Aromatherapy - Grief And Healing The Heart

The healing journey is a very personal process for each of us.

When do we grieve?

When someone close to us dies or someone close gets sick, leaves home, moves far away and more.

There are 4 areas in which the grief process shows itself

1. Feelings- sadness, anxiety, misery, heartache, blame, hurt, frantic, rage, fear, guilt regret, anger.

2. Thoughts- going over and over the past, going through the what if's and if only.

3. Behaviour- yelling for no apparent reason, bursting into tears, talking to self as if the person is there, wear the lost persons clothes or jewellery

4. Physical symptoms- loss of appetite, lethargy, restlessness, sleeping too much, breathlessness, waking through the night or very early, hair loss.

How can we help!

One of the most important things we can do for people who are grieving is to give them a safe place in which to experience and express their pain. It very is important for the person grieving to be able to express their feelings and talk about their loss or traumatic experience. This helps one to feel supported and know that they are not alone, and that they are being heard. Comfort is so important for the grieving person.

Comfort is to soothe in times of distress or sorrow.

Take a moment to think about what essential oils can support you.

What essential oils bring a smile to your face, uplift your emotions and remind you of happy times. Remember essential oils are sourced from an abundant array of flowers, leaves, bark, woods, herbs, spices, fruit and more. They offer their own insights, transitions and healing. As we make our way through different journeys in life these wonderful beauties from nature subtly integrate any changes taking place.

Self care is never a selfish act. It is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have. The gift I was put on Earth to offer to others. Anytime we can listen to our true self, and give it the care it requires. We do not only for ourselves, but also for the many others whose lives we touch.

~Parker Palmer

Here are some suggestions of ways in which you can soothe your emotions, being mindful of the moment.

Sit and be quite breathing slowly and deeply

Have Aromatique Baths while playing some music that you enjoy listening to.

Use your Aromatherapy burners, room or body sprays, remember to choose oils that remind you of happy times and uplift your emotions, giving you courage and support

Take time out for you and your friends

Exercise daily, take walks on the beach or woodlands, hug a tree

Write yourself some positive affirmations

Thomas Moore once said ~ The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.

Affirmations for healing your Heart - Inspired by Robbi Zeck

My heart blossoms with quiet assurance as peace flows through me now.
Paradise is an attitude of the heart, Joy cascades through me now.
Life supports me as I support life; my heart and my wisdom are one.
I love what I do and do what I love.

Essential oils:

Bergamot- balancing, uplifting, gentle, kind, supportive
Basil- strengthening, focus, determination
Chamomile- nurturing, supportive, healing, uplifting
Cedarwood- hold fast, strength, courage
Cinnamon- warming, abundance, supportive
Clary sage- balancing, supportive, embracing, to see clearly
Cypress- transition and transformation, strengthening, courage, cleansing, moving forward
Everlasting- supportive, healing, calming, love
Frankincense- supportive, healing, spiritually cleansing, grounding, comforting, gatherings
Geranium- balancing, calming, supportive, nurturing, uplifting
Ginger- courage, strength, emotionally warming and energising
Grapefruit- boldness, courage, strengthening, cleansing, protection, happiness
Jasmine- supportive, nurturing, balancing, empowering, loving
Juniper- strength, support, expansion and growth
Lavender- nurture, calming, supportive, emotional warmth
Lemon- clarity, happiness, lightness of being,
Lime- happiness, supportive, freshness, bubbly
Mandarin- gentle, caring, support, happiness, calming,
Melissa- for matters or the heart, comfort, heeling, strengthening
Myrtle- supportive, gentle, love
Neroli- supportive, loving, protection, rescue remedy, nurture, matters of the heart, uplifting
Nutmeg- strengthening, warming, courage, emotional pain
Sweet orange- lightness, happiness, fun loving,
Patchouli- grounding, supportive, warming, stability, healing, protective
Rose- love, self love, nurture, calming, protection, balance, support, uplifting
Rosewood- kind, healing, gentle, calming, supportive, grounding
Sandalwood- balance, protection, stability, calming, soothing
Vetiver- grounding, connectedness, protection, strength, balance
Yarrow- nurturing, caring, supportive, gently soothing
Ylang ylang- happy, vibrant, balancing, heart oil, love

