FLOWER ESSENCE THERAPY - the use of extracts from flowering plants as a healing method. (NAD)

(See also: FLOWER ESSENCE THERAPY , Wiccan Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

Bach flower therapy (Bach flower essence method, Bach flower essence system):

 Homeopathic system of diagnosis and treatment developed in the 1930s by British physician Edward Bach (1886-1936). Bach put forth his philosophy in Heal Thyself: An Explanation of the Real Cause and Cure of Disease, first published in 1931. Therein he described five fundamental truths, in sum:

(1)           Souls, invincible and immortal sparks of the Almighty, are the real, Higher selves of humans.

(2)           Humanity's purpose is to develop virtues and wipe out all intrapersonal wrongs. Souls know what circumstances conduce to the perfection of human nature.

(3)           One's lifetime is a minuscule part of one's evolution.

(4)           When one's Soul and personality are in harmony, one is healthy and happy. The straying of the personality from the dictates of the Soul is the root cause of disease and unhappiness.

(5)           The Creator of all things is Love, and everything of which humans are conscious manifests the Creator.

Bach held that disease was essentially beneficial and that its design was to subject the personality to the Divine will of the Soul. He psychically discovered the specific healing effects of 38 wildflowers. The life force (soul quality or energy wavelength) of each of these flowers is transferable to water and thence to humans. Each of the so-called Bach flower remedies is a liquid that contains a soul quality with an affinity to a human soul quality; and each vegetable soul quality harmonizes its human counterpart with the Soul. The bases of classical diagnosis are conversation and intuition. Administration of the remedies is usually oral but may be external.

(See also: Bach flower therapy , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES: Bach flower remedies are a set of 38 different herbal remedies (plus one combination remedy) made from the specially prepared, "potentized" essence of the petals and heads of flowers.

Each essence is made from a particular type of flower and preserved in unflavored brandy to prevent spoilage. Bach flower remedies are non-toxic, non-addictive, and utilize the mood-altering properties of the plants to harmonize and balance emotional sensitivities. The remedies act as catalysts to alleviate the underlying causes of stress.

(See also: Bach flower remedies , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

AROMATHERAPY: uses essential oils from flowers, trees, roots, herbs, berries and fruits, to treat emotional disorders such as stress and anxiety as well as a wide range of other ailments and to promote physical, mental and emotional wellness. Oils are either massaged into the skin in diluted form, inhaled, placed in baths, or applied on and around the body.

Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, herbology, chiropractic and other wholistic healing.

What is aromatherapy?

It is the controlled use of natural essential oils in the process of physical and emotional healing. You may have discovered that in some ways, you've been experiencing aromatherapy most of your life without even knowing it.

We have all experienced memory recall triggered by a particular scent; perhaps the scent of a favorite flower, or the perfume your grandmother used to wear, or an aunt's linen closet. The event can produce positive or negative memories. Certain scents may trigger negative thoughts of a person or place in your past. Whatever the case, the importance of scent in our lives is quite profound and in some ways, unique to each of us. Aromatherapy is a way to enjoy a controlled use of natural oils to enrich and benefit your life.

What are essential oils?

Whole, pure essential oils come from nature; they are the "essence" of plants. They are droplets of water-like fluid contained in the leaves, stems, bark, flowers, roots and/or fruits of different plants, and give the plant its unique scent. Essential oils are volatile, whereas they easily transfer from a liquid to a gaseous state at room temperature or higher. The amount of essential oil found in most plants is 1 to 2%, but can contain amounts from 0.01 to 10%. They can change in composition and location with a particular plant. For example, orange trees produce neroli oil in their blossoms, orange oil in their citrus, and petitgrain oil in their leaves. Essential oils are also very concentrated and extremely potent, and sometimes 75 to 100 times more concentrated than say, the herb it is present in. This is all the more reason to use these oils with thorough knowledge of their potency.

How are essential oils extracted?

