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Bach flower remedies

Description

Flower remedies in general are forms of vibrational or energy medicine in which the essences distilled from various flowers are used to promote mental, emotional or physical healing. Flower remedies native to Great Britain include Bach flower remedies, the most well-known, as well as Bailey essences, Findhorn flower essences, Green man tree essences, Harebell remedies and Orchid flower essences. Other cultures have their own native systems, e.g. Australian bush flower essences, Alaskan flower essences, Californian research essences, Hawaiian flower essences, Pegasus essences, Himalayan aditi flower essences, Pacific essences. This book has not included the other systems of flower essences, since they are not as commonly used as Bach, at least not in the UK, but while the precise plants used differ in other systems, the principals are similar to those for Bach remedies.

Bach flower remedies were devised by Dr Edward Bach (1886–1936), a bacteriologist and homeopath, who abandoned conventional medicine to develop a more natural, gentle form of healing based on plants, prescribed to address emotional and spiritual health. There are 38 remedies, plus the Rescue Remedy. Liquid preparations (mother tinctures) are made from the petals of the relevant plants, combined with water ethanol mixtures. They are produced either by the sun method or by the boiling method. In the sun method, the flowering heads of the plants are placed in a bowl of pure spring water and left in the sun for 3 hours, after which time the water is preserved in brandy. For the boiling method, the relevant parts of the plant or tree are boiled in pure spring water for 30 min and left to cool; the water is then diluted in brandy. The remedies are clustered according to seven emotional states: fear, uncertainty, insufficient interest in the present, loneliness, oversensitivity, despondency/despair and over-concern for others. The 38 remedies and the Rescue Remedy are detailed below.

Diagnosis is achieved by the technique of ‘peeling the onion’– finding out how a particular state of mind has been reached. For example, a state of insecurity may be caused by fear therefore the predominating emotion of fear would be diagnosed and treated. Treatment involves the selection of up to six remedies according to the individual’s condition: 2 drops of each remedy are added to a 20 mL bottle of still spring water and the person is then instructed to use four drops of this at intervals prescribed by the practitioner. It is also possible to self-prescribe, relatively easily, although for more severe psychological states, individuals should be advised to consult a qualified practitioner.

Evidence:

The only studies undertaken appear to have been those on Rescue Remedy to relieve stress and anxiety, particularly pre-examination nerves, the efficacy of which has been largely attributed to the placebo effect. Flower remedies may have a part to play in the psycho-physiological aspects of pain control, but whether this is a placebo effect or not remains to be demonstrated. One particular study concluded that the remedies do not appear to be effective in helping children with attention deficit disorder.

Safety:

Mother tinctures, from which the individual essences are produced, contain alcohol, suggesting caution if the patient is a recovering alcoholic, taking specific drugs to assist alcohol dependence or metronidazole or who has a moral or religious objection to alcohol. There is no evidence of toxicity and remedies appear to be safe for children and during pregnancy, despite the recommendations to curb antenatal alcohol consumption. The tendency of the remedies to reveal underlying emotions, through the ‘onion peeling’ effect mean that the practitioner should possess adequate listening and counselling skills and be able to recognize when it is appropriate to stop treatment and refer to a specialist counsellor.

Bibliography

Ernst E. ‘Flower remedies’: a systematic review of the clinical evidence. Wiener klinische Wochenschrift. 2002;114(23–24):963-966.

Howard J. Do Bach flower remedies have a role to play in pain control? A critical analysis investigating therapeutic value beyond the placebo effect and the potential of Bach flower remedies as a psychological method of pain relief. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2007;13(3):174-183.

Pintov S, Hochman M, Livne A, et al. Bach flower remedies used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children – a prospective double blind controlled study. European Journal of Paediatric Neurology. 2005;9(6):395-398.

Walach H, Rilling C, Engelke U. Efficacy of Bach-flower remedies in test anxiety: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial with partial crossover. Journal of Anxiety Disorders. 2001;15(4):359-366.

