Bachblüten Anhang 3
[Cornelia Richardson-Boedler]
Applying Homoeopathy and Bach Flower Therapy to Psychosomatic Illness by
Dr. Cornelia Richardson-Boedler
GROUP7 MENTAL OBSESSION, PERFECTIONISM (SPIRITUAL)
In this group, the main conflict lies in the unfulfilled urge to achieve
perfection and attain high standards within one's conscience and toward one's
ideals.
This urge is also present in face
of emotional difficulties and life's problems. One tries repeatedly and
obsessively to master one self internally or solve an external problem
that poses difficulties. As a result, the obsessive-compulsive strain
creates tension, frustration, and perpetuated preoccupation that lead to
mental/emotional fatigue and physical disturbances. The challenge lies in
allowing one self to let go of preoccupation, once one has tried one's best
under the circumstances. Unnecessary worry needs to
be replaced with trust, personal perfectionism with tolerance and
self-forgiveness. This attitude also aids others, should they have been
included in the expectancy of performance of high standards. One needs to
understand that spiritual and personal perfection also comes from being led,
impressed, or inspired, that one cannot accomplish
all personal growth through measures, control, and excessive
preoccupation. Breathing disturbances, gastrointestinal disturbance, skin
disorders, and sleeplessness can be caused by this error in the personality.
Other psychosomatic diseases can have obsessive-compulsive traits as well. In
the following diseases, however, these traits play a dominant role.
7:1 NERVOUS BREATHING SYNDROME-"RESPIRATORY CORSET
"This disorder is marked by respiratory constriction and inability
to breathe freely. It often occurs in addition to cardiac symptoms and is found
mostly in patients with obsessive-compulsive personality structures. The
restricted breathing is a sign of inhibited selfexpression.
Restricted self-expression, due to compulsiveness, thus serves as a
mental" corset" affecting the breathing rhythm. BB Remedies: Pine,
White Chestnut, Mimulus, Cherry Plum, Crab Apple,
Rock Water, Oak, Willow, Gentian, Wild Rose, Elm.
Obsessive-compulsive tendencies can be addressed by Pine which heals
excessive guilt and exaggerated attempts to appease one's conscience. White
Chestnut addresses mental preoccupation and fixation. It heals the recurring
thought loop related to obsessive thinking patterns. Anxiety and nervousness is
healed by Mimulus, and Cherry Plum alleviates
possible subconscious urges that are resisted with obsessive-compulsive
measures. Crab Apple addresses any shame or self-disgust related to such
possible issues and cures fixation of thought in regard to pushing problems out
of proportion and despairing over the mobsessively.
REMEDIES IN PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESS__________
Rock Water is indicated, should the patient be characterized by
excessive self-denial and unnecessarily strict or ritualisticself-discipline
in attempting to achieve perfection or self-mastery. Oak, likewise, addresses
the "one-trackmind" that is bent on working
and achieving despite fatigue and hardship. Willow is indicated in case an
experience causing resentment is worked through repeatedly, without release.
Gentian is the remedy to enhance faith and trust, enabling to let go of
obsessive measures and breathe freely again.
The oppressive nature of not being able to breathe is addressed by Wild
Rose, indicated for feelings of powerlessness, and by Elm which heals feelings
of being overwhelmed.
Homoeopathic Remedies: Ars, Nat-c. Aur-met. Dig. Nat-m.
Sil. Nux-v. Cycl. Puls. Asar.
Thuj. Lyc. (Datura) stram. Lil-t. Chel. Rhus-t. Kali-c. Ign. Ars.
patients are highly motivated to achieve order and perfection in the
environment, as well as within the body and mind.
Mentally, the interest is focused mainly on upholding one's standards of
perfection in one's performance and conscience, while an urging for purity and
health motivates the focus on the body. The leading idea centers
around purging, cleaning, securing. Patients are nervous and restless and
complain of regularly occurring suffocative attacks
andatensetightnessinthebreathingapparatus.Thechestfeelsparticularlyoppressedfrombeingangry,
on
PSYCHIC CAUSES OF ILLNESS Coughing or laughing, when in cold air, and on
exerting physically as when walking or ascending. Generally, great anxiety,
even in ability to speak and faintness accompany the complaint during acute
moments; breathing may bestertorousand wheezing. The
even more severe suffocative attacks involve ea spasmodic constriction of the
larynx orchest that leads to anguish, coldness,
weakness, a pain in the pit of the stomach, and fear of death. These attacks
more frequently appear in the evening and on lying down. Lying on the back
worsens the condition and incites violent heart palpitations causing anguish.
