Beautiful Vibrations: Living through medical illness with Bach flower remedies

Are you under emotional stress because of the illness of yourself or a loved one? If so the Bach flowers, established as safe and natural remedies for almost 100 years, may be able to help.Anxiety, fear, worry, sadness, depression, anger and loss of hope are common responses to any serious or chronic disease. Symptoms of the condition itself, side-effects of treatment, concerns about diagnosis and prognosis, unwanted changes in activity and relationships take their toll on both body and mind. Ideally, negative feelings will soon be replaced by a more positive adjustment, but sometimes they are severe or prolonged.Bach flowers are not a cure for physical disease but work to relieve the emotional distress often associated with it. Dr Edward Bach described them as having "beautiful vibrations" capable of promoting positive mental states such as hope, courage and calm. This short practical guide explains how to select and use the remedies as part of a holistic approach to healing. Despite all its unpleasant aspects, the experience of illness can have "silver linings" and the flower remedies can help to bring them out.Dr Jennifer Barraclough is a former consultant in psychological medicine with many years' experience of working with patients and their families especially in cancer care settings. She is also a qualified Bach flower practitioner, life coach, and author of fiction and nonfiction books.