Seeing a sunrise, a flower or bird the sky clouds a smiling face all give us a momentary lift of joy contentment and happiness that is free and health promoting in a very holistic way.  In the same manner the sights sounds and placement of items in our home whether organisational, decorative or the art of feng shui all affect our daily routines moods and physical wellbeing.  

This is what is referred to as Energy in Holistic Medicine.   Seemingly minor or subtle things have an effect in our lives.  A regular nuisance in our lives has a detrimental effect on our mood and vision of the world.  Things like furniture that we injure ourselves on regularly a tap that drips an inhospitable co-worker or a space that is too dark or too bright all irritate our senses and cause friction in our body and mind.  The alternative is modifying these intrusions to alleviate stress to our system and there is a possibility of using this same mechanism to promote peace calm happiness and even joy in our daily lives.  Fixing a dripping tap or rearranging furniture is changing the 'energy' of a space and our relationship to it.  Introducing a plant, painting or decorative object that we like gives us a pleasance in the atmosphere of our homes and ourselves.  It is this that the art of energy healing enhances. 

​Energy healing ranges from interior design and home maintenance to relaxation and the minor differences experienced from different natural shapes, colours, textures, sights and sounds.  In this way music is an 'energy medicine' it can cause a shift in our emotion as can the weather and the water temperature in a pool or the touch of a person or a perceived intention of a person which may or not match their words.  Yes the ultimate perception comes from within, is experienced within but our bodies are not exclusive of the environment we are open systems to weather temperature sound sight smell taste and touch.  Our senses are always on, whether taking information in subconsciously or perceived as noticeable conscious recognition.  Our brains actually divert important information to our conscious mind for dissemination and discernment and to alert us to danger or potential opportunities. 

​We are mammals and yet we have the capacity for imagination and thought generation.  We may draw on our memories and paint glorious pictures or fearful projections of what may happen.  We may also misconstrue our subconscious impressions by ascribing incorrect meaning to them for example a noise heard in the night may take a shape in our minds as we use previous data to make a working assumption to act upon.  This is where the mind can create all manner of things and believe them to be real when in fact it is just the wind moving branches or a humble wildlife creature going about its nocturnal business.  A draft or passing breeze can feel ominous or a projected imagining can become a vision because we have imagination and the input to our brains is physical whether it is light waves sound waves chemicals in smell and taste or pressure in touch, the sense that we make of our sensory perceptions is created in our mind.  This ranges from obvious graze on a chair leg which sends pain signals to our brain notifying us of injury to hints of smells that trigger memories pleasant or fearful.  Our systems are complex the nervous system and brain are superhighways of information that we take for granted.  

In our everyday lives all of this is happening constantly incessantly mercilessly, input prioritising and background processing as well as the conscious awareness of happenings and decision making there is a vast array of subtle inputs and reactions that are also taking place.  It is in this context that Energy Medicines are discussed and applied.  So from a focus on the prioritised data and a sense of congruency and control these things may seem inconsequential or of having no discernible bearing on ones life mood health or day to day. 
- Shairin2022. 

​Lavender finds its place in various medicinal applications such as steeping as tea (drink no more than 2 cups per day), bathing/hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and topical use for burns, minor skin abrasions, respiratory ailments, and muscular aches and pains.

Seeing a sunrise, a flower or bird the sky clouds a smiling face all give us a momentary lift of joy contentment and happiness that is free and health promoting in a very holistic way. 

In the same manner the sights sounds and placement of items in our home whether organisational, decorative or the art of feng shui all affect our daily routines moods and physical wellbeing.  

This is what is referred to as Energy in Holistic Medicine.   

Seemingly minor or subtle things have an effect in our lives. 

A regular nuisance in our lives has a detrimental effect on our mood and vision of the world. 

Things like furniture that we injure ourselves on regularly a tap that drips an inhospitable co-worker or a space that is too dark or too bright all irritate our senses and cause friction in our body and mind. 

The alternative is modifying these intrusions to alleviate stress to our system and there is a possibility of using this same mechanism to promote peace calm happiness and even joy in our daily lives.  Fixing a dripping tap or rearranging furniture is changing the 'energy' of a space and our relationship to it. 

Introducing a plant, painting or decorative object that we like gives us a pleasance in the atmosphere of our homes and ourselves.  It is this that the art of energy healing enhances. 

Energy healing ranges from interior design and home maintenance to relaxation and the minor differences experienced from different natural shapes, colours, textures, sights and sounds.​ 

Reiki therapy is a form of alternative healing that involves the use of the practitioner's hands to transfer energy to the recipient. The therapy aims to balance the recipient's energy and promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support the body's natural healing processes. Some potential benefits of Reiki therapy include:

1. Reducing stress and promoting relaxation: Reiki therapy is often used to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The gentle touch of the practitioner's hands can help calm the recipient's nervous system and promote a sense of relaxation.
2. Promoting emotional balance: Reiki therapy is believed to help balance the recipient's emotions. It may be helpful for people dealing with anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues.
3. Supporting the immune system: Some proponents of Reiki therapy suggest that it can support the immune system and help the body's natural healing processes.
4. Alleviating pain: Reiki therapy may be helpful in reducing pain and discomfort associated with various conditions.
5. Improving sleep: Reiki therapy may promote better sleep and help people who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
6. Increasing energy levels: Reiki therapy is believed to help restore the body's energy levels and promote a sense of vitality.
7. Promoting spiritual growth: Reiki therapy is often considered a spiritual practice that can help promote spiritual growth and enhance the recipient's sense of well-being.

