If you have just read the previous page, "How Essences Work" (click here to access it), it will already be clear to you that, since vibrational essences work with the energy system of the person or animal, and since the meridian and chakra systems are holistic in nature, it is only natural that healing at the physical level as well as at all other levels is possible using vibrational essences.  If you prefer to begin this section by reading a remarkable testimonial about the healing of a torn rotator cuff using essences, click here.

The recent research of molecular biologist Dr. Candace Pert, in the area of neuropeptides, further confirms the holistic nature of the human being (see her book, Molecules of Emotion, or her tapes, Your Body Is Your Subconscious Mind).  Her work helps us to understand why the method of Dr. Bach, the originator of flower essences, has a scientific basis, and why it is impossible to separate the body from the emotions and the mind. In his early work, Dr. Bach prescribed flower essences based on physical symptoms (he had discovered physical correlations for some of his early essences).  Over time, as he developed his ideas and remedies, he settled on prescribing based solely on mental and emotional states.  This has become the "traditional" or "classic" approach to working with flower essences, and it is the deepest way of working with problems, whether they are physical or emotional. 

Dr. Pert's research confirms Dr. Bach's system.  She has found that, not only does the brain translate emotions into chemicals which impact the body, but every cell in our body also has this capacity and is continually translating our emotions into chemicals which affect every organ and the entire physical body, whether our emotions are conscious or unconscious.  Emotions occur simultaneously in all parts of the body--they don't start in the brain.  "The body is just a print-out of consciousness" says Dr. Deepak Chopra in commenting on Dr. Pert's findings (see his CD set, Quantum Healing). 

Dr. Pert draws no dividing line between the mind and body, defining the mind as "some kind of enlivening energy in the information realm throughout the brain and body that enables the cells to talk to each other, and the outside to talk to the whole organism."  She prefers the term "bodymind."  Of particular interest in this regard is the experience of those suffering from multiple personality disorder.  Those who are severely disturbed experience a disconnection from one personality to the next.  Blood samples have been taken only five minutes apart from the same patient, one sample from one personality and the second from a different personality, and actual chemical changes can be identified in the blood.  Severe allergies in one personality disappear in another personality, and the prescription for glasses changes.  Clearly the state of mind and "being" of the personality are manifested in the body with measurable results. 

Dr. Pert's findings confirm that healing of the emotions has a direct impact on the body (that the body and mind are in fact one), lending firm support to the traditional method of prescribing flower essences based on emotional and mental states.  Some essences, however, seem in many individuals to elicit an obvious physical response, while the emotional response is less noticeable.  It is quite plausible that many of these essences are working primarily with the etheric body, the energy field closest to the human body, and therefore people experience the immediate effect more at the physical level.  This poses a problem for some essence producers who would like to communicate their findings about the physical healing qualities of their essences to the public. 

Today in the USA, vibrational essences are classified as supplements by the FDA.  No medical claims may be made for them.  Some producers of flower essences in this country who wrote about the ways in which their essences were helpful on a physical level were forced to rewrite their catalogs.  How one words one's description of the purpose of the essence is crucial.  It seems to me that some companies give physical indications for animals in describing their essences and then hope that readers will extrapolate the same benefit to humans.  I have two books in Spanish on the FES essences which were written in South America, and each one is literally filled with physical correlations for the essences (I haven't tested their accuracy).  But, in the FES literature here in the USA, there is very little mention of physical uses for the FES essences.  I think this is partly due to the FDA prohibitions and partly due to the FES "soul approach," focused primarily on growth, development, and awareness.  However, it is interesting that there is such an abundance of physical correlations in countries where this is not prohibited. 

In many other countries, this kind of dilemma does not exist, and producers are free to share what they have come to learn about the physical benefits of their essences.  Sabina Pettitt, an acupuncturist in Canada, has correlated all of her Pacific Essences with Chinese meridians, so there are very strong physical correlations.  She also has a small repertory of physical indications.  Ian White, a naturopath and homeopath in Australia, has the most extensive physical repertory available in the essence world for his Australian Bush Flower Essences.  And, in India, two allopathic doctors have produced over 200 essences and essence blends correlated with specific organs and diseases as well as with mental, emotional and spiritual issues.  Their approach is unique, and I have almost all of their essences available to use in blends.   Of course, common sense tells us that severe conditions, mental/emotional or physical, require additional forms of therapy and not solely energetic treatment with vibrational essences.  And the best and most efficient approach to any problem is to enlist the aid of a variety of therapeutic measures which are helpful on various levels.  Below is a very partial list of the Aum Himalaya essences which address physical issues by providing energetic support (click here to see the full list).
Acne
Allergy
Asthma
Arthritis
Backache
Blood sugar balance 
Burns
Bursitis
Candidiasis
Cholesterol balance
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Cleansing, Herbal
Cleansing, Allopathic
Cleansing, Homeopathic
Colitis
Cramps 
Eczema
Eyesight, vision
Flu
Fractures
Frozen Shoulder
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gastro-enteritis (diarrhea)
Hyperacidity
Hypothyroidism
Immunity Booster
Jet lag
Laryngitis
Psoriasis
Scars
Sinus/Colds/Sinusitis
Spinal Alignment
Sports performance
Tendonitis
Tonsillitis
Ulcers (non-healing)
Weakness and fatigue
Wound healing