Patients may also refer to a burning pain in the chest and in various parts of
the body.(4:3a,5:l.) Nat-c. patients complain of a weakened nervous system and
suffer aggravation from mental and physical exertion.
A feeling of overexertion is incited easily, as even mere trifles instill anxiety and worry and are attended to with
conscientiousness. Patients are prone to recurring mental preoccupation with
sad thoughts, worse from music, and to a tendency to harbour resentment against
specific persons, though appearing rather cheerful and service-oriented.
Challenges from the environment, in particular in regard to emotional
impressions, are not integrated well and cause emotional exhaustion and
overstimulation leading to depletion. In reaction patients become overly mentalized, conscientious, and mentally preoccupied.
There is a concurrent oversensitivity to physical impressions; the sun
generates headaches; heat and cold, storms, weather changes are aggravating. Hayfever occurs; there are foodallergies,
especially to milk, failure in assimilation of food, and sensitivity to
drinking cold drinks when overheated. Jaundice and chronic inflammation of the
liver may
develop, likely due to aninability to tolerate
disturbing confrontations or situations,
REMEDIES IN PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESS__________while
suppressing one's truefeelings. The nervous
overexertion and failure to process affect the breathing apparatus as well; air
is not "integrated" easily. Patients suffer from pressure and tension
in the chest; shortness of breath and belaboured respiration, especially during
inspiration; shooting pains in the chest and in the sides of the chest; a cold sensation
in the left side of the chest. Physical exertion, as well as lying on the left
side, bring on strong heart palpitations causing anxiety. Aur-met.
patients show an overly conscientious, work-oriented attitude and a
pathological tendency to depression and selfreproach.
They feel nervously strained, sense that a nervous breakdown or a loss of
mental control is imminent, are prone to rage, and suffer from an
oversensitivity to noise, bright light, and excitement. There is also an
obsession with certain ideas that cannot easily be shaken off, such as the
feeling of having failed one's relations, of longing for deliverance by
suicide. Even when encouraged as to their personal worth, patients insist on
having failed (author 1 scase observation, although patient
discontinued treatment after an aggravation from a 200c dose). An imperial
attitude, in this case turned against one's own self but normally also
affecting others, is upheld and ultimately dictates to suicide
as a means of deliverance from selfcondemnation.
The chest feels heavily oppressed and congested and is subjected to anxious
heart palpitations; the region of the sternum seems to carry a burdensome
weight and aches from the pressure. There are
suffocativeattacks,withfaintnessandbluishdiscolorationoftheface.Respiration is
especially impeded at night and during walking in the open air when deep
inspiration becomes necessary. A dull pressure-like pain is felt right under
the ribs, and there is an almost constant aching in the left side of the chest.
PSYCHIC CAUSES OF ILLNESS
Patients are prone to ulcerous conditions and caries of bones; they are
generally worse from sunset to sunrise.
Cornelia Richardson-Boedler Applying
Homoeopathic Bach Flower -Therapy to Psychosomatic Illness A Treatment guide in
four parts 766 pages, hb More books on homeopathy,
alternative medicine and a healthy life www.narayana-verlag.com
[Cornelia Richardson-Boedler Suzanne E. Sky, L.Ac.]
Introduction
Flower essences are liquid preparations, containing only minute traces
of actual flowers, which convey the vibrational
pattern and essence of specific flowers. Because of this, their action is
subtle and extends beyond the physiological. Their action is not biochemical,
but is vibrational. These gentle essences enjoy a
reputation of being very safe.
They have no side-effects and are non-toxic. Some people state they
don't 'feel' any change or effect from using flower essences. However, many
people find the flowers provide an essential factor in their healing process.
Each person responds to flower essences according to their inner rhythm and
needs.
Research in the modern field of psychoneuroimmunology
shows a clear interrelationship between physical illness, stress and
emotional/mental outlook. Flower essences help address issues which often
underlay stress and health problems, helping to 'untie' or release these
mental/emotional energetic knots. Flower essences can help transform emotions,
attitudes or patterns of behavior to enhance one's
development, growth and awareness. Flower essences expand our understanding of
health care, recognizing the interweaving of spiritual, mental, emotional and
physical aspects of wellness.
The name most closely associated with flower essences is that of Dr.
