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The 12-7-19 Method of Bach Flower
Classification
Dr. Edward Bach, developer of flower
essence therapy, classified the original 38 essences he used
in his practice according to the 12-7-19 method: the Twelve Healers,
the Seven Helpers, and the Second Nineteen. In part I of this
series, the Twelve Healer flower essences were reviewed, along
with the underlying theory of flower essence therapy here
we'll have a look at the rhymes and reasons of the Seven Helpers.
Dr. Bach prescribed one or more
of the Seven Helper essences to patients who did not seem to
be responding sufficiently to therapy with one of the Twelve
Healers. The Twelve Healer flower essences Impatiens, Gentian,
Mimulus, Clematis, Agrimony, Chicory, Vervain, Centaury, Scleranthus,
Water Violet, Rock Rose, and Cerato were developed by Dr.
Bach to address what he saw as the imbalances of the twelve archetypal
personality types. It is through the vibrational transformation
of these imbalances that healing of overlying disease states
can, in many cases, be initiated. However, Dr. Bach found there
were individuals that did not respond to flower essence therapy
with the Twelve Healers; this lead him to the discovery of the
Seven Helpers.
The purpose of the Seven Helpers
is to address chronically ingrained negative vibrational patterns
which may be obscuring the primary personality type. For example,
Olive, one of the Seven Helper flower essences, is prescribed
for states of exhaustion, where one has been worn out by the
struggle of healing or other life event. In this case, it may
be difficult to see what the primary personality type of the
individual may be, as true fatigue does not let a whole lot else
show through - this real weariness may mask other personality
traits or patterns.
Or it may be that the chronic state
simply prevents progress on the healing path that could otherwise
take place. Again, using Olive essence as an example An
individual may clearly be in need of one of the Twelve Healers.
Perhaps they live in fear and are in need of Mimulus, and clearing
this fear would allow them to heal. However, their fatigue is
so great as they do not have the strength to work with these
issues in this case, it may be helpful to use Olive along
with Mimulus to offer a more complete support from the flower
essence therapy.
The Seven Helper essences can certainly
be administered individually as well, particularly if a specific
flower essence is strongly indicated. Dr. Bach had also written
that if an individual is not responding to other essences, Wild
Oat (one of the Seven) may be used: "If ever a case does
not respond to treatment, give either Holly or Wild Oat, and
it will be obvious which of the other remedies may be required.
In all cases where the patient is of the active, intense type,
give Holly. In patients who are of the weak, despondent type,
give Wild Oat."
Beyond the original works of Dr.
Bach, the Flower Essence Repertory from Flower Essence Services
offers descriptions of these seven essences beyond what a physician
may see. FES broadens the application of the flowers to include
their use for those needing change that may or may not be related
to a health condition. This is an important point, as one may
have tendencies they may wish to transform, but are at no serious
risk. This application of flower essence is encouraged, for any
support for personal and 'soul' evolution is indeed invaluable.
So within the following descriptions of the Seven Helper flower
essences, a broad view will be maintained, so that the greatest
audience may find a suitable essence.
As always with flower essence therapy,
in cases of illness, treatment is not a substitute for proper
professional care. It may be the case that an illness may have
emotional roots, and that flowers can be of help, but one should
not solely rely on self-prescription of flower essences as a
cure.
And on to the descriptions
The Seven Helpers:
Olive As stated earlier, Olive
flower essence is indicated where great fatigue has set in. An
individual may be pale, worn out and / or exhausted after excessive
worry, illness, grief or other struggle. The individual perhaps
feels they do not have the strength to continue; that both their
physical energy source has been spent. The Olive remedy allows
one to tap into a new source of light, helping one see and feel
a rejuvenation that comes from establishing (or re-establishing)
a connection to a universal energy. This connection may provide
the impetus needed for change in other areas, or may be transformative
in and of itself through helping on realize that the etheric
'spirit' body and the physical body are inseparable.
Gorse This flower essence
is used where one has lost will due to discouragement, becoming
hopeless and resigned to one's condition. They have perhaps been
giving too much energy to the negative possibilities, solidifying
this outlook so no progress can be made. This remedy restores
hope to such individuals, so they may be able to have a brighter
outlook, perhaps more joy, when confronted with life's challenges.
Oak The remedy for those committed
to over-striving, regardless if that striving is having a positive
result. Those in need of the Oak flower essence have great determination
and strength, which can be true assets. However, at times it
is crucial to balance this force with subtlety and grace. The
individual may have even become resigned to the inevitable failure
of their endeavor or succumbing to an illness, yet they continue
with their efforts. Oak helps restore a balance, allowing one
the freedom of letting up or resting when that is in fact what
is required. An important essence in today's hard-striving world.
Vine For those who see their
way as the 'right' way or the only way, Vine essence allows an
opening in one's perception for other points of view. An individual
in need of Vine may have a domineering personality, insisting
that everyone else follow their lead, including health professionals.
Such a point of view can lead to great stress when it is perceived
do not share the same ideas, and that harm, or at least lack
of healing, may come about. Vine essence may soften this selfish
nature, assisting one to understand that other points of view
may be entirely valid, and in fact, more complete than one's
own. This allows the individual to receive needed support, often
a key component in any personal transformation.
Heather The Heather type appear
self-obsessed, talking continually about their own situations
and problems. Such persons are in fact truly lonely and often
in great emotional pain. They may feel an emptiness or hunger,
which they feed from the attention of others. This flower essence
helps one make a connection to the Higher Self, finding peace
and solace in the unity of all being. This realization helps
one overcome the loneliness and disconnection they may feel,
drawing on emotional self-sufficiency and true shared relationship
with others for assistance.
Rock Water For those that
are too hard on themselves. Being reflective and aware is one
thing, to go so far as to limit one's (and one's friends and
family) enjoyment of life is another. Flexibility and spontaneity
are key components to the 'life well lived'. Further, a rigidity
in lifestyle can prevent one from finding joy, an important factor
in healing from many illnesses. This essence is sometimes indicated
for those beginning flower essence therapy or those who do not
see results, as it may assist in opening the soul to the energies
of the plant realm.
Wild Oat Health and happiness
are very much connected with one's ability to find one's true
vocation. Wandering through life feeling a lack of purpose can
lead to distressed states, with addictions or despondency being
possible results. Wild Oat flower essence may help align one
with their true calling, so that both the individual and the
greater environment can benefit. When one finds this sense of
meaning, there is a strong inner light that can shine forth,
supporting one's own health, and the health of those around them.
These are the Seven Helpers, as
categorized per Dr. Edward Bach's 12-7-19 flower essence method.
It is said that with the Twelve Healers and the Seven Helpers,
one can support transformation of many vibrational/emotional
states. At the same time, it is important to keep one's mind
open to possibilities; there are a great number of researched
flower essences available, one's that may be even more precisely
applied to a particular situation. The Healer and Helper essences
are however, a fantastic place to start if one is seeking an
effective collection of remedies, suitable for the needs of many
beings.
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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