Aromatherapy Bathing to Nurture Your Soul

3 drops rose, 2 drops Jasmine, 1 drop vetiver of sandalwood
4 drops bergamot, 2 drops geranium, 2 drops patchouli
2 drop ylang ylang, 3 drops lemon, 2 drops rosewood

Burner recipes to Uplift and Balance your Emotions

4 drops bergamot, 3 drops sweet orange, 2 drops cardamom
4 drops mandarin, 2 drops lavender, 3 drops geranium
3 drops clary sage, 2 drops geranium, 2 drops neroli, 2drops sandalwood (night time blend)

Room and Body Sprays to Shift Your Energy

In a 100ml glass bottle, coloured or opaque fill it half way with filtered water add your essential oils and then top up the bottle with more filtered water, place on spray top, gently shake and spray around the room and around your body.

10 drops each lavender, geranium, juniper
15 drops lemon, 5 drops sandalwood, 10 drops myrtle
10 drops each grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, 3 drops geranium, 5 drops rose

Remember that grieving is a part of the healing process, I am sending you my love and support, be courageous, face your pain and allow your heart to heal so that you may move forward and love some more!

I wish you smiles, happiness, and love.

Original article

Healing Essential Oils and Their Uses

· Body Methods

Use 1 drop of your chosen essential oil on a tissue or hanky and sniff when necessary, this is great when you have a cold and put Eucalyptus on it.

· Inhalation

Add hot water to a bowl, preferably steel or china rather than plastic add 2 or 3 drops of your chosen oil and then cover your head and the bowl with a towel and breathe in the vapours. Keep your eyes closed and have your head about 250cm above the bowl.

· Massage Oil

This is probably the most common way of using the oils. Make up a blend consisting of 50 mls of carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil and add 15 to 30 drops of essential oils to it. You can use 2 or 3 different healing essential oils depending on what you are treating. The benefits of having a massage are enormous; not only does it increase your metabolism but will also assist in relaxing the muscles, helping remove waste from the system, improve circulation, help relieve both mental and physical fatigue, help reduce pain, tension and anxiety and can help improve skin tone.

Healing Essential Oils for the bath

· Bathing with these oils can help both the aches and pains but also relieve any stress of the day, there is a calming and very relaxed feeling during and after a bath that has had essential oils added. If you have a blend then use as directed otherwise use a maximum of 8 drops. Run the bath and then add the oils, keep the door closed so the aromatic smell stays in the room and soak for as long as you can, 10 minutes at least. Relax and breathe in the vapours.

· Shower

Have a shower as usual and after you have rinsed off put your chosen oil/blend onto a face cloth or sponge and rub over your body quite briskly while you stand under the running water, this will not only make your skin feel alive but you get the added benefit of breathing the aromatic smell as well.

· For your hands

Add 2-3 drops of healing essential oil to a basin or bowl of warm water and soak for 10 minutes; you can also do the same for your feet. To help with Athletes foot add 2-3 drops of Tea Tree oil to your foot bath and soak in that for at least 10 minutes.

· Room Sprays

Room sprays are great if you want a natural air freshener, they can also be used when coughs and colds are present. Get a plant sprayer and add 300 mls of warm water, to that add 4 drops of your chosen essential oil and spray as you would normally, be careful not to spray on good wood.

Healing Essential Oils for Children

· Water Bowl

I have always used this method with babies and young children. If they have a blocked nose or cold put boiling water into a bowl and add 2-3 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil to this, then place at the head of the cot/bed for toddlers and in the middle for babies. The aromatic steam will help to clear the airways and give the child a better sleep. If you are doing this at night the bowl can stay there for the night.

