MENTAL& EMOTIONAL USES As described on the previous page,the "History of Flower Essences in the West," flower essences have beenused classically to help correct mental and emotional imbalances, and thisthen has an impact on the
*forrecognizing and understanding what they are feeling (from The Art & Technique of Using FlowerEssences, © 2002 Cynthia Athina Kemp Scherer. Reprintedhere with permission of the author). Below is a specific and brief listof some common mental and emotional issues or challenging situations forwhich flower essence therapy may be helpful: ADD/ADHD Flower essences are most commonlysold individually (one bottle containing the essence of one flower). However, many companies are putting together combinations of essences whichgenerically address A few producers of essences todayare finding direct physical correlations for flower essences and are doinga great deal of research in this area. However, it would be helpfulto have a basic understanding of how essences work, which is describedon the next page, before exploring their physical uses. Clickhere to continue or, if you prefer first to read testimonials aboutmental/emotional healing using essences, click here. First photo: Tiger Lily helps balance overly aggressive or hostile forces in the personality. It is also helpful for women who are going through menopause (courtesyof FES). Second photo: The sunflower is related to individuality. It helps one find a healthy sense of "I" which works from its own center and possessesits own authority (courtesy of Steve Johnson, Alaskan Flower Essence Project). Third photo: Red Suva Frangipani helps those who are going through a rocky period ina relationship or its ending, or the death of a loved one (courtesy ofIan White, Australian Bush Flower Essences). Fourth photo: Arnica is helpful for states of shock or trauma, for animal rescue, andfor use prior to surgery (courtesy of FES). Fifth photo: Illawarra Flame Tree helps those who feel a tremendous amount of rejection,including self-reflection (courtesy of Ian White, Australian Bush FlowerEssences). Please contactEileen to arrange a consultation to determine the creation of a Eileen Hutcheson,M.Ed. Continueon to next page Copyright © 2002-2009 by EileenHutcheson. All rights reserved. Photos are |
physicalbody. They are catalysts for awareness and change, providing insightand support. On an energetic level, flower essences also help repairand restore flow to blocked energy channels in the body, thus resultingin improved health and well-being. People often experience a senseof release and relaxation in the beginning stages of using flower essences. They can help to shift moods and emotional states which are not deeplyembedded in one's character rather quickly. For deep issues and woundswhich have been incorporated into one's character over time, typicallyone month of flower essence therapy is recommended for each year that aproblem has been in existence. The essences work gently, slowly,and deeply. The image of "peeling an onion" is often used todescribe the healing process in flower essence therapy: one layeris healed and reveals a deeper layer to be addressed next. The ultimategoal for adults in flower essence therapy is awareness and empowermentto grow and develop. 
Floweressences help us become aware of the negative thought and/or behavior patternswhich underlie many physical conditions and forms of emotional suffering. Once aware of these patterns, we are empowered to make the necessary changes. Correcting the thought patterns, behaviors, stresses, and conflicts whichare often the root causes of disease results in improved health. Richard Katz and Patricia Kaminski of Flower Essence Society (FES) speakof the law of the union of opposites in flower essence therapy. Aswe grow, we become aware of both the ways in which we are contributingto our disease--our own behaviors and feelings from the past which helpto create our own suffering--as well as the new direction we would liketo move in and the qualities we would like to cultivate in ourselves. We feel the tension between these two poles. Flower essences helpus to become aware of this tension and to move 
towardhealth through choice and being empowered by the positive "virtues" whichthe essences impart, spoken of so eloquently by Dr. Bach. Metaphoricallyspeaking, we plant the seed of the desired "flower virtue" and cultivateit through taking the essences and working with intention, awareness, andchoice! In her helpful and informative book, The Art and Techniqueof Using Flower Essences, Cynthia Athina Kemp Scherer of Desert Alchemynotes that many people have found flower essences helpful in the followingareas: 
Lackof forgiveness 
variousproblems. These combinations are not specifically suited to an individual,rather they address the various spectra which a particular issue may require. The Aum Himalaya company in India, developed by two allopathic doctors,has produced a very large assortment of essence blends to address problemson all levels: mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical. Just reviewing their list will give one a comprehensive appreciation ofthe possible issues which may be treated with flower essence therapy.