Healing With Bach Flowers
By: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP
Empower Yourself Through Advocacy
By: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP
Find Your Balance with Flowers
Before, During and After Pregnancy
By: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP
Using Bach Flowers During the Worst of Times
By: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP
It's Never Too Late
Natural Healing - the Answer for Seniors, Too
By: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP
Support Adolescence with Flower Remedies
By: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP
Simplicity is the Key to Healing With Bach Flowers
By: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP
K.I.S.S. - No, not the ‘smoochy’ kind. This stands for one of the greatest lessons of our young school years: Keep It Simple, Silly. In adult years we may remember being taught that some tools to health are simple ideas for complicated people.
Interestingly, noted philosophers, leaders and healers throughout the history of mankind have used such theories for centuries. One to note is Dr. Edward Bach, MB, BS, and DPH, who was uniquely devoted to health and healing in the 1920's and early 1930's in England. He was a successful and well-regarded medical doctor who enjoyed the challenge of science and new discoveries. Quite concerned to adhere to universal truths, and finding the best and most effective method to help heal his patients, Dr. Bach became dissatisfied with medications that he prescribed to his patients. Their health conditions never really improved, and he found great frustration in then treating individuals for the side effects caused by the drugs themselves. He noted that one’s mood, attitude, and life situation played an instrumental role in the development and healing of disease.
Dr. Bach was aware that the pharmaceuticals of the day were derived from plants. So he challenged himself to research the countryside and eventually discovered specific plants, flowers and bushes that balanced negative moods and emotions and transformed those unhealthy attitudes into positive ones. This great discovery led to his being able to truly heal people of their mental, emotional, and even physical ills - simply by using the resources found in nature. "The Bach Flower Remedies", he is quoted to say, "shows that it is our fears, our cares, our anxieties and such like that open the path to the invasion of illness. Thus by treating our fears, our cares, our worries and so on, we not only free our-selves from illness, but leave us happier and better in ourselves."
Because of the subtlety and simplicity of this healing system and its focus on one’s emotional state (rather than one’s physical symptoms) flower remedies are often misunderstood and certainly underused! It is coming to be much more generally accepted that stress can build up and eventually manifest in physical form with or without a formally diagnosed illness. Most know of the physical side effects of stress: worry, impulsive behaviors, sleeplessness, anxiety, lack of confidence, fear, lack of direction in our lives, physical and mental "dis-ease," and even impaired relationships. Who cannot relate to having stress headaches, a tight neck, muscle spasms, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, overeating/drinking, and mood swings? Everyone knows the affects of fear and nervousness, for example: butterflies in the stomach, increase or loss of appetite, agitation. By simply attending to and calming negative emotions one finds a profound affect on the mind, spirit and body. When one is emotionally and spiritually strong physical health definitely benefits.
Dr. Bach said “It is not the disease that matters, it is the person”. Although the situation that causes emotional turmoil cannot always be changed, these thirty-eight liquid remedies and the world-known Rescue Remedy ® aid in balancing emotions and increasing immune function, and improving physical health as well. Just four drops, four times daily, offers calming and soothing relief. These remedies have virtually no side effects, are non-addictive and are a safe compliment to all medical treatment. Bach® Flower Remedies have been used safely from infancy through the senior years.
Bach Flower Remedies® are still hand-picked in the same manner and locations that Dr. Bach established. We still focus on the emotional state rather than the physical state to heal dysfunction. The series of just 38 essences offer over 29 million combinations of essence formulas to address any personality and attitudinal traits of the billion people living today. Registered practitioners of the Bach system are trained and committed to following the simple truths and methods of helping people heal from their ills and keep to the teachings and methods of Dr. Bach himself.
Dr. Bach believed that this simple yet powerful healing method would be the “medicine of the future”; he knew its purity and effectiveness would be of benefit to all, to the point that the flowers would be used in all households worldwide.
Consider working with a registered practitioner to assist in identifying emotions, selecting appropriate essences, and coaching you to increased peace and well being. To begin using the fabulous healing system will open up a world of peace and happiness and continued well being. For preventative measures and/or direct healing for specific illness, call a Bach Flower practitioner to find your balance in mind, body and spirit!
Mary Ann Dittmeier is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner and President and Founder of FIND YOUR BALANCE, INC. Mary Ann is available for individual consultation, workshops and lectures by appointment. Call 631-475-8308.