You can also use the water bowl method for any room in the house, maybe you just want to have a refreshing, or relaxing feeling room, shut the windows and doors and allow the aroma to fill the room, give it at least 5 minutes.

These are just some of the ways you can use healing essential oils to help with healing and relaxation, their uses and benefits are many and when you learn how to use them you will find what fits best for you.

Ramari Tauroa-Tibble is the Author of a Self-Help E-Book, has had experience with Marriage Counseling and has used essential oils for healing friends and family for a number of years To learn more about essential oils, their uses and how you can use them effectively to solve your problems visit http://healingessentialoils.org/

Original article

Lemongrass Oil and Its Truly Special Healing Properties Explained!

Lemongrass oil may be commonly known to people who already use it for cooking or flavoring their tea. Meanwhile there could be those that don't really have an idea what it looks like or the number of the ways in which it may improve their life. No matter which group you find yourself with you'll want to know as much as you can about lemon grass oil and how it can help you. This essential oil can work its magic in a number of different ways.

What Is Lemongrass Oil And How Do They Get It:
The lemon grass oil comes from a tall, grassy plant often used in landscaping as an oriental grass. It has found use as a medicine in traditional cultures in India, Malaysia, the Philippines and other warm climates of the east, for centuries. It has a citrus odor and works as a natural bug repellent in many gardens and homes, as well as being a decorative feature. There are over 55 species of the Cymbopogon but it is the citratus from which Lemongrass oil is extracted. It is done by way of steam distillation and the resulting liquid is a rich amber color and has a sweet aroma to it. There are many ways people have used it for its health benefits.

How Is It Good For You?
First, if you are planning on ingesting essential lemon grass oil you want to make sure to properly dilute it. This will insure that you get the best results from all the ways it can boost your health. When ingested in a tea it can be found to help stabilize hormones while providing a boost to your immune system. Lemongrass oil has natural diuretic properties when taken orally as well and some people enjoy using lemon grass for cooking or seasoning food.

The very versatile lemongrass finds itself useful as both a pesticide and a natural preservative which is part of the reason it's so popular. It can be used as bath oil for added relaxation and ease of tension and many have used it as a soak for their hands and feet to help with nail fungus and have seen fantastic results. Those who enjoy its aromatherapy properties speak highly of the refreshing energy it leaves behind. The soothing features of lemongrass oil work well in lotions as massage therapy and as an aid to relieve muscle tension. Still others have used it to help with conditions of the skin, scalp or hair.

There are those who like to use lemongrass oil to rid their pets of flea, tick and mosquito problems. It has been used in traditional Indian medicine to lower fevers, reduce inflammation and ward off infection, for many years. As with any essential oil you want to get health benefits from, you should make sure you get a high quality product to work with so that you see improvement. If you are planning on taking it in your tea or another digestive method be sure to get the details of the best dilution percentages, insuring you take the right amount.

Why lemon grass oil deserves its spot in your medicine cabinet? Because as one of the better known essential oils it offers a wide range of healing properties and health benefits. Make it your ally today!

Original article

Aromatherapy Teas - The Scent of Healing

Few scents are more enticing than those produced by freshly brewed herbal teas. The herbal teas used in aromatherapy contain hundreds of active ingredients. They're so powerful that just breathing in their aromas can have a major impact on your physical and emotional health.

Herbs contain concentrated oils called essential oils. When you brew a cup of tea, some of them drift upward in the steam. As you breathe the steam, individual scent molecules enter special "docks," or receptors, in cells throughout your body. This triggers many changes that may benefit your health. The scent of lavender tea, for example, slows nerve impulses, encouraging relaxation. Aromatherapists often use concentrated oils stored in tightly sealed vials. These oils are very effective, but they can also be expensive. Aromatherapeutic teas, on the other hand, are perfectly safe to use at home and can have some impressive benefits.

