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What are Bach Flower Essences?
Pioneered by Dr. Edward Bach in
the 1930's, a flower essence is a liquid preparation imprinted
with the etheric pattern of a particular flower. Like a homeopathic
remedy, the liquid - usually spring water with a little brandy
added for preservation - contains little or no detectable chemical
substance of the flower from which it was made. Instead, the
liquid maintains the vibrational pattern of the flower. Well,
what does this mean, exactly?
To understand flower essences (also
called 'flower remedies'), you can imagine that all things are
made up of vibrating energies - modern physics and eastern mystics
both confirm this - that there are no finite particles, but instead
repeating, dynamic energy patterns. Material objects are made
up of huge amounts of energy really, as Einstein had shown with
E=mc2, where the amount of energy (E) is equal to the mass (m)
of an object times the speed of light (c - a very big number)
squared. Now picture a beautiful red rose - bright, colorful,
vibrant - the Rose has a particular energetic pattern, one that
is repeated in every other red Rose (though not exactly, but
very close). There are energy frequencies that are particular
to the red Rose that are different from all other flowers. The
vibrations that make up a Rose are faster than many other flowers
(Rose is considered a very high-vibration flower), and these
vibrations are woven together in a particular way. Now imagine
any other flower - a Geranium for example - it's vibrational
patterns are different from the red Rose - slightly slower perhaps,
and woven together in a different way. It is these vibrational
patterns of each flower that give them their particular characteristics
- color, shape, smell, texture, and the like.
Now, somewhat like a sound from
one source can make a material across the room vibrate with sound
energy (as your eardrum may vibrate from the plucking of a guitar),
flowers can cause water to vibrate with a different sort of energy.
It's not so much a sound, or even light (though this is closer),
but 'etheric' energy - the very essence of the flower has a vibration
that is imprinted upon the water in which it is placed. The water,
being made up of vibrational energy itself, retains some of the
vibration of the flower that was soaked in it. This etheric imprint
is stored in the water, and can actually be transferred from
the water at a later time to other objects (or beings) also made
of vibrational energy.
So, what does all this mean to us?!
Well, Dr. Edward Bach held the notion that the source illness
or disease was emotional in nature. And when one ponders what
emotions really are, one can conclude that each emotion is a
particular energetic state of being. All emotions seem to have
a particular energy - love, despair, anger, fear, appreciation
- one can consider each of these a different energetic pattern.
Dr. Bach considered negative energetic states, negative emotions,
to be the source of disease in the body, a theory supported by
much of the world's healers. Dr. Bach also thought that these
energetic states can be transformed, and that one of the transformational
methods he discovered was the use of the vibrational patters
of flowers - it was then that Flower Essence Therapy was born.
Through years of research and study,
Dr. Bach developed a system of therapy using the vibrational
patterns of flowers, imprinted into spring water, to transform
the emotional vibrational patters of human beings. He showed
through numerous case studies that flower essences, properly
selected and applied, can be effective in treating the negative
energies which underlie most disease states. Further, one need
not have an illness or disease to realize the benefits of flower
essences - flowers can be used to assist in transformation of
any negative emotional state, be it temporary and transitive,
or a more ingrained long-term pattern. (Flower essences do not
transform positive states into negative ones, as flowers are
not thought to contain negative energies themselves).
Dr. Bach's 12-7-19 Categorization
Method
Dr. Bach categorized the original
38 flower essences he discovered into 3 categories to assist
in their application. The categories are the '12 Healers' which
reflect and transform our essential nature, the '7 Helpers' to
assist with chronic conditions, and the 'Second 19' that relate
to more immediate traumas or difficulties. Here we will consider
the Twelve Healers and describe the properties of each essence.
The Seven Helpers and the Second Nineteen will be considered
in Parts II and III of this article.
The Twelve Healers were designated
by Dr. Bach as the flower essences that help the individual transform
the source of discord at the very core of their being. These
twelve essences are meant to address the twelve archetypal groups
of humanity; the twelve primary personalities as Dr. Bach saw
them. Some have gone so far as to relate these to the twelve
signs of the Zodiac (a reasonable relationship it seems), though
it is unclear as to whether this relationship was drawn by Dr.
Bach himself.
These twelve essences are an excellent
starting point for any journey into flower essence healing, as
it is often times our root 'disharmony' or karmic imbalance that
is the source of much or perhaps all 'dis-ease' in our lives.
The Twelve Healers:
Impatiens - As the name of the flower implies, this
essence addresses a tendency toward impatience; these individuals
have difficulty with the flow of time. Their minds are often
far ahead of the present moment, and with this they will deny
themselves full immersion in the beauty around them. The individual
needing Impatiens may be truly lonely, always being ahead of
those subtle human exchanges which bring the richness to our
collective human experience. Many find Impatiens to be a relatively
'fast acting' flower essence, feeling more at ease within minutes
of essence use.
Gentian - Those in need of Gentian flower essence
are too easily discouraged when setbacks occur. They may live
with an omnipresent feeling that things are not going well, and
may doubt the possibility of their own healing. Gentian can bring
about a more positive outlook - perhaps with the feeling that
one is 'good enough'. When things do not go exactly as planned,
instead of being overwhelmed and disheartened, one can see the
lessons in the circumstance, perhaps rebounding with more wisdom
and strength than before.