This article appeared in To Your Health Magazine in 2002
Empower Yourself Through Advocacy
By: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP
Recent statistics indicate that over sixty percent of the general public has managed their healthcare with some form of natural therapy, for example: acupuncture, yoga, meditation, vitamin and mineral supplements, chiropractic, nutritional counseling, etc. Over six billion dollars have been spent out-of-pocket for these services, as most are not covered by medical insurance.
This is wonderful news indicating the awareness and acceptance of natural therapies as safe, effective and complimentary to allopathic medical care. Much has been done to educate the public about various forms of natural techniques, which support the whole person (not just the disease) to improve the natural working systems of our bodies, minds, and souls. Information abounds in written media, tele-vision, radio and the World Wide Web regarding following a healthy lifestyle in order to improve one's overall health and even heal from disease that was once thought of as "incurable". Large statistics indicate the dangers of pharmaceutical drugs - causing side effects, inviting other illnesses, and even causing deaths in some cases. Most folks are aware of the dangers of too much fat, salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol in their diets. Local gyms are packed with people committed to losing weight, toning, stretching and increasing strength and stamina with proper exercise. There seems to be quite a shift towards spiritual growth and renewal, as individuals and families have become too busy, experience increased stress, and feel a sense of broken-ness in both our local and global environment.
However, it is very clear that illness is big business. Physicians, diagnosticians, specialists, hospitals, pharmacies, drug manufacturers, and even the federal, state and local governments all have huge economic interests in our nation's healthcare policies. It still surprises some to note that our healthcare systems are really sick-care systems, set up originally, to diagnose and manage the symptoms of ill health. An individual is given a diagnosis and usually one or more prescriptions to alleviate the symptoms, but not the cause. These prescriptions may work, but he/she will need to return to the physician for a refill. The drugs may not work, he/she may need to return to change the dosage or type of prescription. The prescription may cause side effects or interact with our other medications, and one will need to return to the physician for more prescriptions. Surgical procedures are at an all time high for everything from cosmetic corrections to weight loss to cesarean deliveries.
However, given the enormous under-swelling of active interest by the American public in natural health, it is even more important for each of us to get personally involved in monitoring, challenging and changing the current state of our health care system. There is true, safe and very effective healing power in natural methods. Our health care freedom is challenged daily by the fear and ignorance of those not familiar with the benefits of non-drug and non-invasive healing techniques. Activity in advocating for fairer, more complete and easier access to all forms of natural healthcare can be as easy as sharing your successful personal experiences in using natural therapies with your friends and family. It takes almost no time at all to write a letter of support to your natural health provider or your government representa-tives. Become as informed as possible by perusing your local health food store Đ a great source for free directories, magazines and newspapers. Offer your economic support to those environmental organizations that share your ethics and concern for the world in which we live.
Getting involved in any small way is fun, empowering, and educational and does make such a difference! As an advocate for the disabled in the eighties this writer learned that many people do not bother to make the phone call or write the note to their local representatives because they think it does not matter. However, research indicated that it takes only four registered special delivery letters to get the attention of government officials. Just four letters on an important and current issue gets noticed and helps our representatives to take notice of their constituents' needs and desires, and indicates what direction they should be taking!
Remember - once you become aware of an important issue and do not take any action, you become part of the problem, not part of the solution.
Mary Ann Dittmeier is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner and President and Founder of FIND YOUR BALANCE, INC. Mary Ann offers consultations, workshops and lectures by appointment. Phone consults available on a limited basis. Mail orders on all Bach Flower Essences¨ and literature, no minimum order requirement and no shipping! Call 631-475-8308.
Find Your Balance with Flowers - Before, During and After Pregnancy
By: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRPFlowers have symbolized the expression of our emotions for centuries. We offer flowers upon births, deaths, and marriages. We present a large bouquet of roses to someone special. We deliver flowers to those who need cheering up or get well wishes. Dining tables are adorned with fresh cut floral arrangements. It follows, then, that flowers also hold an amazing ability to heal and calm emotionally and physically.
Pregnancy is an amazing, miraculous, and sometimes trying period of a woman's life. The sheer delight of having a baby is also accompanied by changes - changes in one's body, changes in how one feels through the nine-month period. There are changes in how others perceive and treat you. One may experience change in their personal (family) relationships, and even changes in how one lives through the day, as the pregnancy term advances.
The subtle yet powerful healing system of Bach Flower Remedies supports emotions, moods and attitudes - turning negative ones into positive ones. This natural support, in turn, strengthens the immune system and allows for a healthier emotional outlook and therefore and healthier turn out for all of our mind, body and spirit(s) life situations.
