"Without our fully realizing it, flowers would become for us an expression in form of that which is most high, most sacred, and ultimately formless within ourselves." -- Eckhart Tolle
Flower essences are subtle liquid tinctures (usually taken in oral form) which are used to treat a host of imbalances in the mind/body/spirit system. They are generally prepared by way of the "sunlight method," a process during which the flower is placed in a bowl of spring water and left out in the natural light for several hours. During that time, the energy of the sunlight is thought to transfer the actual imprint of the flower’s life-force vibrational pattern directly into the water.
While the use of plants as healing agents is a practice that has ancient roots, the modern father of flower essences is considered to be the English physician, Dr. Edward Bach (b. 1886). Bach was an innovator for his time; he was continuously searching for treatments that were less toxic than many of the therapies of his day. He also strongly felt that the mind and the emotions played a key role in illness and that, if such forces were brought into balance, healing would naturally occur. It made sense that he eventually looked to the natural realm in his quest for life-giving, anti-toxic remedies.
An intuitive with psychic sensibilities, Bach was able to "read" the energetic properties of flowers and, thus, sense their healing qualities. He knew, instinctually, the kinds of emotional imbalances that a particular plant was capable of restoring, and he tested his intuitions by ingesting small amounts of the flowers’ sun-drenched dew. What he discovered was that the healing properties of flowers could be easily imparted to human beings.
The answer to this question is somewhat enigmatic. In his book A Practical Guide to Vibrational Medicine, Dr. Richard Gerber writes the following:
Even though flower essences have been in use for many years, an exact understanding of how they work has been slow in coming. Just as homeopathy has been used as a healing modality for more than a hundred years without an exact scientific explanation, so too have flower essences been prescribed without a complete understanding of how they work. Much of the research on flower essences has been carried out through various forms of psychic and intuitive exploration. Part of the reason for this is that most flower essences appear to work less on the physical body directly and more at the level of human subtle anatomy, such as the chakras, meridians, and the spiritual bodies.
Thus, it appears that the impact of flower essences does not occur as a result of any biochemical interaction within the body. Instead, the essences work through the subtle human energy fields, influencing mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Flower essences can work on virtually any energetic imbalance. That said, each person’s energy field is different and, therefore, some individuals are more sensitive to their effects than others. While there are certainly anecdotal case studies testifying to miraculous cures in some instances, the results of the essences, in my experience, are often a bit more subtle.
Some of the issues that I have addressed with flower essences include:
Lack of energy/enthusiasm
Resistance to change/rigidity
Aversion to the physical body
Impatience
Fear/worry
Obsessive thoughts
Transitional issues
Hopelessness
Anger/resentment
Moodiness
Hypochondria
Codependency
Disconnectedness
Hormonal imbalances
Grief
Guilt/shame
Creative blocks
It is also important to remember that, because the essences do not work directly on the physical body but rather on the subtle energy bodies, they generally target the emotional issues first. From a holistic perspective, the body’s dis-ease is a result of an imbalance in the mind/body/spirit system; thus, if we can alter our thoughts and emotions, then, subsequently, we can alter our bodies.
The body's energies are the key to health, vitality, and well-being. Energy medicine is the art and science of working with and teaching people to work with these energies to empower them to live happier, healthier lives. Long recognized by Eastern cultures, subtle energy fields are only recently being detected, studied, and utilized by Western medicine. Energy medicine is transforming health care, as well as having an impact on education, business, sports, and all other endeavors involving human performance.
Viewed from the perspective of energy (or vibrational) medicine, the body is a complex, dynamic system whose molecules are actually a form of vibrating energy. In this model, health is optimized by activating, balancing, and restoring the body’s natural life-force -- chi, or prana in Eastern traditions. Techniques that work to achieve this end include acupuncture, acupressure, kinesiology, color and light therapies, radionics, hands-on therapies, gem elixirs, and, of course, flower essences.
I had my first experience with flower essences about two years ago when a friend (and fellow healer) offered me a remedy to address some of the emotional issues with which I was struggling at the time. My level of responsiveness was so profound that I immediately set out to learn as much as possible about this particular healing modality. Finally, in the fall of 2008, I completed my training with Linn Wiggins of Australian Bush Flower Essences at Earth Spirits Apothecary in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
While there are many lines of flower essences, I work primarily with the Australian Bush Flowers. In my personal experience, as well as in my experience with clients, this particular line of essences is exceptionally suited for dealing with the issues of our modern era (i.e. sexuality, spirituality, relationships) that can feel elusive in the context of a culture rooted in the spirit/matter split. These essences help individuals to blossom into their highest selves while, simultaneously, working on their embodied energy systems.
I consult with people interested in flower essence therapy both in person and over the phone. I also incorporate the essences into psychotherapeutic work, depending upon the needs of the individual (in fact, the marriage of the two modalities can really be quite rich).
Sessions run about an hour in length and include discussion and exploration of the current issues and blockages. Together, we will assess where your “stuck” points are and decide on a remedy that will help to rebalance your energy pattern(s).
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a session, please contact me.
