Extra
support for the twelve healing flower essences
Bach
Flower Essences And Remedies - The Seven Helpers
by Misty Rae
Cech, ND
A Bach Flower
Therapy Introduction and the 12-7-19 Method of Bach Flower Essence
Classification:
Dr. Edward
Bach, developer of flower essence therapy, classified the original
38 essences he used in his practice according to the 12-7-19 method:
the Twelve Healers, the Seven Helpers, and the Second Nineteen. In
part I of this series, the Twelve Healer flower essences were
reviewed, along with the underlying theory of flower essence therapy
- here we'll have a look at the rhymes and reasons of the Seven
Helpers.
Dr. Bach
prescribed one or more of the Seven Helper essences to patients who
did not seem to be responding sufficiently to therapy with one of
the Twelve Healers. The Twelve Healer flower essences - Impatiens,
Gentian, Mimulus, Clematis, Agrimony, Chicory, Vervain, Centaury,
Scleranthus, Water Violet, Rock Rose, and Cerato - were developed by
Dr. Bach to address what he saw as the imbalances of the twelve
archetypal personality types. It is through the vibrational
transformation of these imbalances that healing of overlying disease
states can, in many cases, be initiated. However, Dr. Bach found
there were individuals that did not respond to flower essence
therapy with the Twelve Healers; this lead him to the discovery of
the Seven Helpers.
The Purpose of
the 'Seven Helper' Flower Essences:
The purpose of
the Seven Helpers is to address chronically ingrained negative
vibrational patterns which may be obscuring the primary personality
type. For example, Olive, one of the Seven Helper flower essences,
is prescribed for states of exhaustion, where one has been worn out
by the struggle of healing or other life event. In this case, it may
be difficult to see what the primary personality type of the
individual may be, as true fatigue does not let a whole lot else
show through - this real weariness may mask other personality traits
or patterns.
Or it may be
that the chronic state simply prevents progress on the healing path
that could otherwise take place. Again, using Olive essence as an
example - An individual may clearly be in need of one of the Twelve
Healers. Perhaps they live in fear and are in need of Mimulus, and
clearing this fear would allow them to heal. However, their fatigue
is so great as they do not have the strength to work with these
issues - in this case, it may be helpful to use Olive along with
Mimulus to offer a more complete support from the flower essence
therapy.
The Seven
Helper essences can certainly be administered individually as well,
particularly if a specific flower essence is strongly indicated. Dr.
Bach had also written that if an individual is not responding to
other essences, Wild Oat (one of the Seven) may be used: "If ever a
case does not respond to treatment, give either Holly or Wild Oat,
and it will be obvious which of the other remedies may be required.
In all cases where the patient is of the active, intense type, give
Holly. In patients who are of the weak, despondent type, give Wild
Oat."
Beyond the
original works of Dr. Bach, the Flower Essence Repertory from Flower
Essence Services offers descriptions of these seven essences beyond
what a physician may see. FES broadens the application of the
flowers to include their use for those needing change that may or
may not be related to a health condition. This is an important
point, as one may have tendencies they may wish to transform, but
are at no serious risk. This application of flower essence is
encouraged, for any support for personal and 'soul' evolution is
indeed invaluable. So within the following descriptions of the Seven
Helper flower essences, a broad view will be maintained, so that the
greatest audience may find a suitable essence.
As always with
flower essence therapy, in cases of illness, treatment is not a
substitute for proper professional care. It may be the case that an
illness may have emotional roots, and that flowers can be of help,
but one should not solely rely on self-prescription of fl
And on to the
descriptions...
The Seven
Helpers:
Olive - As
stated earlier, Olive flower essence is indicated where great
fatigue has set in. An individual may be pale, worn out and / or
exhausted after excessive worry, illness, grief or other struggle.
The individual perhaps feels they do not have the strength to
continue; that both their physical energy source has been spent. The
Olive remedy allows one to tap into a new source of light, helping
one see and feel a rejuvenation that comes from establishing (or
re-establishing) a connection to a universal energy. This connection
may provide the impetus needed for change in other areas, or may be
transformative in and of itself through helping on realize that the
etheric 'spirit' body and the physical body are inseparable.
Gorse - This
flower essence is used where one has lost will due to
discouragement, becoming hopeless and resigned to one's condition.
They have perhaps been giving too much energy to the negative
possibilities, solidifying this outlook so no progress can be made.
This remedy restores hope to such individuals, so they may be able
to have a brighter outlook, perhaps more joy, when confronted with
life's challenges.
Oak - The
remedy for those committed to over-striving, regardless if that
striving is having a positive result. Those in need of the Oak
flower essence have great determination and strength, which can be
true assets. However, at times it is crucial to balance this force
with subtlety and grace. The individual may have even become
resigned to the inevitable failure of their endeavor or succumbing
to an illness, yet they continue with their efforts. Oak helps
restore a balance, allowing one the freedom of letting up or resting
when that is in fact what is required. An important essence in
today's hard-striving world.
Vine - For
those who see their way as the 'right' way or the only way, Vine
essence allows an opening in one's perception for other points of
view. An individual in need of Vine may have a domineering
personality, insisting that everyone else follow their lead,
including health professionals. Such a point of view can lead to
great stress when it is perceived do not share the same ideas, and
that harm, or at least lack of healing, may come about. Vine essence
may soften this selfish nature, assisting one to understand that
other points of view may be entirely valid, and in fact, more
complete than one's own. This allows the individual to receive
needed support, often a key component in any personal
transformation.
Heather - The
Heather type appear self-obsessed, talking continually about their
own situations and problems. Such persons are in fact truly lonely
and often in great emotional pain. They may feel an emptiness or
hunger, which they feed from the attention of others. This flower
essence helps one make a connection to the Higher Self, finding
peace and solace in the unity of all being. This realization helps
one overcome the loneliness and disconnection they may feel, drawing
on emotional self-sufficiency and true shared relationship with
others for assistance.
Rock Water -
For those that are too hard on themselves. Being reflective and
aware is one thing, to go so far as to limit one's (and one's
friends and family) enjoyment of life is another. Flexibility and
spontaneity are key components to the 'life well lived'. Further, a
rigidity in lifestyle can prevent one from finding joy, an important
factor in healing from many illnesses. This essence is sometimes
indicated for those beginning flower essence therapy or those who do
not see results, as it may assist in opening the soul to the
energies of the plant realm.
Wild Oat -
Health and happiness are very much connected with one's ability to
find one's true vocation. Wandering through life feeling a lack of
purpose can lead to distressed states, with addictions or
despondency being possible results. Wild Oat flower essence may help
align one with their true calling, so that both the individual and
the greater environment can benefit. When one finds this sense of
meaning, there is a strong inner light that can shine forth,
supporting one's own health, and the health of those around them.
These are the
Seven Helpers, as categorized per Dr. Edward Bach's 12-7-19 flower
essence method. It is said that with the Twelve Healers and the
Seven Helpers, one can support transformation of many vibrational/emotional
states. At the same time, it is important to keep one's mind open to
possibilities; there are a great number of researched flower
essences available, one's that may be even more precisely applied to
a particular situation. The Healer and Helper essences are however,
a fantastic place to start if one is seeking an effective collection
of remedies, suitable for the needs of many beings.
About the
author: Misty Cech ND is a practicing naturopath. She uses
Bach flower essences and
essential
oils with her clients. The first part of this article is at
www.anandaapothecary.com.
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