43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exceptionally Well-Researched and Written, June 19, 2003
This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Bach Flower Therapy (Paperback)
I read Ms. Scheffer's first book "Bach Flower Therapy" nearly 20 years ago and found it to be a very useful resource. "The Encyclopedia Of Bach Flower Therapy" includes the information in her earlier book with new information and insights gleaned from years of application, study, and research. This is the one of the most comprehensive and legitimate explications of Bach Flower remedies that exists (Dr. Bach's original texts notwithstanding). If you want to study the use of Bach Flower Essences as a beginner or advanced user, then look no further. The contrasting explanations of essences which appear similar (Aspen & Mimulus; Crab Apple & Pine; Holly & Willow, etc.) are truly wonderful and helpful when diagnosing mental states -- worth the price of the book alone. I have worked with Bach Essences for over 20 years and can attest to the value and validity of this book!
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40 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Focuses on the brochure issues, March 24, 2008
This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Bach Flower Therapy (Paperback)
I found this a difficult read. There was never anything to really get excited about and no new amazing insights. It simply repeated the accepted wisdom on Bach flowers. Her description of each flower remedy was a long discussion of the negative state given in the Bach Flower brochure. It's her opinion that it is the separation from the higher self and not listening to your inner voice that causes this negative state.
For instance, when it comes to Chestnut Bud she focuses on the fact that they make repetitive mistakes. Chestnut Bud people have laser like focus, and can obsess on a tiny area of the universe. This makes them brilliant, but they miss many things outside of their field of interest, hence the mistakes. They are like the classic "absent minded professor". They have extreme talent in one area, but very little common sense. Many people with Asperger's will benefit from this remedy.
If you ask a Chestnut Bud if he makes repetitive mistakes, he will answer with an emphatic "No!" because if he makes a mistake in his area of focus, he learns from it, and does not make the same mistake twice. Where he makes repeated mistakes is outside his area of focus, which he doesn't see, and often doesn't care about. But if you ask him "Can you focus intensely on something you're interested in, finding answers that no one else can think of?" He will answer, "Absolutely!" So yes, he makes repeated mistakes, but that's not how you need to approach him. Instead focus on his intelligence and problem solving capabilities, and show him how to balance it.
She is very picky about how many drops to use, what kind of alcohol, and how to drink the water. They are flower remedies. They're an energy medicine. Finding the right remedy is much more important than how many drops to use.
When it comes to selecting the correct remedy she treats it like a homeopathic consultation, with a long interview process, and questionnaires that once again focus on the simplistic negative states given in the brochure. She off handedly dismisses any type of energy testing, saying that people new to Bach Flowers use this approach. I have used Bach Flower remedies for years, and I find energy testing to be quite important. Just because somebody has Asperger's does not mean they need Chestnut Bud. Contrary to popular belief, a flower remedy can be wrong, and can stress a person.
Frequently energy testing will point to a remedy that I dismissed, and when I look at it more closely I think, "Oh, I hadn't thought of it that way." Energy testing has actually taught me more about the remedies because I've learned what types of people can benefit from certain remedies outside of the simple issues in the brochure. It's fun to meet a client for the first time, with basically no knowledge of their personality, and be able to describe their most pressing issue. They say "Wow, how did you know that?" It also increases their faith in your ability to help them.
The focus on the negative aspects also felt over emphasized. Natural leaders will often test for Vine, which does not mean they are tyrants. It means they are natural leaders and it strengthens those qualities.
If you are interested in the Bach Flowers, I recommend
Advanced Bach Flower Therapy: A Scientific Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment. I also really like
Practical Uses and Applications of the Bach Flower Emotional Remedies.
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly Recommended, February 6, 2007
This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Bach Flower Therapy (Paperback)
I received this book for Christmas and I have nearly worn out the pages already! It is truly awesome, and I might venture to say - maybe the only one you need.
It has colored pictures of each flower with a background description and typically 2 full pages describing associated characteristics and symptoms. This is followed by a bullet list summarizing someone in the 'negative state', and another list for someone in the 'positive state'.
There are numerous charts and tables to assist in making the best selection of the essences.
I highly recommend this book. I also recommend Dr. Bach's book, "Heal Thyself".
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