Approximately 40 different herbs are used in aromatherapy, either singly or in combination. Aromatherapists often put the essential oils in atomizers or special nasal inhalers. Homemade aromatherapy teas, however, may be just as effective and are made in much the same way as other herbal teas. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 to 2 tsp. dried or fresh herb. Let the tea steep 10 minutes, lean over the cup and breathe deeply, letting the steam enter your mouth and nose. The most popular aromatherapy teas have pleasant tastes as well as important healing benefits. These include:

Chamomile. - With its delicate taste and apple-like aroma, chamomile is among the most popular herbal teas. It contains oils that have a sedating effect on the central nervous system. It's often used to relieve stress and anxiety as well as insomnia. It also aids digestion.

Jasmine. - This fragrant tea has the opposite effect of chamomile. It increases brain waves called beta waves, which are associated with alertness. When feeling fatigued or moody, inhale jasmine tea to perk yourself up.

Eucalyptus. - This is a very popular tea for treating cold and flu symptoms. It contains a chemical called eucalyptol, which helps reduce inflammation in the airways. It also loosens mucus in the chest and sinuses, which relieves congestion and make it easier to breathe.

Rosemary and Sage. - Each of these strong-smelling herbs is reputed to improve memory and stimulate the senses. Rosemary tea is often used for depression. Sage has historically been used for easing grief as well as a mild case of the blues. It's also a "cooling" herb, which may help relieve hot flashes.

Thyme. - This herb belongs in the medicine chest as well as in the spice-cabinet. It contains two oils, thymol and carvacol, that help relax muscles in the stomach and intestine. Thyme may be helpful when you're experiencing gas, cramping, or other digestive discomfort and can ease coughs and congestion.

Teas aren't the only way to get the full benefit of aromatherapeutic herbs. For example:

Add a drop or two of essential oil to simmering water. Allow the steam to fill the air.Put fresh or dried herbs in bath water.Put a drop of oil in an atomizer, dilute it with a little water, and mist the air around you.Dilute a drop of essential oil with 1 oz. vegetable oil and apply it to the pulse points of your wrists.

Bear in mind it's fine to use herbal extracts when making aromatherapeutic teas. Just be sure you don't confuse extracts with essential oils--they're quite different. Herbal extracts are made for internal use, and many people find them more convenient than dried herbs for making tea. Essential oils, on the other hand, are only meant for external use and can be toxic if taken internally.

Respectfully submitted by Idaline Hall. For more useful insider secrets about the health benefits of teas, visit: http://HealthQuickTips.com/Teas

Original article

Healing Essential Oils

To begin with, what are healing essential oils? They are plant extracts, found in the flowers, leaves,fruit and roots. The essential oil is found in different parts of the plants, in some plants the oil might be in the flowers while in other plants there might be 2 or 3 different areas that the oil is extracted from.

An example of this is the bitter orange tree. The oil can be found in the leaves, the flowers and the fruit peel, 3 different oils are extracted from these 3 different areas.

Healing essential oils are also known as Aromatherapy oils. These oils have been around for thousands of years and were used by the ancient people of Egypt, China, Middle East, India and Greece.

Egypt was probably the first to use plants as medicines, perfume and cosmetics. They used perfumes as gifts to the Gods and had small rooms in the temples where the plants were prepared.

It wasn't until the middle ages that it was developed more in Europe and also became a sort after form of holistic healing.

Healing essential oils treat the 'whole person', mind, body and spirit, and it seems that as more people come to understand that conventional medicines don't address the cause of their problems, but rather mask them, we are turning to natural remedies more and more.

While some people may view essential oils as a 'magic potion' they are not, but they do have amazing healing properties and are used by different practitioners for different reasons, while also being used by perfumers.

One of the most common uses of healing essential oils is massage. The reason this is becoming more popular; is because it uses 2 of our close range senses, that of touch and smell. This in itself starts the healing process.