Edward Bach, the English physician who first discovered them. In the 1930's, he
introduced his set
of 39 Bach Flower Essences® that changed the world of natural medicine
forever.
Dr. Bach's life and discovery of Bach Flower Essences®
Dr Edward Bach was a remarkable man. He was an early pioneer of natural
medicine who discovered results when he treated the person rather than the
disease. Born in 1886, Bach entered the medical profession from a sincere
desire to help others. Early on in his practice he noticed that the patients
personality or temperament was more helpful in deciding which medicine would be
most effective than any other factor.
Early in his career, Bach studied bacteriology and became fascinated by
the connection between a person's colon flora and their health. He discovered
that a vaccine made from the patient's intestinal bacteria, and injected into
their blood stream, gave excellent results, especially in chronic diseases.
When Bach discovered homeopathy, he modified his method and made homeopathic
preparations known as nosodes (remedies made from
pathological tissues). He classified the intestinal bacteria into seven main
groups and made preparations still known today as Bach's Seven Nosodes. Soon, he found that when a patient entered his
office, he could immediately tell which type of
flora would be predominant in that person, and which nosode
they would need. From this Bach correlated 7 main personality types and began
prescribing the Nosodes solely on the basis of the
patients personality, rather than laboratory tests. The results were even
greater than he expected, and he saw clearly the importance of treating the
person rather than their disease.
While Bach had great respect for homeopathy and its founder, Dr.
Hahnemann, he refuted the basic premise of homeopathy, that like cures like.
Bach states "It is obviously fundamentally wrong to say that 'like cures
like'. ...Like may strengthen like, like may repel like, but in the true
healing sense like cannot cure like. ....And so in true healing, and so in
spiritual advancement, we must always seek good to drive out evil, love to
conquer hate, and light to dispel darkness. Thus must we avoid all poisons, all
harmful things, and use only the beneficent and beautiful." (Collected
Writings, page 113)
Bach became dissatisfied with using the intestinal Nosodes,
desiring to find a natural method which would not require using pathological
material. He felt herbs would
provide the most suitable material and began investigating the plant
world. As Bach continued to work with and observe people, he became even more
convinced that
a person's temperament and personality were the factors that determined
what illnesses they were prone to and what medicines would help them.
The first 2 plants he discovered and used in his practice, that are
still Bach Flower Essences® today, were Impatiens and Mimulus.
The 3rd one was Clematis. This was in
1930. Bach was so pleased with the results, he decided to give up his
use of nosodes altogether and seek out other herbal
remedies to add to his repertory. Dr. Bach gave up his successful, lucrative
and prestigious Harley Street office and set out for Wales to discover new
healing plants. Little did he know he was about to discover a whole new form of
natural medicine and herbal preparation.
Tromping around Wales for many years led him to discover the remaining
36 Bach Flower Remedies®. Bach was very particular in his selection of flowers
and where he
found them. Each of his remedies is a specific botanical entity, and
substitutions are not equally effective. Bach was a sensitive as well as a
medical researcher and physician. This blend made him search out only non-toxic
plants that offered the highest vibratory patterns. Of the 39 essences we
attribute to Bach, 37 are from plants, trees and bushes. One remedy, Rock
Water, is from a special spring. The 39th is a combination of
several remedies, used for acute and emergency situations.
Bach found great results using the flower essences with people who came
to him from all over. No matter what illness the person had, he only gave
remedies in accord with their mental/emotional state of being. Bach himself
became ill several times and only recovered after discovering and using the
appropriate flower essence. He discovered several essences in this way.
Dr. Bach died in his sleep in 1936, feeling his lifes
work was complete. He stated that the 38 flower essences he discovered would
cover every possible area of need.
His goal was to discover a safe, effective system of medicine that even
the simplest person could use to help themselves, without a doctor. He felt he
achieved this goal
with his system of the Bach Flower Remedies®, which anyone can learn and
apply with a little study.
The cause of disease according to Dr. Edward Bach
Bach's writings are largely excellent discourses on the spiritual roots
of disease. He felt disease to be the result of conflict between Soul and Mind.
Health, he stated 'is our heritage, our right. It is the complete and full
union between soul, mind and body." (Collected Writings, page 91).
"There are two great errors: first, to fail to honour and obey the
dictates of our Soul, and second, to act against Unity." (Heal Thyself,
page 12)
Of the flower essences he said, 'these new remedies act on a different
plane to the old. They are more spiritualized and help us to develop that inner
great self in all of us
which as the power to overcome all fears, all difficulties, all worries,
all diseases.' (Collected Writings, page 23)
How are the remedies chosen?