Dr. Edward Bach, a noted physician, immunologist and avid researcher discovered flower remedies (classified as energy/vibrational medicine) during the 1920's and 1930's. He felt that preventative medicine should take precedence over treating symptoms. He knew once harmony and balance was achieved, healing was promoted. Bach® Flower Remedies work according to an individual's personality type, mood and emotional outlook. Once we achieve balance in mind, body and spirit we become more of "who we are" and live life with more energy, direction and purpose.
The essences are derived from tree blossoms, wild flowers, and waters from the English and Welsh countryside. They are licensed homeopathic remedies governed by the FDA and have been used for over seventy years by physicians, dentists, veterinarians, psychotherapists, chiropractors, and lay people. Flower essences are virtually free of side effects and can be used as a complement to other forms of treatment from infancy through the senior years.
Flower essences are typically taken under the tongue - four drops, four times daily. They can be sipped in a beverage or even placed on the pulse points (wrists, ears, knees, and ankles). Some place twenty drops into their bath water, while others place drops of flower essences into an atomizer and humidify the room with the healing essences, to set (or correct) the mood in the room.
Consider discussing your options in taking flower remedies before, during and after your pregnancy with a registered flower practitioner. It could be important, in addition, to discuss the correct flower remedies available for your partner, other children, and the new baby, too. Mimulus is a wonderful remedy for the period of time you are afraid -of the birth, the pain, concern for the baby, or fear of being a good parent. Elm is helpful for those times when this new state of your life has brought on feelings of being overwhelmed. Walnut is certainly helpful for protection from others' influence, and to help ease in the transition of pregnancy to birth to motherhood. Interestingly, Impatiens offers patience for the exciting period of time when the baby is about due, and you "just can't wait"! Use Olive for the extreme fatigue related to the energy used during gestation, and is especially helpful (with Rescue Remedy®) for the exhausting period related to the birth process itself.
Crab Apple is especially useful on stretch marks, and for those times when you are uncomfortable or not so accepting of the changes to your body during the pregnancy. Be aware that Rescue Remedy Cream is wonderful to use on stretch marks, as well as hurting nipples from nursing and even a great help on diaper rash!
Discussing all your healthy options with a registered Bach practitioner encourages individuals to identify feelings, commit to smoother change, and allow a wonderful process to be natural and peace filled The practitioner will familiarize you with the flowers, discuss events and attitudes you may be facing, and help formulate a combination of essences that will help lessen negative feelings, and improve the hidden strength within in you to be and experience what is meant for you in order to have a happy and fulfilling life. Certainly, when discussing issues with another, one finds relief and new direction in putting problems into perspective, and gaining insight and inspiration to heal, grow and change.
Flowers - what a wonderful way to find your balance!
Use Bach® Flowers During the Worst of Times
By: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRPIn recent times Americans have experienced the most horrific of circumstances, as our country has witnessed terrible tragedies. No one has been unaffected; each of us can benefit from the soothing affects of flower remedies. Consider the use of Bach Flower Remediesâ to calm during these trying times and strengthen our resolve to go on.
Dr. Edward Bach, a noted English physician, discovered and developed a system of subtle energy healing called Bach® Flower Remedies. These thirty-eight liquid remedies aid in decreasing stress, balancing emotions and increasing immune function. Just four drops, four times daily, offers comfort and relief in infancy through senior years. These remedies are a safe compliment to all medical treatments.
Rescue Remedy, the best known of the essences, is very useful in emergency situations. Rock Rose helps strengthen when one feels great fright and/or terror. For those experiencing deep trauma and shock - Star of Bethlehem would help soothe. Mimulus is wonderful for those who experience fear. Clematis is effective when shock produces a dreamy, absent state. White Chestnut is a fine choice for those bothered by constant, worrisome thoughts. Others may experience complete exhaustion from overwork - Olive will help restore and refresh. Consider Oak if they are struggling and continue on relentlessly.
Certainly professional counseling would be beneficial to guide one through feelings of extreme shock and loss. In addition, a registered practitioner of Bach Flower Essences can complement such treatment by strengthening hope, balancing emotions, and developing a personalized dosage formula suited to your mental, emotional and physical needs.
Mary Ann Dittmeier is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner at FIND YOUR BALANCE, INC. Call 631-475-8308 or email: findyourbalanceinc@yahoo.com for information or to make an appointment.
