My interest in Flower Essences began over twenty years ago with some casual experimentation using them for myself. In tandem with breathing exercises and yoga, I found the Bach Flower Essences extremely useful for a variety of issues, such as fatigue, insomnia and stress related problems from overwork.

Over the years my interest in and study of the system grew as I noticed the powerful effects these remedies could exert. In 1997 when I attended my first Tellington Touch seminar, I discovered a number of people using the essences to augment their work with stressed, fatigued, fearful or hyperactive dogs. It made perfect sense and I started studying and practising with my own canine companions. The effects were striking and have led me to incorporate the Bach Flower Essences into many aspects of my work helping dogs enjoy better health both physically and emotionally.

Very briefly, the Bach Flower Essences are not homeopathic remedies although they are often described as such and certain similarities do exist. Like homeopathics, the flower essences are extremely diluted and are vibrational in nature; however there are some significant differences. Dr. Bach used only non toxic plants; he did not determine efficacy by means of "provings" and the dilution of the flower essences is different from those of classical homeopathy. The flower essences are not intended to work on the pharmacalogical level or address physical illness; rather they are to be considered energy medicine and they address what Bach called the "emotional body". The essential theory is that negative psychoemotional states suppress the body's innate healing ability, and these states must be addressed and cleared before natural healing can take place. I find them particularly powerful when used along with TTouch, the systems work beautifully together and help achieve improved balance through the gentlest of means.

Some canine issues I've adddressed with Bach Flower Remedies include; grief, fear, various forms of aggression, post operative recovery, timidity, thunderphobia, arthritic stiffness, over-concern for others (worry) resistance to a change such as moving house, abuse recovery, resource guarding, exhaustion, boredom, after effects of seizures, and chronic frustration. The possible applications are endless and all adress the dog's personality, basic nature as well as transient moods and problems that may arise. For instance, a dog who has suddenly lost his owner to death will need Star of Bethlehem for shock and often, Walnut for change. These two would work together to address the situation, and as the dog's response to it arises, other remedies can help deal with them. If the dog becomes utterly despondent we may use Sweet Chestnut,if he becomes agitated we try Impatiens. And so on. It's very important to pinpoint the remedy or remedies that capture the basic nature of the dog as well, that reflect his "type". With a combination of these all of essences we can maximize the efficacy of the treatment. Typically a treatment bottle will contain five to seven remedies, although more can be used and sometimes, only one or two is necessary. The remedies are all completely safe and non toxic, and are administered in a variety of ways; in a treatment bottle containing several essences; or directly from the bottle. One can add them to drinking water or food, or apply them to the skin surface if oral administration is difficult. One of the keys to successful use, aside from selecting the correct remedy, is repeated use. It is more helpful to give four drops several times a day, than to give thirty drops all at once. Again I must stress you cannot overdose or cause harm with overuse, but you will not maximize efficacy this way either.

In order to best understand the nature of your dog and his issues, I've developed a basic questionnaire that gets us started assessing personality and problems, if any. After you complete the questionnaire, I generally have more questions, but these will vary according to what I learn about your dog from your initial response. I'll be including more indepth information about the Bach Flower Essences in upcoming articles, and feel free to email me with any questions you may have.