Very simply, by awareness of ones own mental, emotional and spiritual
state of being. Bach left a very simple system of determining which essence or
essences will be
useful for us. If a person was discouraged, this may indicate a need for
Gentian, which restores hope. If indecisive, a need for Scleranthus
and so forth. For all negative states of mind, the essence chosen reflects the
positive, uplifting aspect necessary to bring the person into balance. Look in
the reference section for books that describe the essences
and their use.
How are the remedies available?
Flower Essences are available in most health food stores and by mail
order. (See Resources) They come in small amber glass bottles known as a stock
bottle, or Mother Tincture. You may use the essence right out of the bottle. Or
you can get even more mileage by using a few drops of the Mother Tincture to
make a dosage bottle for yourself. For this, purchase a 1-ounce empty, sterile,
amber glass bottle.
Fill the bottom of the 1-ounce
bottle with a little bit of brandy (Korbel is a good
one), or apple cider vinegar to help preserve the essence. (Otherwise, things
will start growing after a while). You can use natural vegetable glycerin, but this will not preserve the essence for long.
Add a few drops of each remedy
or remedies you have chosen. You can choose and mix up to 6 remedies together
with excellent results. (Some people don't like to mix them.) More than 6
remedies is generally too much
Fill the rest of the 1-ounce
bottle with spring or filtered water. Shake well.
How do I use the flower essences?
Generally people take a few drops several times throughout the day. Some
people adhere to a strict schedule of so many drops, 2 or 3 times a day. Others
find it much more helpful to use them as needed. Especially in acute
situations, it can be helpful to take the remedy more often. Usually when a
person is "done" with their remedy, they will start
"forgetting" to use it regularly. Since flower essences are primarily
working at a vibrational level, and there is little,
if any actual physical substance in the remedies, there are no side effects.
Some people are very strict about when and how to take flower essences,
treating them like homeopathic remedies, which are ideally not taken with food,
along with other restrictions. However, many practitioners and people add
flower essences to their drinking water, salads, juices, and food with great
results. Cooking is not advised as flower essences are fragile in respect to
temperature. They must be protected from heat, light, and cold.
A fun way to use flower essences is to put a few drops in your warm bath
and relax. Some people make a flower essence spray for their house, office, or
wherever.
This works well.
How are flower essences made?
There are several methods of preparation. Usually the flower is picked
at a specific time of year and day, carefully placed in a bowl of pure water,
and left to sit in the sun for
a certain amount of time. Several essences are not prepared by the sun
method, but by a special boiling method.
It is not advisable to make your own Flower Essences for several
reasons. Bach was very particular in his selection of flowers and where he
found them. Each of his remedies is a specific botanical entity, and
substitutions are not equally effective. There are many types of Honeysuckle,
but Bach specifically used only Lonicera caprifolium found in
a certain area. Many of the species he used are difficult to identify
without the help of a botanist. Even plants with the same botanical name, grown
in different areas of the world have very different effects. This is due to the
difference in soil and climate which naturally effect the chemical activity and
quality of the plant.
Flower essences into the 21st century
Dr. Bach left the planet feeling that his 39 flower essences provided
the complete flower essence kit for all time and stated no others would be
necessary. In fact, his legacy spawned an era of avid flower essence research
and discovery. There are currently hundreds of flower essences available from all
over the world. There are even Flower Essence Pharmacies in existence, that
stock a multitude of the Flower Essences available on the planet today.
Bach Flowers are the best place to start, because they were created in a
grounded framework, which is easy to understand, and because they are excellent
remedies.
Use Bach's Collected Writings as a foundation of information to
understand both Bach's approach and flower essences as remedies.
Combining essences
Usually, several flower essences are combined to make a flower essence
formula. However, some essences combine well together, while others do not. You
need to experiment for yourself. I combine Perelandra
Essences freely with Bach and other essences. The woman who makes Perelandra Essences, Machelle
Wright, also finds they combine well. Some people will not combine different
Flower Essences under any circumstances. The Seven Herbs Essences do not seem
to combine well, and are better used one essence at a time, which is, in fact,
what the author (Matthew Wood) recommends. When in doubt, refer to the person
who originally prepared the essences you are using.
