system of 38 flower essences - each prepared from the flowers of wild plants, trees, or bushes.  They work by treating the individual rather than the disease or its symptoms.

Today, these safe, gentle essences are used worldwide by private individuals, medical and complementary health practitioners, psychotherapists, counselors, dentists, and even veterinarians.

The purpose of the essences is to support the patient's fight against illness by addressing the emotional factors like depression, anxiety, and trauma that are thought to impede physical healing.  They may also be used preventively, at times of anxiety and stress, and are very helpful for the many people who feel generally tired and unwell without a specific medical diagnosis.

The essences may be taken on their own or in conjunction with medical or other treatments.  They will not conflict with any medication.  The essences are completely safe, have no unwanted side effects, and are non-addictive.  They are gentle in action and can safely be taken by people of all ages - from newborn babies to the elderly.  They are also beneficial for animals and plants.

It is important to note that they are not included as a substitute for medical treatments.  Should symptoms persist, you are advised to consult your medical practitioner.

WHAT ARE THE FLOWER ESSENCES?

Dr. Bach discovered 38 essences, each for a specific emotional and mental state, plus a combination of five of the essences designed for difficult and demanding situations, called Rescue Remedy.

37 of the 38 essences are based on single wild flowers and tree blossoms.  The exception, Rock Water, is made from the water of a natural spring with healing properties.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

These flower essences, like other forms of natural medicine, take effect by treating the individual, not the disease or the symptoms of the disease.  They work specifically on the emotional condition of the person concerned.  Thus two people with the same complaint, i.e. arthritis, may benefit from quite different essences.  One may be resigned to the illness, while the other may be impatient with it, do different essences will be appropriate in each case.

The effect of taking the essences is not to suppress negative attitudes, but to transform them into positive ones, stimulating one's own potential for self-healing and freeing the physical system to engage fully in fighting disease and stress.

People do not have to be physically ill to benefit from the essences.  Many of us go through times of difficulty and fatigue when negativity creeps in - at these times the essences are invaluable in restoring the balance before physical symptoms appear.

DO THEY HAVE A PLACEBO EFFECT?

No more than any other medicines.  The essences are very effective with both animals and babies, as well as in helping skeptical people who try them as a last resort.  Plants also benefit from the essences.  Gardeners find that giving Rescue Remedy on re-potting, for example, helps the plants to flourish after being moved.

CHOOSING AND USING THE ESSENCES

Dr. Bach divided the 38 essences into seven groups, representing fundamental conflicts which prevent us from being true to ourselves.

• Fear
• Uncertainty
• Insufficient interest in present circumstances
• Loneliness
• Over-sensitivity to influences and ideas
• Despondency or despair
• Over-care for the welfare of others

Within each group, the essences each cover a specific nature of the difficulty concerned.  Just as Dr. Bach identified the seven areas of conflict which interfere with our health, so he defined the stages in the healing of disease:

• Peace
• Hope
• Joy
• Faith
• Certainty
• Wisdom
• Love

It is possible that more than one essence may be suitable for your situation and issues - if so, up to six or seven essences may be combined.

A BACH FLOWER PRACTITIONER HELPS YOU CHOOSE ESSENCES

The descriptions of the states for which the essences are recommended are not always flattering, and it may be hard to recognize yourself in them.  These are descriptions of extreme negative states. 

The "Positive Potential" of each essence will help you to appreciate the balance.

As it is not always easy to see ourselves, it is wise to seek the assistance of a Bach Flower Practitioner to objectively guide you to the correct combination of essences necessary to bring you back into balance.

Kathy Ozzard Chism has been a Level I Bach Flower Essence Practitioner since 1998.  She has worked in choosing essences for what she calls her "Emotion Potions" with individuals from all ages and walks of life.  Children, men, women, CEOs, students...even a priest.

If you would like to schedule an in-person or phone session with Kathy for a custom "Emotion Potion," please call her at 707-575-7707 or email her at trustthenheal2@aol.com.  For pricing, click here.

To purchase any of Kathy's healing Bach Flower blends online, click here.

We all have times in our lives where we need a little extra help to feel balanced and whole.  As Alicia Sirkin, author of "The Bach Flower Essence Quick Reference Guide," states:  "Shift negative states of mind to positive ones, safely and without side effects. 

The result:  less stress, more joy, and a greater sense of well-being... the essences speak to the core of who we are, uplifting our spirits whenever we turn to them for help."

"Health depends on being in harmony

with our souls."

 - Dr. Edward Bach