It is true that the primary focus in flower essence therapy is awareness of the ways in which one is contributing to one's disease and listening to understand what the illness may be trying to communicate to the deeper personality (as per Dr. Bach's perception that disease is caused by anything which interferes with the harmony between the personality and the inner Divinity and is a gift to show how we are out of alignment with our original purpose).  It is equally true that, as I have said, essences may have a noticeable physical effect.  Some "pure" flower essence producers and practitioners are opposed to using flower essences with primarily a focus on the physical level, seeing this as "inferior" to or less effective than a deeper emotional and spiritual focus.  Using essences for direct physical purposes along with seeking to understand what may be the deeper meaning in an illness are not incompatible, in my opinion.  In addition, some adults are not capable, at least at the outset, of moving far beyond a focus on the physical level in terms of self-awareness and communicating this to a practitioner.  It would be unfortunate for them to be deprived of the healing benefits of flower essences for these reasons.  I believe it is important to work with individuals where they are and that everyone can benefit from essences. 

As you continue reading, keep in mind that any essence may have a direct physical impact, not just those listed on this page and not just those identified as such by producers.  Although the majority of persons may respond to an essence in a similar way, individuals may also respond to the same essence differently.
 
 

Pacific Essences Sea Anemone (fourth photo above, ©Pacific Essences®), a sea essence (other vibrational essences will be discussed on the next page), is very helpful for pain.  I take it internally or apply it topically, mix it into creams, and take it as often as needed (I carry it in my purse).

Australian Bush Crowea (sixth photo above, courtesy of Ian White, Australian Bush Flower Essences) is very helpful for tummy or digestive problems, and it also balances all meridians and all muscles (as well as being indicated for worry).  I carry it in my purse for any tummy issue which may arise, and I've used it internally for muscle injuries with good results. 

Mulla Mulla (courtesy of Ian White, Australian Bush Flower Essences) is helpful for all kinds of skin burns.  I've used it successfully every time I have gotten a burn, and I carry it in my purse for tongue burns from hot food (they heal very quickly).  It is also indicated as helpful for those undergoing radiation treatments, hot flashes, fevers--any kind of burning or heat in the body. 

I use Bush Fuchsia (courtesy of Ian White, Australian Bush Flower Essences) for eye weakness and strain at the computer.  It is also helpful for learning disabilities and autism because it helps integrate the left and right hemispheres of the brain and the front and back of the brain.  Australian Bush has a very good formula for learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder called Cognis.  Blue Camas flower essence by Pacific Essences (photo shown on the previous page) is also helpful for learning difficulties. Bush Fuchsia is also listed as helpful for tinitus, chronic middle ear infections, dizziness, motion sickness, stuttering, throat and ears, epilepsy, and recuperation from strokes.

I have a headache mix which a sister flower essence therapy practitioner in California told me about.  The primary ingredient in this mixture is grapefruit essence.  This blend has always alleviated headaches for me, and I have been told that it will defuse a migraine before it takes hold.

I make a variety of blends using Five Flower Formula (the Healing Herbs brand of the Bach flower combination Rescue Remedy) and various combinations of essential oils and gemstone essences (gemstone essences will be discussed on the next page) mixed into natural and organic creams (such as Aubrey Organics scentless body cream).  These blends were remarkably helpful to me when I experienced long-term injuries from dance and have been helpful for skin problems and osteoarthritis also.  The reduction in pain is usually immediate. 
 
 

She Oak (courtesy of Ian White, Australian Bush Flower Essences) is helpful for many reproductive and hormonal issues in women, including irregular periods, cramping, heavy bleeding, infertility (some doctors in Australia have a 90% success rate using She Oak for infertility), and dehydration in menopause. 

The New Bach Flower Body Maps system (by Dietmar Krämer and Helmut Wild, Healing Arts Press, 1996) in which every part of the body has been correlated with a different small section of the body, is a fascinating method to explore for selecting essences.  Great insight may emerge from examining the essence indicated for a particular physical area of the body, and I have also had successful experiences in the effects of essences selected in this manner sometimes, but not always. 

At the top of the page are the photos of two flowers which are related to Mulla Mulla in effect.  The first is Fireweed, provided courtesy of Steve Johnson of the Alaskan Flower Essence Project.  Fireweed is very regenerative to the spirit and to the cellular tissue of the body and is especially indicated when burns to the skin, radiation, chemical burns, sunstroke, or skin rashes have disrupted or damaged the body.  The second, which is actually the third flower photo above, is the Sierra Primrose (courtesy of FES), which imparts revivifying life forces and is helpful for regeneration of the body in severe situations, such as for those undergoing chemotherapy.

Second photo: Not particularly a physical essence but a nice color match for this page, milkweed is helpful for those who experience dependency issues and regressive states.