So how can these oils help? From the smallest scratch to

depressionoverweightinsomniarelieving stressburnsbruisescoughs and coldssprains and strainsarthritis

Their uses are many, add healing essential oils to your household cleaning products,shampoos,body lotions or start making your own so you know they are safe for you and your family. You will find using these oils around your home for all your needs, a pleasure; be it for cleaning, relaxing, taking care of your skin and hair, fighting off coughs and colds, healing ailments or even using on your family pet. They have many, many benefits.

To learn more about essential oils, their uses and how you can use them effectively to solve your problems visit http://healingessentialoils.org/

Original article

Lavender Essential Oil: The Top Ten List of Healing Uses

I've waited long enough! If David Letterman isn't going to do a Top Ten List of healing uses for lavender essential oil, then I suppose it's up to me. But first, a few quick things to know before use.

The genus Lavandula comes from the Latin word lavare meaning "to wash," and L. angustifolia, known as true or common lavender, is the species used medicinally. Lavender essential oil is steam-distilled from fresh flowers and is mainly produced in Bulgaria and France. Be sure to use a reputable supplier when purchasing lavender essential oil as it is one of the most commonly adulterated essential oils. A genuine and authentic essential oil should always list the botanical name, the part of the plant used, the country of origin and the method of extraction. The synthetic scent of lavender from fragrance oil is not the same as a pure essential oil - there are no health benefits from synthetic fragrance oils!

When I refer to "neat" application, this means applying a drop of lavender essential oil directly on the skin. While this is generally recognized as safe, instances of sensitization have occurred. Furthermore, it is not recommended to use other essential oils in this fashion, with the exception of tea tree. When I talk about using lavender in a carrier oil, this means diluting a few drops of the essential oil in a base oil. Different oils can be used for different purposes, but with this article focusing on first aid remedies, extra virgin olive oil is a great and convenient choice. As there are approximately 600 drops in one ounce, use six to eighteen drops of pure lavender essential oil per ounce (by volume) of carrier oil for a one to three percent dilution.

Here we go, my top ten healing uses for lavender essential oil:

# 10 - Bruises

Lavender is great for bruises because it is anti-inflammatory and analgesic which aids in the healing process while decreasing pain. Using lavender in a carrier oil, gently massage into bruised area. For best results, dilute lavender in arnica-infused oil. Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones and polysacharides that stimulate phagocytosis, thus cleaning up debris and reducing healing time. Please note that arnica should not be applied to broken skin.

# 9 - Muscle Aches and Menstrual Cramps

Massage lavender diluted in a carrier oil (arnica-infused oil for additional relief) into painful area or, my favorite, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a warm Epsom salt bath for a deep muscle soak.

# 8 - Bug Bites and Bee Stings

Lavender's antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties make it a great choice for bites and stings as it reduces infection, swelling, and itching. To use, simply apply one drop of lavender essential oil neat to affected area.

# 7 - Earaches

There are two effective ways to ease the pain of an earache with lavender. The first is to gently massage lavender in a carrier oil into the outer ear and back of the ear. The second method is to put a drop of lavender on a cotton ball and gently place it on the outer ear. Never put it directly in the ear canal.

# 6 - Depression

Lavender is a restorative herb and is classified as a nervine, meaning that it has a calming effect on the mind and body. It works in powerful ways to bring feelings of comfort and peace and also helps with fatigue. Suggestions include inhaling lavender essential oil directly from a vial, spritzing your room with lavender diluted in distilled water, and infusing your space with lavender from a candle or incense. The options are endless.

# 5 - Headaches

Lavender's sedative effects make it a great remedy for headaches, especially when the headaches are caused by stress. Massage a drop of lavender diluted in a carrier oil into the temples and back of the neck, followed by a few deep, relaxing breaths of lavender essential oil directly from a vial. Add peppermint essential oil to the mix for even better headache relief.

# 4 - Sanitizer

Lavender was used in hospitals during World War I to disinfect floors and walls. Use lavender essential oil in a soap to cleanse, in water and vinegar for household cleaning, or try it in a base of grain alcohol as a hand sanitizer.