There are two common procedures for extracting true essential oils:

1. Steam distillation
2. Expression

 The process of steam distillation has 5 steps:

1. Steam plant material
2. Collect steam carrying aromatic molecules
3. Cool in cold-water bath
4. Produce floral water and essential oil
5. Separate essential oil, then bottle

This process is also the most popular for obtaining the essential oils from plants. The steam is forced into a vat containing the plant material, which ruptures the oil glands and releases the oil. The volatile oils are cooled, separated from the water content, and bottled. It may take hundreds or thousands of pounds of plant material to distill a single pound of the essential oil. Bulgarian Rose oil requires about 4,000 pounds of hand-picked flower petals to make 1 pound of oil, obviously making this one expensive oil!

The second method, extraction, has 4 major steps:

1. Have citrus peels
2. Machine press
3. Obtain essential oils and fruit waxes
4. Separate oils, then bottle

This method is primarily used in the perfume and food industries, and does not produce a 100% pure essential oil. Solvents are used in the process to pull out the soluable molecules; therefore making them incomplete oils. Resins, concretes, absolutes, and pomades result from this method.

How are essential oils taken in?

Essential oils are absorbed into the body two ways; through the skin and through nasal inhalation. Our sense of smell, controlled by the olfactory system, is some 10,000 times greater than any other sense. The olfactory system is directly linked to the limbic system, which is responsible for our emotional state, memory, and certain regulatory function.

Essential oils also penetrate the skin, or the integumentary system. Because essential oils have a low molecular weight and are organic in nature, they are absorbed through the pores and hair follicles of the skin, and unlike synthetic chemicals, they do not accumulate in the body. Absorption can take place anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours, and take from 3 to 6 hours to be metabolized in a healthy body. Excessive fat or toughened skin may slow down the rate of absorption; whereas heat, water, exercise, or broken skin may speed it up.

How are essential oils used?

Aromatherapy is used to self-heal and soothe common, everyday health challenges. It is by no means a replacement for the opinion of a licensed physician, and should always be used with respect.

As with all things derived from nature, some essential oils are considered hazardous, and under certain circumstances, should be avoided. Some are phototoxic, neurotoxic, or carcinogenic, and safety precautions should always be considered when working with and administering any essential oil.

Here are common-sense safety points to note:

1. Avoid essential oils deemed as hazardous
2. Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children.
3. Remember essentail oils are very potent.
4. Do not take orally.
5. Follow dilution guidelines carefully. Never use an oil without first diluting.
6. Use 1% or less dilution during pregnancy.
7. Be aware of others with sensitivities or allergies.
8. Do not use on or near the eyes.
9. Do a skin patch test if prone to sensitivities.
10. Use extra care on broken or damaged skin.
11. Avoid phototoxic essential oils if history of skin cancer.
12. Keep them away from light and heat sources.
13. Use only therapeutic genuine and authentic essential oils.

(See also: Aromatherapy , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

flower essence therapy

The use of extracts from flowering plants as a healing method

(See also: Flower essence therapy , Body Mind and Soul)

Bach flower therapy: (Bach flower essence method, Bach flower essence system): Homeopathic system of diagnosis and treatment developed in the 1930:s by British physician Edward Bach (1886-1936). Bach held that disease was essentially beneficial and that its design was to subject the personality to the Divine will of the soul. He psychically discovered the specific healing effects of 38 wildflowers. The life force ("soul quality" or "energy wavelength") of each of these flowers is transferable to water and thence to humans.

(See also: Bach flower therapy , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Flower essences are an alternative healing remedy that is used specifically for emotional healing. Flower essences, also called flower remedies, are made from the blooms of specific flowering plants and trees. Flower essences are so useful for emotional sensitivity that it is almost as though they were made exactly for the issue of empathic ability.

