Bach flower therapy: Difference between revisions
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While Bach remedies are derived from plants, the principle is different than [[phytotherapy]] (i.e., herbalism). Herbalism assumes that there is a significant healing ingredient(s) in the plant extract. | While Bach remedies are derived from plants, the principle is different than [[phytotherapy]] (i.e., herbalism). Herbalism assumes that there is a significant healing ingredient(s) in the plant extract. | ||
Bach remedies, however, are more related to the "signatures" of [[Paracelsus]]; Bach indeed uses the term "signature". The remedies work on a mental level that tranfers the "vibrations" or signature; the vibrations resonate with inherent vibrations believed to be in human cells. The remedies do not have detectable levels of active chemicals. <ref name=BachPrinciple>{{citation | Bach remedies, however, are more related to the "signatures" of [[Paracelsus]]; Bach indeed uses the term "signature". The remedies work on a mental level that tranfers the "vibrations" or signature; the vibrations resonate with inherent vibrations believed to be in human cells. The remedies do not have detectable levels of active chemicals.<ref name=BachPrinciple>{{citation | ||
| title = The Principles of Bach Essence | | title = The Principles of Bach Essence | ||
| url =http://www.bachflowertherapy.com/fundamentalsbachflowertherapy/principleofflowerremedies/index.php }}</ref> | | url =http://www.bachflowertherapy.com/fundamentalsbachflowertherapy/principleofflowerremedies/index.php }}</ref> | ||
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Bach flower therapy and [[homeopathy]] have similarities in that they involve remedies intended to improve a [[vitalism|''vital force'']], and they both have a concept of potentizing. At that point, they diverge significantly. Preparation of the remedies, however, is different. Bach remedies are not selected using the homeopathic principle of the Laws of Similars. | Bach flower therapy and [[homeopathy]] have similarities in that they involve remedies intended to improve a [[vitalism|''vital force'']], and they both have a concept of potentizing. At that point, they diverge significantly. Preparation of the remedies, however, is different. Bach remedies are not selected using the homeopathic principle of the Laws of Similars. | ||
The means of Bach remedy preparation uses a method, described in the ''British Homeopathic Pharmacopeia'', that is used to prepare homeopathic ''mother tinctures''. One involves extraction using [[ethanol]], of a specific type of [[brandy]] and extracting with sunshine, while the other involves boiling the flowers with water. Once extracted, however, the tincture is used in a very different manner than in homeopathy. | The means of Bach remedy preparation uses a method, described in the ''British Homeopathic Pharmacopeia'', that is used to prepare homeopathic ''mother tinctures''. One involves extraction using [[ethanol]], of a specific type of [[brandy]] and extracting with sunshine, while the other involves boiling the flowers with water. Once extracted, however, the tincture is used in a very different manner than in homeopathy.<ref name=BachPrep>{{citation | ||
| title = The Production of Bach Flower Essences | | title = The Production of Bach Flower Essences | ||
| url =http://www.bachflowertherapy.com/fundamentalsbachflowertherapy/productionofbachflowerremedies/index.php }}</ref> | | url =http://www.bachflowertherapy.com/fundamentalsbachflowertherapy/productionofbachflowerremedies/index.php }}</ref> | ||
==Bach potentizing== | ==Bach potentizing== | ||
There is dilution, but to what homeopaths call a 5X dilution, which gives a much higher concentration than used in homeopathy. <ref name=BachTheory>{{citation | There is dilution, but to what homeopaths call a 5X dilution, which gives a much higher concentration than used in homeopathy.<ref name=BachTheory>{{citation | ||
| title = The Theory of Bach Flower Therapy | | title = The Theory of Bach Flower Therapy | ||
| url =http://www.bachflowertherapy.com/fundamentalsbachflowertherapy/theoryofbachflowerremedies/index.php }}</ref> | | url =http://www.bachflowertherapy.com/fundamentalsbachflowertherapy/theoryofbachflowerremedies/index.php }}</ref> | ||
==Efficacy testing== | ==Efficacy testing== | ||
Tbere are a limited number of trials, with small samples; only abstracts were available for this article. They primarily dealt with anxiety. One double-blinded [[randomized controlled trial]], comparing a Bach extract against [[placebo]], reduced situational anxiety in a group of 111 patients. <ref name=Halberstam2007>{{citation | Tbere are a limited number of trials, with small samples; only abstracts were available for this article. They primarily dealt with anxiety. One double-blinded [[randomized controlled trial]], comparing a Bach extract against [[placebo]], reduced situational anxiety in a group of 111 patients.<ref name=Halberstam2007>{{citation | ||
| journal = Complementary Health Practice Review | | journal = Complementary Health Practice Review | ||
| volume= 12 | | volume= 12 | ||
Revision as of 18:35, 23 January 2011
Bach flower therapy, according to a U.K. Parliament study, assumes that flowers contain the life force of the plant and this is imprinted into water through sun infusion. This is used to make the remedies, which are usually ingested, and are often used to help patients let go of "negative thoughts".[1] The practice has not gained any significant acceptance in conventional medicine.
Bach therapy and phytotherapy
While Bach remedies are derived from plants, the principle is different than phytotherapy (i.e., herbalism). Herbalism assumes that there is a significant healing ingredient(s) in the plant extract.
Bach remedies, however, are more related to the "signatures" of Paracelsus; Bach indeed uses the term "signature". The remedies work on a mental level that tranfers the "vibrations" or signature; the vibrations resonate with inherent vibrations believed to be in human cells. The remedies do not have detectable levels of active chemicals.[2]
Bach therapy and aromatherapy
While there may seem to be a similarity in that flowers contain essential oils, the preparation methods are quite different. Bach extracts use, in chemical terms, solvent extraction, while essential oils are usually extracted with steam distillation.
Bach therapy and homeopathy
Bach flower therapy and homeopathy have similarities in that they involve remedies intended to improve a vital force, and they both have a concept of potentizing. At that point, they diverge significantly. Preparation of the remedies, however, is different. Bach remedies are not selected using the homeopathic principle of the Laws of Similars.
The means of Bach remedy preparation uses a method, described in the British Homeopathic Pharmacopeia, that is used to prepare homeopathic mother tinctures. One involves extraction using ethanol, of a specific type of brandy and extracting with sunshine, while the other involves boiling the flowers with water. Once extracted, however, the tincture is used in a very different manner than in homeopathy.[3]
Bach potentizing
There is dilution, but to what homeopaths call a 5X dilution, which gives a much higher concentration than used in homeopathy.[4]
Efficacy testing
Tbere are a limited number of trials, with small samples; only abstracts were available for this article. They primarily dealt with anxiety. One double-blinded randomized controlled trial, comparing a Bach extract against placebo, reduced situational anxiety in a group of 111 patients.[5]
References
- ↑ Select Committee appointed to consider Science and Technology, U.K. Parliament (21 November 2000), Chapter 2: Disciplines examined, Definitions of the Various CAM Therapies, Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- ↑ The Principles of Bach Essence
- ↑ The Production of Bach Flower Essences
- ↑ The Theory of Bach Flower Therapy
- ↑ "Healing With Bach® Flower Essences: Testing a Complementary Therapy", Complementary Health Practice Review 12 (1): 3-14, 2007, DOI:10.1177/1533210107300705