Positive Vibrations-Flower Essence Therapy
By Jackie Christensen, BS, HHP, NC, MH
Faculty Member of GCNM
Flower essence therapy was founded by an English surgeon named Dr. Edward Bach, who was a pioneer in understanding psychosomatics. When selecting his flowers for therapy Dr. Bach was very particular, he sought out only non-toxic plants that offered the highest vibratory patterns. Of the 39 essences attributed to Bach, 37 are from plants, trees and bushes. One remedy, Rock Water, is from a special spring and the 39th is a combination of several remedies called Rescue Remedy which is used for emergency situations. Today we see many more essences than the Bach Flower Essences, as there are thousands of different flowers and each one has its own unique vibration.
There are several different methods of preparation for developing flower essences. Typically several flowers are picked at a specific time of year and day, carefully placed in a glass bowl of pure water and then set in the sun. When the time is right the flowers are removed. The water is then further diluted and potentized, then preserved with a small amount of brandy. Through this method the water carries the exact imprint, or energetic pattern of the flower species. Flower essence therapy is categorized under vibrational medicine which incorporates the use of energies within living organisms such as plants, crystals, water, sunlight, and even the foods we eat. The vibrational energy of the flower works through the various human energy fields, which will then influence mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the person. Flower essence therapy is based on the insight that the human being is a microcosm related to the macrocosm of nature. To be in balance with nature, we have to resonate on similar frequencies.
Flower essences are not only effective, but they are also safe to use. They are commonly taken orally. A few drops at a time under the tongue or stirred into a glass of purified water, which can be sipped throughout the day, are common methods of intake. Selecting essences can in itself be a process of inner growth and awareness. Through meditation and self observation, it is possible to become aware of issues in our lives that require our attention.
The effect of flower essences has been described as enabling one to connect with their Higher Self. As they help to release negative beliefs that are held in the subconscious mind and allow more positive thoughts, such as love, joy, and courage, to come into presence and re-balance the emotional state. When this takes place negative beliefs and thoughts are dissolved, balance is restored and true healing occurs. Some people notice immediate shifts when taking flower essences, while others may experience difficulty noticing any changes because of the effects of the flower essences can be gradual.
Book Review
Through a Dog’s Ear
By Joshua Leeds & Susan Wagner, DVM, MS
Through a Dog’s Ear discusses the impact of the sonic environment on humans and their canine companions. One’s sonic environment can have a profound impact on one’s health. A sonic environment full of varied, continuous sounds can over-stimulate the sympathetic nervous system in humans. Chronic illnesses can develop as a result of an over-stimulated nervous system. Are the nervous systems of dogs reacting to chaotic sonic environments too? According to the authors, "anecdotal evidence points to the fact that animals react to sound precisely the same way as humans do".
"In the non-natural sonic environment that both human and dogs live in, we have so many noises and signals demanding our attention: Be alert! Wake-up! Coffee’s ready! Cell phone’s vibrating, landline’s ringing, computer’s dinging. Everything is now a sonic alert."
Leeds and Wagner introduce the use of music therapy along with other practical tips to reduce of effects of over-stimulating sonic environments. The book includes a starter CD designed to calm the human and the canine companion along with in depth instructions on how to begin using the CD. Leeds and Wagner also go into detail about using music and sound for canine behavioral issues, such as separation anxiety and aggression. Through a Dog’s Ear is an interesting read full of many stories relaying the effects of positive and negative sounds not only on dogs, but also humans. It goes farther than just explaining how to use music and sound to heal. Through a Dog’s Ear discusses the research of sound and its effect on animals and humans. It does an excellent job educating the reader about the importance of healthy sonic environment.
Reviewed by Kathryn Marcinak, HHP, BA, C-PT, Editor 
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Joshua Leeds is a renowned authority of psychoacoustics. A music producer and sound researcher, he is author of The Power of Sound and creator of specialized soundtracks used in homes, clinics, and classrooms around the world.
Susan Wagner, DVM, MS is a respected veterinary neurologist and a pioneer in the area of the human-animal bond. She is an active public speaker and adjunct faculty at The Ohio State University Veterinary College.
Faculty Profile
Moira Khouri GCNM Instructor
I’ve had a lifelong passion for science, natural healing and the beauty of our natural world. At 4 years old I was often found alone in the garden, joyfully making my own rosewater from all the beautiful roses, or picking all the berries. I adopted stray pets constantly, nursing them back to health, insisting that they had no one else to care for them, a tendency later inherited by both of my sons. I have always been drawn by instinct to nurturing people, animals and plants, and have been a lifelong pacifist with a profound respect for all life.
As a young women of 17, I became a strict Vegan, which was quite a challenge up here in 1969. It was at that time a wonderful women friend taught me to use herbs, blending teas and medicinal remedies. I found I had a love and natural talent for growing herbs & flowers.
I spent many years raising two sons and running my business helping non-profit housing co-operatives with management and community development. I found the personal interaction with a diverse group of individuals to be both an opportunity for personal growth, and an opportunity to be of service to others, those who could not always help themselves.
Over the years I continued to read and study, to learn yoga, to dance, to seek peace, joy and enlightenment in my life and try to inspire it in others. This has led to an incredible journey. Since I turned 50 my life has gone through a lovely metamorphosis and I’ve landed back on my path of holistic, natural health. My passion is to help people with their journey to good physical, emotional and spiritual health through knowledge, developing healthy habits and attitudes, and acceptance of the beauty and simplicity of a natural way of life.
My holistic health training includes Aromatherapy, certifications in Holistic Foot Reflexology and Sekhem Seichim Reiki, and general studies in Energy Medicine, Gemstone/Crystal healing, Angel, Archangel and Spirit Guide Medicine, and many other intriguing healing arts. In 2007, I received certification as a Nutritional Consultant from GCNM.
Each day as I work, my heart is full of gratitude, appreciation and joy, for the knowledge and dedication of the GCNM faculty and this great opportunity to fulfill my passion to teach with them.
Moira Khouri, NC
GCNM Instructor
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Learn more about the Global College of Natural Medicine by logging on at http://www.GCNM.com, where you will find details on the school, its programs, tuition, and contact information.
Exercise Tip
Exercise Description:
Piriformis Stretch to Open the Hips/Groin
Instructions:
Piriformis Muscle Highlighted in Red
- Lie back and bring one knee towards your chest.
- Gently pull knee towards opposite shoulder until a stretch is felt in the hip area.
- Hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat as prescribed.
- Remember to keep the low back straight in a neutral position.
Search online for values in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
