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Understanding Holistic Medicine
And Complimentary Therapies

The main principle in integrative or “holistic” medicine is that the intent is to treat the whole person by achieving balance between mind, body and spirit. This concept differs from the traditional view of Western medicine, which focuses on treating the physical symptoms of illness and disease and their organic causes (if identifiable). Until recently, this particular approach had little or no regard for the emotional and spiritual well being of the individual.

Origin of Holistic Concepts
The complimentary therapies used in holistic medicine come from a variety of cultures, some thousands of years old. They include, but are not limited to, the use of herbs, and a diverse field of therapies which work with the concept of “subtle energy” such as EFT (emotional freedom technique), chakra work, yoga, meditation, various traditions of massage, homeopathy, flower remedies, crystals, sound and color. It also requires of us an appreciation for a different “way of knowing” which occurs through direct access to introspective levels of consciousness, is necessary.

There are many subtle variations on this model, but the basic concept holds that each of us possesses a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body, with corresponding levels of consciousness and energy fields. When one or both of the emotional or spiritual bodies are in disharmony and out of balance, they are in need of healing before the physical body can permanently heal and become whole. The relationship of imbalances between these bodies varies according to the philosophy of the specific therapies, but they all assert that illness and disease are signposts that conflict exists. If this conflict remains unresolved, it will foster a breakdown in the immune system, resulting in illness and disease. Thus, the primary purpose of holistic medicine and its therapies is to restore balance and well-being to all of these levels.

About Flower Remedy Therapy

“Health depends on being in harmony with our souls, it is our heritage and our right. It is the complete and full union between soul, mind and body; and this is not a difficult far-away ideal to attain, but one so easy and natural that many of us have overlooked it.” – Dr. Edward Bach M.B., B.S., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.H.

When there is conflict between the personality and the soul’s agenda for our life path, we move into negative emotional states. If this conflict or disconnection is not balanced out, a signpost of this disconnection will eventually manifest in illness as our spiritual nature struggles to move us along on our intended path, much like water seeking its own level.

History
It is this connection which highly respected British physician and bacteriologist, Edward Bach, became aware of in the early 1920’s through diligent observation of his patients and other human beings. As a highly intuitive and spiritual individual, he had become increasingly dissatisfied with the way orthodox medicine ignored the emotional and spiritual aspects unique to the human condition.

In 1928, Dr. Bach traveled to Wales where he initially discovered the first two of the 38 flowers that would later comprise the Bach repertoire of Flower Remedies. As he continued through observation, trial and error, he realized that there were particular flowers which possessed a unique energy, or life force, capable of balancing out specific, negative emotional states which are experienced in daily life, during major life transitions and in times of emotional crises.

He further discovered that by applying a variation of homeopathic methodology, it was possible to capture the vibrational or energetic healing properties of the flowers. This process enabled their use safely with gentle simplicity. In 1934 he settled in Oxfordshire, in the little cottage which continues to house the Dr. Edward Bach Foundation and Centre today and where the “mother tinctures” are produced for the 38 Bach remedies. It is here where he finished the last of his work before he died at the early age of 50 in 1936.

Flower Remedies Today
It is significant to note that flower remedy therapy has grown globally to include repertoires that use indigenous flowers and plants and that all of this work is based on the foundation of Edward Bach’s pioneering efforts. Used extensively by the lay audience as well as professionals in the traditional and holistic fields of healthcare and healing around the world, flower remedy therapy remains one of the best-known complementary therapies for emotional distress and soul path discovery.

If you would like to schedule a private consultation, workshops or tutorials with Gaye,
please contact her directly: gayemack@womencreatingchange.com.

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