Read more here: » Flower Essences: Emotional Healing with Flower Essences

FLOWER ESSENCES: Elixir of Alchemy

Everyone knows how important flowers are -- for their beauty, their fragrance, their oils in Aromatherapy and perfumes, even sometimes in food. But the most important property of flowers is seldom mentioned: their vibrational essence, and their literal connection to the human electrical system.

This is the true meaning of alchemy: to transmute dross into gold -- to transform suffering into joy, pain into learning, dis-ease to health, and darkness into peace and light. Are flower essences capable of doing this? Yes, and more.

(See also: Indigo Children, What is Indigo Children, Parenting Indigo Children, Adult Indigo, Indigo Children Channeling)

Read more here: » Indigo Children: Indigo Coach and Flower Essence Therapy

VIBRATIONAL HEALING - VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE: promotes healing by balancing the bodyÕs energy field. Can include acupuncture, homeopathy, flower essences, sound & color healing, crystals, gems, aromatherapy, and energy-based bodywork (Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Polarity Therapy).

(See also: Vibrational Healing & Vibrational Medicine , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

ACUPRESSURE: Based on the principles of acupuncture, this ancient Chinese technique involves the use of finger pressure, rather than needles, on specific points along the body to treat ailments such as tension and stress, aches and pains, and arthritis.  Although the older of the techniques, acupressure tends to be overlooked as the Chinese developed more "technological" methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity. However, acupressure is a gentle yet powerful healing technique which relies on senitivity of touch to locate and release imbalances within the body. Acupressure continues to be more effective in relieving tension-related ailments.

Theory of accupressure

Acupressure focuses on the natural bioenergy or Qi (pronounced Chi) flowing through the body. The theory was developed that if a stimulus in the form of heat, pressure, or a needle was applied to specific points on the body, it would relieve the symptoms of many conditions. It was determined that these points were not random but followed energetic pathways along the body, and each one was linked to a particular internal organ.

Technique of accupressure

The practice of acupressure has developed primarily through a combination of instinct and hands-on experience. Its principles and healing techniques have also been influenced by individuals who could feel or see trigger points and meridian pathways. Some healers integrated breathing meditations and mudras (hand positions) while others added herbal remedies and massage. A series of gentle stretches, joint manipulations, and noninvasive pressure to different pressure points will stimulate the corresponding glands of the body to balance the flow of vital energy through the body, thus stimulating the body's natural healing ability. A combination of pressures applied by the palms, thumbs, elbows, and sometimes the knees and feet are used.

Although acupressure is a holistic treatment encompassing the mind, body, and spirit, on a physical level it can have the effect of improving the circulation and the flow of lymph. Acupressure also works directly on the central nervous system promoting relaxation, calmness, and a sense of well-being. This technique is also used for general preventive health care.

(See also: Acupressure , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

vibrational medicine (energetic medicine, energetics medicine, energy medicine, subtle-energy medicine, vibrational healing, vibrational therapies): Healing philosophy whose main tenet is that humans are dynamic energy systems (body/mind/spirit complexes) and reflect evolutionary patterns of soul growth.

Its principles include the following:

(a)   Health and illness originate in subtle energy systems.

(b)  These systems coordinate the life-force and the physical body.

(c)   Emotions, spirituality, and nutritional and environmental factors affect the subtle energy systems.

Vibrational medicine embraces acupuncture, aromatherapy, Bach flower therapy, chakra rebalancing, channeling, color breathing, color therapy, crystal healing, absent healing, Electroacupuncture According to Voll (EAV), etheric touch, flower essence therapy, homeopathy, Kirlian photography, laserpuncture, the laying on of hands, meridian therapy, mesmerism, moxibustion, orthomolecular medicine, Past-life Regression, Polarity Therapy, psychic healing, psychic surgery, radionics, the Simonton method, sonopuncture, Toning, Transcendental Meditation, and Therapeutic Touch.

The expressions energy healing, energy work, and energetic healing work appear synonymous with vibrational medicine.