Mimulus - This essence is the core remedy for known
fears in everyday life. Those needing this essence can be hypersensitive
to common events which will elicit an out-of-proportion fear
response. The fear may be found in the physical body centered
in the solar plexus, which may churn with anxiety. Mimulus flower
essence helps bring courage to these individuals, bringing the
strength of the higher Self to the personality so that they may
find joy and exuberance in their lives.
Clematis - The Clematis flower essence type is a
dreamy one; there is insufficient interest in the immediate moment
of daily life. The individual may have a strong inner life -
the abilities to dream, visualize and imagine are well developed,
but the manifestation into the physical world is not strong.
Clematis can help bring a warmth to the bodily incarnation, such
that the individual can channel their great gifts into the here
and now.
Agrimony - The Agimony flower essence type tends
to hide more deeply rooted pain or ailments behind a cheerful
facade, both inwardly and outwardly. They may make light of their
own suffering, or try to ignore it all together, when really
there are patterns and feelings which need to be addressed for
personal growth and healing. These individuals may have been
raised in strict environments, which may not have allowed the
expression of such troubles. Agrimony flower essence can help
them find inner peace, by allowing the connection to true inner
conditions, acceptance of these conditions, and subsequent transformation.
Chicory - Filled with self-pity, and the 'nobody
appreciates me' attitude, the Chicory flower essence type squanders
their light by demanding it from others. A guise of seemingly
loving behavior can be used to manipulate others into feeding
somewhat selfish needs. The Chicory essence is considered important
for clearing loving energy pathways so they may be directed outward
and given freely. May be particularly helpful with children who
have a pattern of negative behavior for demanding attention.
Vervain - The lesson of Vervain flower essence
is one of balance. The individual in need of Vervain may be extreme,
over-bearing, and very strong - perhaps inflexible - in their
ways. Though their energies are high, the single-minded efforts
of the Vervain type can result in stress, when given situations
where flexibility is required. This is where the mind-body connection
can be lost; the mind can be so strongly committed to a particular
action, it may no longer consider the long-term effects to the
physical being. Vervain flower essence brings grounding and earthly
balance, allowing these strong-willed individuals the flexibility
necessary to manifest their great intentions and efforts.
Centaury - The flower essence for those who cannot
say no. The Chicory essence type finds their reason for being
in the service and acceptance of others. The result is no true
value of self, and the spreading thin of personal energies. There
is the recurrent theme of personal boundaries being overstepped,
because the will to create and enforce those boundaries is weak.
Chicory flower essence strengthens the value of one's self, supporting
the notion that one's life in and of itself is of importance.
The idea that one must truly be honoring and respectful to one's
self first, before others can be served, is reinforced - It is
then that personal healing can finally be initiated as a powerful
force.
Scleranthus - The personality in need of Scleranthus
flower essence is marked by indecision, confusion and hesitation,
often wavering between two choices. This inability to decide
the best course of actions for one's self can be physically and
emotionally draining - this mental energy is used repeatedly
examining a situation rather than manifesting the best choice.
The world can be a difficult place for such individuals, as there
are limitless possibilities in which to get lost, never really
making headway. Scleranthus will help these individuals define
themselves and their world, summoning the strength to form an
inner resolve. This allows a great release of energy to be happy
and manifest one's chosen work.
Water Violet - This important flower essence is about
the opening of the heart. Those in need of this essence may be
functioning quite effectively in society and within their familial
relationships, however, the deepest parts of these bonds are
avoided. Whether due to childhood experiences, karma brought
to this life from the past, or other situations, the individual
has constructed a barrier preventing full integration with the
human family. The true warmth of love and companionship should
be utilized to further one's growth - Water Violet flower essence
supports this transformation.
Rock Rose - This is the flower essence for great
fear. Unlike Mimulus, which is indicated more for a fear which
manifests as being 'timid', Rock Rose addresses terror. It is
often indicated in traumatic events (as a component of Rescue
Remedy) or for specific instances where a reaction of overwhelming
fear is inhibiting further growth or healing. If one has been
diagnosed with a life threatening illness, for example, and one
is overcome with the fear of death, this fear will inhibit any
healing process that may take place. Rock Rose brings courage
to those most in need.
Cerato - Cerato flower essence types do not trust
their own hearts, minds or instincts; instead they seek the advice
of others, and rely on this advice to direct their lives. This
almost certainly creates an imbalance, for it is only by honestly
listening to our own inner voice that we may walk the path to
true physical and emotional wellness. While seeking advice is
certainly important in most of life's circumstances, the Cerato
type uses this advice as a crutch. Cerato flower essence will
encourage one to listen to one's own inner wisdom and facilitate
spiritual growth in this respect.
This concludes the summary of the
'Twelve Healers' - the flower essences Dr. Edward Bach considered
key to transforming root personality imbalances. As a physician,
Dr. Bach believed that one or more of these imbalances was to
be found associated with the illness of each patient, and that
if these imbalances were addressed, the conditions necessary
for healing may successfully arise. Of course one does not necessarily
need to be outwardly manifesting a state of dis-ease to find
benefit in these flower essences; through bringing balance to
any person, they may further their personal development and heighten
their life's experience.
In the next part of this article,
we will look at the 'Seven Helpers' - Flower essences Dr. Bach
considered useful in chronic states of illness.
Misty Rae Cech is a naturopath and
yoga teacher residing in Boulder, Colorado. She is owner of the
Ananda
Apothecary, an online dispensery of Essential Oils and Bach Flower Essences.
Misty utilizes flower essence therapy with her clients, finding
the essences a gentle yet effective way to give momentum to the
healing process.
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