It's important to note that there is limited scientific research on the effectiveness of Reiki therapy, and it should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment. However, many people find Reiki therapy to be a helpful complement to traditional medical care.

​Reiki is a form of alternative healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The word "Reiki" is made up of two Japanese words: "rei" meaning "spiritual" or "universal," and "ki" meaning "life force energy."
Reiki was developed by a Japanese Buddhist monk named Mikao Usui. According to tradition, Usui was seeking a way to help people heal and achieve spiritual enlightenment. He spent many years studying ancient texts and practicing meditation before he had a mystical experience during a meditation retreat on Mount Kurama in Kyoto, Japan.
During this experience, Usui is said to have received a powerful spiritual energy that he used to heal himself and others. He called this energy "Reiki" and began teaching others how to use it for healing and spiritual growth.
Reiki was introduced to the United States in the 1970s and has since become a popular form of alternative healing around the world. There are now many different forms of Reiki, each with their own unique techniques and practices, but they all share the common goal of promoting healing, relaxation, and spiritual growth.

Reiki lineage refers to the line of Reiki masters who have passed down the teachings and practices of Reiki from Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, to the current Reiki practitioners.
Usui is considered the originator of Reiki, and he taught his methods to a number of students, who went on to teach others in turn. As a result, there are now many different lineages of Reiki, each with their own unique teachings and practices.
Some of the most well-known Reiki lineages include:

• Usui Shiki Ryoho: This is the original lineage of Reiki that was taught by Mikao Usui. It emphasizes the use of specific hand positions to transfer energy to the recipient.
• Usui Reiki Ryoho: This lineage was developed by one of Usui's students, Chujiro Hayashi, and emphasizes the use of symbols and mantras in Reiki practice.
• Tibetan Reiki: This lineage combines traditional Usui Reiki with Tibetan healing practices.
• Karuna Reiki: This lineage was developed in the 1990s and incorporates additional symbols and techniques beyond traditional Usui Reiki.
• Holy Fire Reiki: This lineage was developed in the 2010s and emphasizes the use of a "holy fire" energy in Reiki practice.

It's important to note that the lineage of a Reiki practitioner can have an impact on their training and practice, but ultimately it is the individual practitioner's skills and experience that determine the effectiveness of their Reiki treatments.

​Flower essences are the vibrational imprint of a flower’s energetic properties in water, preserved with a touch of brandy, apple cider vinegar or refrigeration. 

To achieve this imprint, a flower is picked and placed directly into pure water and bathed in sunlight for several hours to infuse the water with its essence.  It is then strained and bottled as the ‘Mother Essence’.   Smaller treatment bottles are created by adding drops of the Mother Essence to more pure water and ‘fixed’ (preserved) as above.  
​
Flower essences are diluted substances because we are dealing here with the ‘subtle body’ [we shall explore terminology and energetic fields in future articles], which requires just a subtle dose of vibrational nudging.

​The first Flower Essence system, the Bach Remedies, was developed by Dr Edward Bach in England.  Although based on Homeopathic principles the Bach remedies are made from Flowers and do not use toxic substances in their creation.   You can read about his life’s work here at The Bach Centre. 

There are also the Australian Bush Flower Essences developed by Ian White and a comprehensive system of New Zealand native flora healers in the First Light Essences.

The well-known Bach Rescue Remedy can be used in any situation.  It is the only combination essence that Dr Bach chose to create as he believed that everyone needs their own remedy mix to suit their situation.
 
Rescue Remedy contains the following Flowers that alleviate the associated feelings which are experienced in body and mind.
 
Star of Bethlehem       shock
Rock Rose                      panic
Clematis                         ungrounded
Cherry plum                  fear of losing control
Impatiens                      impatience
 
In a personal flower essence consult these or others of the 38 remedies can be used to specifically address your currently individual needs.
 
An example of the healing properties of Flower Essences from the Bach set is:

Aspen which is a remedy for;
fear of the unknown; vague anxiety and apprehension; hidden fears and nightmares. 

The positive outcomes listed for treatment with Aspen Remedy are that it: 
Quiets and subdues the astral body in order for the spiritual ego to gain the trust, confidence and strength it needs to meet the unknown.
Helps one to draw inner strength from the spiritual world.
Allows the conscious mind to receive and process more information resulting in a balanced use of soul forces.
Helps one develop personal boundaries.

For someone that experiences anxiety attacks, this essence may be of great benefit. 
​
I have trained in both Bach Remedies and Australian Bush Flower Essences and have had the pleasure of creating individual treatments for my clients from the 38 Bach remedies that I keep in the clinic and recommend Australian Bush Flower Essences often.

As a naturopath Flower Essences are a common therapeutic tool and are prepared within your Naturopathic Health Care consultation.  The conversation allows discussion of your experiences and unique needs that allow selection of one to four remedies that specifically suit your current emotional and physical needs.  Holistically treating the causes and contributing factors as well as alleviating symptoms and trully listening to you are the benefits of Naturopathy.

The flower essence is taken upon the moment of waking and just before sleeping to access the subconscious state and brain wave pattern between activity and rest.  The remedy mix is taken in this way for a period of two weeks to gently clear old energy patterns and activate, balance and repair vibrational/energetic balance within the whole body.  The drops may be taken in water or directly under the tongue and for some situations such as the use of the Bach Rescue Remedy are taken whenever required.

There is a deeper exploration of sublte body, energetic medicine, 'placebo effect' and the holistic understanding in modern medicine here please share your thoughts on Flower Essences or any of these interesting avenues by leaving a comment.