Resources

Dr Edward Bach Centre, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 0PZ: www.bachcentre.com

The 38 Bach flower remedies

Agrimony:

for distress caused by hidden fears, worries and unhappiness.

Aspen:

for fear of unknown origin.

Beech:

for people who are intolerant and overcritical of others.

Centaury:

to promote inner strength and re-balance those who are weak-willed or subservient, enabling them to stand up for themselves.

Cerato:

to reduce indecision and promote confidence in own judgement.

Cherry plum:

to reduce frightening thoughts and ideas, fear of loss of control and to promote clear rational thoughts.

Chestnut bud:

for those who are unable to learn from past experience and constantly repeat the same mistakes.

Chicory:

for over-possessiveness, manipulation and control of other people, particularly family; promotes a more balanced, undemanding love.

Clematis:

to reduce day dreaming and absentmindedness and promote more awareness and sharpen focus on the ‘here and now’.

Crab apple:

is a cleansing remedy for those who feel their body or mind is somehow ‘dirty’ and has been contaminated, leading to obsessive thoughts or rituals.

Elm:

for temporary lack of confidence and discouragement in normally confident and capable people.

Gentian:

to dispel feelings of despondency and discouragement, usually resulting from disappointment.

Gorse:

for feelings of hopelessness and despair, often for no reason.

Heather:

to re-balance traits of self absorption and obsession with own illnesses or worries with a lack of awareness of other people or their needs leading to them being avoided and becoming lonely.

Holly:

to counter feelings of jealousy, envy, spitefulness or suspicion.

Honeysuckle:

for feelings of excessive homesickness, nostalgia, regrets, dwelling in the past.

Hornbeam:

for lethargy, lack of enthusiasm, the ‘Monday morning feeling’.

Impatiens:

to help people who are quick in thought and action and whose desire for immediate results makes them impatient and quick tempered with others.

Larch:

for lack of confidence and belief in own abilities.

Mimulus:

to help the type of person who is very shy or nervous particularly to help a known fear or anxiety.

Mustard:

to alleviate depression of unknown cause.

Oak:

to help stoic committed individuals whose determination is undermined by overwork or illness and who refuse to seek help or rest, causing despondency or despair.

Olive:

for tiredness and exhaustion due to either mental or physical overwork.

Pine:

to counter feelings of guilt.

Red chestnut:

for those who are over-concerned for the safety and well-being of others.

Rescue Remedy:

a composite remedy consisting of Star of Bethlehem, Rock Rose, Impatiens, Cherry Plum and Clematis, used as a treatment for shock, panic and general reaction to emergencies or as part of a broader, composite remedy with other remedies. It is also available as a cream or spray.

Rock rose:

used to combat feelings of terror and panic.

Rock water:

for those who are rigid and self disciplined leading to narrowness of mind.

Scleranthus:

to help those who are indecisive, mentally distressed at having to make even the smallest decision.

Star of Bethlehem:

used as a remedy for severe shock.

Sweet chestnut:

to ease deep depression and despair caused by emotional pain.

Vervain:

to temper overenthusiasm for causes which leave the patient stressed, angry and frustrated.

Vine:

for the over-domineering, inflexible individual.

Walnut:

to facilitate change when adjustment is difficult; protects against external influences which might make choices or adjustments difficult.

Water violet:

to ease the isolation which can occur if people are too reserved, proud or aloof, resulting in them becoming cut off from enjoying the help or company of others.

White chestnut:

for mental arguments or unwanted thoughts which interfere with the person’s peace of mind.

Wild oat:

to help people who are undecided in their path in life.

Wild rose:

for lack of motivation and apathy.

Willow:

for self pity, resentfulness and bitterness.