# 3 - Insomnia

Lavender works particularly well if insomnia is due to a restless and anxious mind. Before bed, spray your pillow and face with lavender diluted in distilled water, take a few deep breaths, inhaling lavender directly from the vial or from a drop on a tissue, or place dried lavender buds in a sachet in your pillow case.

# 2 - Burns and Sunburns

It was the French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who is famously cited for treating his severe burns and resulting infection with lavender essential oil. Apply a drop of lavender essential oil neat to minor burns. For sunburns, spray your body with lavender diluted in distilled water. Please seek medical attention for severe burns.

...And my number one healing use for lavender - Stress

Lavender has balancing and harmonizing effects on the autonomic nervous system. In panic attack situations, inhale lavender essential oil directly from the vial and seek medical attention if necessary. For general stress and anxiety, spritz your face and room with lavender diluted in distilled water, take a relaxing bath with a few drops of lavender diluted in sea salt, or enjoy a massage using lavender-infused oil.

That is all for now. And if you see David Letterman, let him know that he is free to use this for his next Top Ten List.

Jenny Hoops has degrees in psychology, human nutrition, and integrative therapies and is a practicing herbalist and aromatherapist. She is the owner and creator of Botanicology, a company focused on educating people about healthy lifestyle choices and ways to incorporate the healing power of botanicals into everyday life. Botanicology also offers a truly all natural product line committed to being safe, effective, affordable, and fun.

Original article

Aromatherapy Natural Healing Treatment Essentials

Introduction

Aromatherapy is known as a natural healing treatment that improves overall health, relieve strain and offer revitalization and restoration of the human body. Aromatherapy treatment uses essential oils; a liquid plant extract to elevate our frame of mind and state of health. These compounds have a wide variety of natural healing benefits.

When essential oils are being used in bath tub or massage therapy, it gets immersed into the skin which commences the natural healing treatment. As scent is inhaled, its molecules enter the nostrils and flow towards the olfactory receptors. These receptors instantly determine the aroma and relay the information to the limbic system; a group of deep brain structures that deals with the nerve, respiratory, circulatory and immunological defences.

When aromatherapy oil molecules enter the lungs, they attach themselves to oxygen molecules and are brought into the blood stream and circulated to every cell in the body. Inside the cells itself, essential oils could trigger the body's ability to cure itself and enhance health.

Aromatherapy Utilization Technique

Essential oils can be applied using various techniques:

These oils can be used topically through massage, alcohol wipe, salt rub and compresses. It may also be put into bath salts or added into a foot-bath or a bath
Inhalation includes diffusion using a Nebulizer to spray a fine mist into the air, inhalation of steam vapors - from oils drop into hot water or by rubbing two drops between the palms and cupping over the nose and mouth
Ingestion or consuming few of these oils safely can be an effectual remedy. However it is important to note that it should only for those with in-depth knowledge of aromatherapy oils or with the guidance of an Aromatherapist

Aromatherapy Natural Healing Treatment and Benefit

Diabetes

Aromatherapy natural healing treatment for diabetes is not only seen to minimize diabetic symptoms but also in alleviating the strain of coping with the condition; the psychological challenges faced by serious diabetes sufferers. The treatment might not cure diabetes as proven by few studies. However it is able to help ease the symptoms of the illness, minimize discontent and impede potential future illnesses.

Insomnia

A number of essential oils are able to provide cure for insomnia particularly Lavender, Chamomile, and Jasmine. Some of these oils are also suited to treat stress and stress-related conditions which is often an important factor in relieving sleeping disorder. In a study on 42 insomnia sufferers, it was discovered that a month of Lavender essential oil therapy aided in relieving sleeping disorder. This makes aromatherapy natural healing treatment a fantastic way to overcome sleeping disorder and their causes.

Allergies

There are various effective and safe techniques to alleviate allergic reaction but employing therapeutic grade essential oils therapy is probably the best. Aromatherapy natural healing treatment for allergies includes the effective use of Lavender and Eucalyptus essential. Be sure to choose only concentrated therapeutic grade essential oils as an inferior grade will not generate the stipulated outcomes.