(See also: Vibrational medicine , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

ZERO BALANCING: method for aligning body structure and body energy. Through touch akin to acupressure, practitioner seeks to overcome imbalances in the bodyÕs structure/energetic interface, which is said to exist beneath the level of conscious awareness. Zero Balancing is often used for stress reduction.

(See also:   , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

AROMATHERAPY: Aromatherapy is a unique branch of herbal medicine that utilizes the medicinal properties found in the essential oils of various plants.

Through a process of steam distillation or cold-pressing, the volatile constituents of the plant's oil (its essence) are extracted from its flowers, leaves, branches or roots.

According to Dr. (rer. nat.) Kurt Schnaubelt, Director of the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy, the term "aromatherapy" is somewhat misleading, as it can suggest an exclusive role for the aroma in the healing process. "In actuality," says Dr. Schnaubelt, "the oils exert much of their therapeutic effect through their pharmacological properties and their small molecular size, making them one of the few therapeutic agents to easily penetrate bodily tissues."

(See also: Aromatherapy , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

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CELL THERAPY: Cell therapy promotes physical regeneration through the injection of healthy cellular material into the body.

It is used to stimulate healing, counteract the effects of aging, and treat a variety of degenerative diseases such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Although not approved in the United States, cell therapy is used throughout Europe and in many countries worldwide.

(See also: Cell therapy , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

MUSIC THERAPY

Music therapy is the prescribed use of music by a qualified person to effect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, or social functioning of individuals who have health or educational problems.

The idea of music as a healing influence that can affect health and behavior is as least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The 20th century discipline began after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to veterans' hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the wars. The patients' physical and emotional improvements in response to music led the doctors and nurses to request that hospitals hire musicians. 

For children, illness and hospitalizations disrupt normal living patterns, school and important social activities. Music therapy helps to reduce this disruption by providing sensitive, creative interventions--including playing instruments and writing songs. These interventions also offer acute and chronically ill children the chance to learn, express themselves, interact with family and peers and, simply, relax and enjoy themselves. Even parents and siblings can join the fun and experience the benefits. The power of music is documented: Studies have shown that music can influence heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, pain perception, physical health and well-being. Music is loved by young and old.

(See also: MUSIC THERAPY , Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul)

ACUPRESSURE: Acupressure is a form of acupuncture in which fingers and thumbs rather than needles are used to press chi points on the surface of the body.

Acupressure relives muscular tension, which enables more blood--and therefore more oxygen and nutrients--to be carried to tissue throughout the body. This helps promote physical calmness and mental alertness, and aids in healing by removing waste products. Many researchers now believe that, like acupuncture, acupressure triggers the release of endorphins, the neurochemicals that relieve pain.

(See also: Acupressure , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

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ACTIVE MUSCULAR RELAXATION TECHNIQUES: Active muscular relaxation techniques are a powerful new approach to bodywork used for relaxing overactive muscles and managing soft tissue pain. Over-activity in local musculature is a typical response to pain from trauma or poor posture.

Active muscular relaxation techniques utilize resisted isometric contractions of the overactive muscle or its antagonist (the one opposing its action). The objective of this procedure is to relax and/or lengthen (stretch) the overactive muscle.

(See also: Active muscular relaxation techniques , Body Mind and Soul)

BIORHYTHMS: According to the principle of biorhythms, life is a series of progressive 'ups' and 'downs'.

1. The physical cycle includes resistance to disease, strength, and coordination.
2. The emotional includes sensitivity, mood, perceptions, and mental balance, and the
3. intellectual affects memory, alertness, and logic.

Because the cycles are of varying length, they rarely overlap. For example, while the intellectual cycle may be peaking, the emotional cycle may be in decline, and the physical cycle a variant somewhere in between. The 'highs' of the cycles are times of maximum effectiveness, and tend to produce positive thoughts and moods, while the 'lows' are times of negativity and possible risk--because one is prone at these times to make errors of judgment.

(See also: Biorhythms , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)