Biochemic (biochemical) tissue salts

Description

This therapy was developed by William Schussler (1821–1898), a German physician, biochemist and homeopath. There are 12 biochemical tissue salts in the original range, used to re-balance and correct the body’s own mineral salts, assumed to be essential to health at a cellular level. Deficiency of one or more of these mineral salts affects functioning of the others, leading to ill-health, but tissue salts can only be used to treat relative deficiencies, not absolute ones. Tissue salts are prepared according to homeopathic principles, using dynamized preparations in a low potency, usually 6× and are prescribed according to the presenting symptoms rather than being individualized to the person. They can be taken singly or in combination depending on the condition. Changes in diet and lifestyle may lead to the addition of new tissue salts to the original range in the near future, e.g. copper, manganese and zinc.

Evidence:

No clinical evidence for the use of these salts in the treatment of any specific condition could be found.

Safety:

No information regarding safety or evidence of specific contraindications was found.

Bibliography

No professional literature specifically

No professional literature specifically on the complementary therapy concept of biochemic tissue salts could be found. Literature searches for the individual tissue salts identified research on the individual minerals, but not on the homeopathically prepared tissue salts..

The tissue salts

Calcium fluoride:

builds elastic tissue of the body, muscles and blood vessels and is present in teeth and on bone surfaces. It is prescribed for: muscle weakness, dental decay, poor circulation, damaged muscles and bones, skin conditions and bleeding gums.

Calcium phosphate:

is present in bone and aids the formation of new blood vessels and digestion. It is prescribed for bone weakness, indigestion, poor circulation, fatigue and general debility and is thought to be good for convalescence.

Calcium sulphate:

purifies the blood and is an hepatic stimulant. It is prescribed for skin problems, mouth ulcers, slow healing wounds, neuralgia and catarrh.

Ferrum phosphate:

carries oxygen around the body and strengthens blood vessel walls. It is prescribed for respiratory problems, bleeding, anaemia, menorrhagia, throbbing headaches, pyrexia, inflammation, rheumatism. This tissue salt is often referred to as the ‘first aid salt’ when applied to wounds and is said to stem bleeding.

Kalium muriaticum:

is a blood conditioner prescribed for respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, bronchitis, swollen glands, childhood eczema and for digestive disorders.

Kalium phosphate:

is a nerve nutrient, present in brain cells and nerve tissue. It is used for physical and mental neurological system conditions, insomnia, mental and physical exhaustion, poor memory and concentration.

Kalium sulphate:

oxygenates the tissues and cells of the body and is used for skin, hair and scalp and nail problems, as well as catarrh, hot flushes and chills.

Magnesium phosphate:

is an antispasmodic which ensures smooth muscle movement and is prescribed for cramps, spasms, relief from sharp pains, flatulence, hiccups, headaches with shooting pains, low energy and neuralgia.

Natrum muriaticum:

aids water metabolism, moisturizes the tissues and assists glandular function and digestion. It is used for dryness or excessive moisture in any part of the body, watery colds and sneezing, dry lips, dry itchy skin and eyes, hay fever, loss of taste or smell, headaches with constipation, thirst with craving for salty foods, sleep disturbance, fatigue and feelings of helplessness.

Natrum phosphate:

neutralizes acid and aids assimilation of fatty acids. It helps to regulate hepatic and biliary function and is used for acidity, stomach upsets, heartburn, colic, indigestion, rheumatic pain and stiffness, swollen joints, jaundice and nausea.

Natrum sulphate:

eliminates excess water and helps to maintain hepatic and biliary health. It is used for water retention, influenza, liver and gall bladder conditions, including jaundice, hepatitis, digestive upset, nausea and rheumatism.

Silica:

is a cleanser and detoxifier, present in blood, skin, nails, hair bones and connective tissue. It is prescribed for spots, boils, styes, abscesses and other purulent skin conditions, cracked, brittle or split nails, glandular disorders, involuntary twitching of eyes or face muscles, stress and rheumatic pain.

Bodywork therapies

Description

‘Bodywork’ is a generic term used to describe manual, postural and touch therapies which are part of the healing tradition of ‘laying on of hands’ and which subscribe to the basic tenets of symmetry, posture, coordinated movement and gravity, aiming towards bodily re-alignment, balance and efficient function. Some manual therapies, such as Chinese tuina and Japanese shiatsu, may also be referred to as energy medicine and are included in other relevant sections of this book.