Purchasing Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Deciding on the best essential oils to purchase can be baffling and overwhelming but it is vital that you find a trustworthy company which sell therapeutic grade oils. Unlike synthesised oils, therapeutic grade essential oils have the healing qualities still in tact thus able to offer the curative results desired. Watch for the following when purchasing:

Latin or botanical name of the plantCountry where the plants were grownStatement about pureness

Reputable businesses will provide these details to prove the aromatherapy oil is legitimate and to be certain you are receiving the proper oil.

Care and Safe Use of Aromatherapy Oils

There are some safety issues which must be highlighted with regards to handling and utilizing essential oils as some of them are highly concentrated and potent. With incorrect dilution, most of these oils can inflame the skin. The chemical elements it includes are sensitizers which cause reactions to the skin following frequent use. Basic safety procedures ought to be adhered to assure effectual, safe and pleasant aromatherapy natural healing treatment.

Discover and learn more on how aromatherapy natural healing treatment could provide the remedies or ease for Diabetes, Insomnia and other illnesses symptoms, minimize discontent and hinder future illnesses potentials at http://sutraromatherapy.com/.

Original article

Healing Harmonies: The Two Bachs

What's in a name? Oddly enough, the two historical figures who have been most important to me in recent years both had the same surname - Bach. After leaving my career as a medical doctor I studied natural therapies and became a Bach flower practitioner, using the series of remedies discovered by Edward Bach. And, as a very amateur singer and pianist, I became strongly drawn to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Did these two men have anything in common except their name? Though they were born 200 years apart in different countries, and worked in different fields, both were concerned with the use of vibrational harmony to uplift the human spirit.

Johann Sebastian Bach was born on 21 March 1685 in what is now Germany. In German, the word 'bach' means 'a brook' and is phonetically pronounced 'bahk'. He is widely regarded as the greatest composer who ever lived, and was described by Beethoven as 'the immortal god of harmony'. Musical harmony, which involves the combination of simultaneously sounded notes to produce chords with a pleasing effect, can be regarded as the 'vertical' component of a piece whereas melody is the 'horizontal' one. Bach himself is quoted as follows: 'The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul'. Most people find that listening to Bach induces positive feelings such as joy, peace and the sensation of 'flow'. Along with those of other classical composers, the works of Bach are often used in music therapy and can bring many mental and physical benefits including reduction in anxiety and pain, and improvements in cardiovascular physiology and in various measures of endocrine and immune function.

Edward Bach was born on 24 September 1886 in England. His ancestry was Welsh, and 'bach' in Welsh means 'little'. He pronounced his surname 'batch'. After some years as an orthodox physician, he gave up his successful practice and devoted his life to natural healing. He was among the pioneers of the 'holistic approach' and the short books in which he describes his philosophy, Heal Thyself for example, have become classics. Bach believed that harmony in mind and spirit was key to physical wellbeing, and wrote 'Health depends on being in harmony with our souls'. His series of 38 flower essences have no chemical content, but are believed to carry the energetic imprints of the life force of different plants each corresponding to a positive quality of mood or personality. Unlike the vibrations of musical sound, the vibrations of flower essences cannot be measured by conventional scientific instruments, and their mode of action is not known. All the same, the Bach flower essences have been used all over the world for 80 years, and the responses observed in my own practice have left me in no doubt that they work. Clients say they feel calmer, happier and more in control of their lives, and their physical symptoms frequently improve.

Jennifer Barraclough is a graduate of Oxford University Medical School and practiced for many years as a medical doctor in England before moving to New Zealand and becoming a Bach flower therapist and life coach. She has authored or edited several previous books including 'An Outline of Modern Psychiatry' 'Cancer and 'Emotion' and 'Enhancing Cancer Care', and published a number of research papers. She lives in Auckland with her husband and cats.

Original article