Important note:
Flower essences work most beneficially as part of a wholistic
program of health care, including exercise, nourishing diet, stress reduction,
inner work, play, and rest. They are not a substitute for medical attention or
professional psychological counseling. If you are
ill, please consult a qualified physician.
A brief overview of Bach Flower Remedies®
Dr. Bach placed the flower essences into 7 main categories (see
Collected Writings of Edward Bach, for more information):
FEAR
Aspen - Vague, unexplainable
fears/anxieties
Cherry Plum - Fear of reason
giving way, mind being over-strained
Mimulus
- Fear of known things, everyday fears the person bears quietly
Red Chestnut -
Fearful/worrying about others
Rock Rose - Emergency remedy
for fear, terror, panic
OVER CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF OTHERS
Beech - Over critical of
others and of surroundings
Chicory - Over-caring or
controlling of others
Rock Water - Strict lifestyle
due to high ideals
Vervain
- Strong opinions, and wanting to impress these on others
Vine - Strong-willed leaders
LONELINESS
Heather - Don't like being
alone
Impatiens - Prefer to work
alone. Quick in thought and action.
Water Violet - Independent,
self-reliant, prefer to be alone. Also for grief.
NOT SUFFICIENT INTEREST IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES
Chestnut Bud - For those who
take a long time to learn from experience.
Clematis - Dreamy quiet
people, dreaming of a happier future
Honeysuckle - Nostalgia,
homesick or dreaming fondly of the past
Mustard - 'Dark clouds' of
gloom or despair
Olive - Sapped vitality, no
strength to go on
White Chestnut - Persistent
thoughts or worries circling in the mind
Wild Rose - Loss of enthusiasm
for life, resignation
OVERSENSITIVE TO IDEAS OR INFLUENCES
Agrimony
- Want to keep peace at any price, easily disturbed by quarrels.
Centaury - Difficulty saying
No to others. May neglect their own life purpose
Holly - Anger and vexations of
the heart
Walnut - Protection from all
outside influences in daily life and transitions
UNCERTAINTY
Cerato
- Lack of self-confidence in making decisions, always asking advice
Gentian - Easily discouraged,
Gorse - Great hopelessness
Hornbeam - Feeling of
insufficient strength to meet the demands of life
Scleranthus
- Unable to decide between two things
Wild Oat - Deciding on a life
path, when many choices look exciting
DESPONDENCY OR DESPAIR
Crab Apple - Feeling dirty,
shameful, contaminated
Elm - Overwhelmed
Larch - Capable people who
lack self-confidence
Oak - Strength to go on
without loss of hope or effort
Pine - Apologetic, unable to
accept compliments, self-blaming.
Sweet Chestnut - When one
feels they have reached the limits of endurance
Star of Bethlehem - Comfort in
times of great distress
Willow - Resentment, feeling
life has been unfair
RESCUE REMEDY®
Composed of 5 essences formulated for use in acute or emergency
situations, to assist in calming, clearing, and restoring harmony.
Resources
This list is by no means complete. These are ones I use myself and find
to be reliable sources providing excellent quality.
Flower Essences
There are currently several different 'brands' available in health food
stores. My personal favorite are the English Flower
Essences from Flower Essence Services (also in health food stores). Prepared by
Julian Barnard and his wife, Martine, in Wales. Julian Barnard has written
several excellent books on Bach's work.
Flower Essence Services
PO Box 1769 Nevada City, CA 95959
(800) 548-0075 fax (916) 265-6467
They also offer a large line of North American Essences and the Seven
Herbs Set that is a companion to Matthew Wood's book, Seven Herbs, listed
below.
They have a newsletter, classes & sell a good selection of Flower
Essence books through the Flower Essence Society, PO Box 459 Nevada City, CA
95959
In Europe, for information and resources on Bach Remedies, write:
Bach Flower Remedies, The Dr. Edward Bach Centre
Mount Vernon
Sotwell, Wallingford
Oxon. OX10 OPZ England
Perelandra Essences
PO Box 3603 Warrenton, VA 22186
Phone (703) 937-2153 Fax (703) 937-3360
You never get to talk to a real person. But they send catalogues and
fill orders promptly. Their essences are especially excellent. Books and tapes
available also.
Desert Alchemy
PO Box 44189 Tucson, AZ 85733
Phone (602) 325-1545
Excellent quality desert flower essences. They offer occasional classes.
Recommended reading on Bach's and other flower essences
Bach Flower Essences®
Vorwort/Suchen Zeichen/Abkürzungen Impressum