Alexander technique

Description

Alexander technique is a system of physical re-education to correct postural defects and habitual patterns of movement and bearing. It was devised by Frederick Alexander, an actor, who developed the system, following his own voice production problems, which he recognized as being due to defective posture and breathing associated with anxiety and ‘stage nerves’. Treatment involves one-to-one lessons with practitioners who act as ‘teachers’ rather than therapists. Emphasis is on balance, breathing, posture, coordination and recognition of bodily tensions which have previously gone unnoticed and treatment aims to teach ways of moving, sitting, standing and walking to reduce strain on the bones, joints and muscles. It can be used occasionally to attend to acute problems, but is more generally viewed as a complete way of life which requires a degree of commitment from the individual.

Evidence:

Some clinical trials indicate the value of the technique for coordination problems such as Parkinson’s disease and for musculoskeletal problems, including those occurring during pregnancy.

Safety:

No information regarding safety, contraindications and precautions was found.

Bibliography

Cacciatore TW, Horak FB, Henry SM. Improvement in automatic postural coordination following Alexander technique lessons in a person with low back pain. Physical Therapy. 2005;85(6):565-578.

Ernst E, Canter PH. The Alexander technique: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Forschende Komplementärmedizin und Klassische Naturheilkunde. 2003;10(6):325-329.

Jain S, Janssen K, DeCelle S. Alexander technique and Feldenkrais method: a critical review. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 2004;15(4):811-825.

Mehling WE, DiBlasi Z, Hecht F. Bias control in trials of bodywork: a review of methodological issues. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2005;11(2):333-342.

Schlinger M. Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique and yoga – body awareness therapy in the performing arts. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 2006;17(4):865-875.

Stallibrass C, Hampson M. The Alexander technique: its application in midwifery and the results of preliminary research into Parkinson’s. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery. 2001;7(1):13-18.

Stallibrass C, Frank C, Wentworth K. Retention of skills learnt in Alexander technique lessons: 28 people with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2005;9:150-157.

Resources

Society et al., Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique: www.stat.org.uk

Aston-patterning

Description

This is an integrative therapy of movement education (neurokinetics), ergonomics (identifying environmental aspects), bodywork (Aston massage, mykinetics, arthrokinetics) and fitness training (self massage, stretching, toning and cardiovascular fitness), based on the premise that all body movement consists of weight transfer, rocking across the hip and leg hinge joints, with matching flexion and extension of the spine, arms and legs. It incorporates reduction of the inherent tension of three-dimensional spiral patterns of movement and the aim is to develop a self awareness in order to achieve the required movement with minimal stress and maximum efficiency.

Evidence:

No evidence in the form of clinical trials or case reports on the efficacy of Aston-patterning could be found, although case reports on its use with children with cerebral palsy have previously been published.

Safety:

No information regarding safety, contraindications or precautions was found.

Bibliography

Hannon J. A review of Aston-patterning. Journal of Bodywork Movement Therapy. 2005;9(4):260-269.

Liptak GS. Complementary and alternative therapies for cerebral palsy. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews. 2005;11(2):156-163.

Bowen technique

Description

This is a very gentle technique developed by Tom Bowen (1916–1982), an Australian healer in the 1950s. It is a manual therapy which incorporates a movement involving rolling of the fingers and thumb in order to manipulate soft tissues, thus stimulating energy flow and initiating self healing. The pressure applied by the fingers and thumb is no more than could be tolerated by applying pressure on an eyeball. Treatment sessions involve frequent breaks to facilitate the body to absorb the healing interventions from the therapist.

Evidence:

There is some evidence to suggest that this technique may help with musculoskeletal conditions including frozen shoulder.

Safety:

No specific information regarding safety, contraindications or precautions could be found in the literature.

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