Ms. Dittmeier wrote this article and is proud that it appeared in the South Shore Monthly in 2001
It's Never Too Late
Natural Healing - the Answer for Seniors, Too
By: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP
My favorite memory of a wonderful gift to my dad from his five young adult children, in the nineteen eighties, was a beautiful precision cut picture with a quote printed in calligraphy, which still hangs in the dining room of my parents' home. It indicated how foolish we thought our parents were when we were young, and how amazed we were, as we all got older, to find how wise they had become in old age!
AAH, the wisdom, knowledge, patience and peace that comes with maturity. Certainly THEY understood our misunderstanding and they knew we'd eventually see that everything they are, we are. They knew that some day, we'd be in their shoes - judged by others as we got older, too. Some cultures worldwide respect and admire their society's elders. The physical changes experienced during the aging process are expected and accepted as a natural occurrence. In the USA, more times than not, older Americans are disrespected, ridiculed, thought of as old, slow, no longer attractive or useful - even burdens.
It is true that maturity brings grace, knowledge and peace. It also seems to bring comments such as, "It's terrible getting old!" Or, "That's what happens! You lose your hair, get arthritis, hard of hearing, high blood pressure - that's old age!" But is it?
My favorite comment by the famous endocrinologist and natural health expert, Deepak Chopra, MD is that people get old, get arthritis and die, because they see other people get old, get arthritis and die. His point is that were do not respect the fabulous and limitless healing power of our bodies. We do not give our bodies what they optimally need to have true health, vibrancy and longevity. Dr. Chopra teaches that our spiritual, mental and emotional health contributes directly to our physical health and happiness.
Does getting older really mean high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, losing our hair, our sight and hearing? Do we have to get heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, colon cancer, osteoporosis and broken bones? Disease happens for many, many reasons - genetics, environmental stresses, poor diet over a long term, and work environment. There is more and more research being done today that our attitude, personality and spiritual outlook in life are major contributing factors as well.
When illness strikes, we see our family physician. Undoubtedly, we are given a diagnosis and one or more prescriptions for drugs to alleviate the symptoms, but not the cause. These prescriptions may work, and we need to return to the physician for a refill. The drugs may not work, and we need to return to change the dosage or type of prescription. The prescription may cause side effects or interact with our other medications, and weŐll need to return to the physician for more prescriptions. When do we realize that drugs do not heal? When do we get to learn of other alternatives that are more effective and carry with them no side effects? Where in this cycle is the end of illness, the discovery of its cause, where is the healing?
When our bodies, minds and souls are given what they need on an intimate, individual basis (which will be different for each and every one of us), healing can and does occur. The very successful move in modern health care today is the cooperation - integration of standard medical technology with natural and safe alternative methods of healing. Although new and challenging for many to access and finance such an approach into their life, it IS the answer to naturally longer, healthier, and fulfilling lives.
Current statistics have indicated that over 69% of the general public has used an alternative healing technique in the last year - including chiropractic, acupuncture, yoga, organic food choices, vitamin and herb therapy, meditation, etc. Over three billion dollars have been spent out-of-pocket for these health care choices, and less than 45% of those using natural health techniques have shared that information with their general care physicians. There IS interest. There IS personal money being invested into our health care choices. There are even more insurance companies managing to finance such therapies, citing the overall savings experienced by covering natural techniques effective in preventing illness as compared to the astronomical costs of pharmaceuticals which are not always effective at treating or ending illness.
Read, learn, and advocate for your rights to access standard and alternative health care. Advocate for insurance coverage for health care that works. Contact a holistic nutritionist to evaluate your health and set up healthy meal plans and dietary guidelines. Look into community sponsored exercise and recreation courses Đ some even have classes (and personal deliveries) on healthy and light cooking techniques. Browse your local health food store for healthy choices in food and holistic health professionals in your area. For example, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, yoga for physical helps. Look into homeopathy, aromatherapy, and flower remedies for mental and emotional health.
Time passes, aging is inevitable - the cells in our bodies, like a car engine, get old and worn out. But we can do much to live life with zest and vitality, and not expect and accept that our older years mean slowing down and getting ill. Look into all options to find your balance in body, mind and spirit - you will be amazed at the wonder that lies ahead if you do!
Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, president and founder of FIND YOUR BALANCE, INC. Consultations include your personalized formula of Bach® Flower Remedies; Phone consults available, too. Mail orders of remedies, literature and supplies - no minimum order, no shipping and handling. Call 631-475-8308 or email: findyourbalanceinc@yahoo.com.
Support Adolescence with Flower Remedies
Adolescence - the difficult period when a child changes from child to adult, usually beginning at age eleven and lasting through nineteen. This is a period of great change - physical changes in their body become very apparent, young people begin to search for their personal identity, they begin to feel strong sexual feelings and learn what is socially appropriate and responsible in reaction to theses feelings. Young people begin to challenge parents' authority and the safety of their care in order to develop personal freedom and independence. This is a time when they begin to know the world they live in, their social systems become more solid, their school work becomes more challenging, many hold their own jobs and become active in extra-curricular and civic activities.
Ironically, during these turbulent years, as young folks work hard at establishing their self-identity and individuality they are very vulnerable to the pressures of the world and often look for security in their peers. Adolescence brings with it a period of apprehension, insecurity, and experimentation which produces a kind of sameness in order to become one-of-the crowd. These young adults begin to dress in similar fashion and wear similar hairstyles; they begin to talk alike, listen to the same style of music, and socialize with others of similar mind.
Individuality and maturity carries with it a long period of unreasonable judgment commonly due to a lack of life inexperience. Too often we hear reports in written and verbal media regarding the extremely high incidence of teenage pregnancy resulting in the death of mother and/or child, and in extreme cases, incarceration of one or both too-young parents. Drug and alcohol abuse is seen in children as young as ten years of age. Drug abuse now includes snorting of household chemicals, pulverizing standard over-the-counter (and prescription) drugs and snorting them. Suicide is the third leading cause of death amongst American teens (aged 10-19), next to accidents and homicide. Three million people in the US cry out in emotional pain by "cutting", causing physical injury to themselves as a way of relieving internal emotional agony. Recent statistics report that there are more children in the population affected by divorce than there are children living in households with intact parental partnerships. 35% of our teens are at risk or are overweight (by 25 pounds or more). 20% are obese. It is incredible that very young children and teens alike are now being diagnosed with high blood pressure, dangerously high cholesterol levels, and the beginnings of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and depression, asthma, allergies and ADD/OCD in record numbers. Almost 30% of our teens are diagnosed with eating disorders or other forms of mental or emotional illnesses.
Why? One can entertain many explanations. A record number of families are fractured by divorce. Parents are absent from the home too often. Social, spiritual, role model connections are often sacrificed when the family unit is stressed. Our food sources are sadly depleted from vital nutrients due to additives during processing of our food and the stripping of nature's soil for centuries of over use. Fast food has become a main source of nutrition in the home, in the car, and in schools nationwide. Children have become too busy and over-stressed by well meaning social activities. Our culture has become incredibly media minded, learning the wrong ways to health and happiness. Computers have become too much of a source of our social and intellectual entertainment. Exercise of the mind, body and spirit is becoming extinct as a result.
What to do? Spend more time in a family unit to eat healthy, home cooked meals together. Take a few hours a week to play, take a walk, go to the park, concerts, game nights, etc. Look into community sponsored exercise and recreation courses. Worship together and develop a spiritual foundation to build upon. Contact a holistic nutritionist to set up healthy meal plans and dietary guidelines. Browse your local health food store for healthy choices in food and find holistic health professionals in your area. (Chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, yoga for physical helps; homeopathy, aromatherapy, and flower remedies for mental, emotional and social health are available everywhere.)
A Registered Bach Practitioner will offer supportive consultation and a personal remedy formula. The correct combination of essences will help turn negative moods and emotional states into positive ones. This gradual and subtle change supports one to be "who they truly are", decreases stress, and guides us wonderfully during challenging transitional periods. Self discovery, self-acceptance, increased confidence, and a happier path in life are all possible with flower essences. Consider essences to support the physical changes (self-image) during the teen's years; for the transition from child to adult, and help with fear and apprehension. Your practitioner can offer essences that guide in setting healthier bound-aries in relationships. Essences can help balance anger, feelings of isolation, and even help determine the long-term goals in one's life!
There is no reason for parents and teens to wander through this inevitable and challenging period of life without healthy supports. Call a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner today - and find your healthy balance today!
Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, and President of FIND YOUR BALANCE, INC. Call for your confidential consultation and personalized formula of Bach Flower Essences. Begin your journey to emotional clarity, strength and balance. Mary Ann is available at 631-475-8308.