Bach Flowers for the Kapha Dosha

In Ayurveda healing the Kapha dosha is comprised of the elements of water and earth. If Kapha is your dominant dosha you are likely very down to earth and grounded. There is more information about this dosha on an earlier post http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2010/12/ayurveda-healing-kapha-dosha.html

The typical body type for the kapha dosha is that of the endomorph- a strong sturdy body that tends to be thickset with wide hips and shoulders. This body type is the most likely to carry excess weight and if the kapha dosha is out of balance, obesity can result.

The Kapha personality is slow and steady. Not much bothers a kapha personality. Today's picture is of a sloth. I saw one of these guys "up close and personal" once and they have really stolen my heart. They are one of my favorite creatures. They are very much like those stuffed monkey toys that you can wrap around your neck and waist, stuck with Velcro. Sloths are very happy to just "hang out". You know what you've got with a kapha personality, or a sloth. You don't need to worry about any sudden movements, attack motions, or unexpected behaviors.

Sloths are so slow and relaxed that they can have problems with algae growing on them. I guess if you have slowed down that much, there are Bach Flowers you might want to think about!

Some of the Bach flowers that seem to be a match for the Kapha dosha are Wild Rose, Gentian, and Water Violet.

When the kapha dosha is out of balance, you may become pretty unmotivated or resigned to your situation even if it is an unpleasant one. Wild Rose is helpful for this general sense of apathy and may be particularly indicated for prominent Kapha personalities. The kapha personality doesn't complain much, but when out of balance this can become a lack of purpose, or resignation. Wild Rose can help if you lack a sense of ambition and energy. The person who needs Wild Rose likely won't complain about a lack of energy, but they won't move off the couch either. Wild Rose can help restore your interest in life so you can take the initiative to make some changes and balance that kapha dosha.

Kaphas have a slow, easy-going personality that can be a real joy. But that slowness can also develop into a depression. I not sure how you really tell if a sloth is depressed. Like the kapha personality, it wouldn't be a sudden swing into the depths of depression, no drama here, it would be a gradual slide into a pretty dark place. For that the Bach Flower Gentian may help. There are a few Bach flowers that help with different aspects of depression. Gentian is indicated for someone that is easily discouraged and depressed when things go wrong or when faced with difficulties. For this type of depression, minor obstacles seem insurmountable and life itself can feel a bit daunting. The Gentian depression is often a slow slide, not the sudden gloom that is more characteristic of Mustard, or the "limit of endurance" anguish characterised by Sweet Chestnut. Kapha's are not prone to drama, but can slowly develop an overall depression for which Gentian may be helpful. Gentian may give them the boost they need to encourage them to keep on trying.

The earth and water elements of Kapha suggest pretty strong, deep rooted attachments to a central place. There isn't a lot of movement or any reason to change things around for a Kapha. The gentle, self-reliant, calm personality of the Kapha dosha points to the Bach Flower essence Water Violet. Like Kapha's, and sloths, the Water Violet personality tends to withdraw and retreat behind a calm facade even when unhappy. They may avoid external distractions and keep their troubles to themselves. When out of balance, these types may benefit from Water Violet as an essence that can help restore relationships with others. Water Violet may help the out of balance Kapha get off the couch, out of the house, and into interactions with others.

The slow build up of illness, issues, or emotions for the Kapha personality may make it difficult to identify when essences may be helpful and which ones might be indicated. The lack of motivation may make self-diagnosis that much more difficult. For that reason, if you do know your kapha dosha tends to be predominant, these essences might be a good place to start when you feel out of balance and could use a little help. In the meantime, enjoy your good nature, your solid connection to the earth, and your overall groundedness.

And if anyone has a sloth that needs a home- let me know!!

Bach Flowers for the Pitta Dosha

It's a steamy Monday in my part of the world with the moisture pretty much lifting off the ground as the sun makes an appearance. That makes it a good time to consider Bach Flowers for the Pitta Dosha. The Pitta Dosha in Ayurveda healing is comprised of the elements water and fire. For more information on this dosha, check out this earlier post http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2010/12/ayurveda-healing-pitta-dosha.html

The elements of fire and water, when combined, make steam and that is the central theme for the dominant pitta dosha personality. Physically, Pittas tend towards the mesomorph body build which is a medium, muscular build. Pitta's are usually pretty energetic people. They are considered the classic "Type A" individual.

Pitta's tend to be pretty intense individuals. They like things to be efficient and orderly. They are often pretty keen business types that follow strict routines, guidelines, and ways of thinking. Any of the Bach flower essences may be indicated and helpful for the dominant Pitta personality, but a good place to start when considering essences might be Rock Water, Vervain and Cherry Plum.

When unbalanced, the Pitta's routine strictness can become a harsher rigidity or lack of flexibility. Rock Water is the Bach flower that may be indicated to help soothe such an over-conscientious workload outlook. Rock Water is helpful when high standards become self-denying. The Type A personality runs the risk of being disappointed with themselves if they can't meet their own high ideals and that is when Rock Water may come to the rescue. Rock Water can allow for some flexibility in life. It can help Pitta's be more willing to change their minds,consider other ways of doing things, and understand that inner harmony can be achieved without externally enforced behaviors.

The Pitta personality is enthusiastic and can become quite involved in a cause, a way of thinking, a business idea, an exercise or diet. When that enthusiasm becomes unbalanced or out of control, Vervain may be a helpful essence. People that can benefit from Vervain often take on too much work and may try to tackle too many jobs at once in their exuberance to achieve, fix the wrong, and make the world a better place. Like the Pitta dosha, the Vervain personality may suffer from lack of sleep due to their active minds and unwillingness to relax. When unbalanced they can become irritable, frustrated, and annoyed over matters of principle and the actions of others. Vervain can help the unbalanced Pitta calm and settle easier. Vervain helps an unbalanced Pitta be more tolerant and able to relax so they can take a broad view of life and events.

People with a dominate Pitta rarely "sit on the fence". They are passionate, opinionated people that are quick to help, rescue and create. They can also be quick to fly into a rage. When you see the "steam coming out of your ears", it's time to consider a few drops of the Bach Flower Cherry Plum! Cherry Plum is indicated when you feel about to explode or give way to violent impulses. Cherry Plum can help restore a calm mind so you can think and act rationally and not out of rage. Cherry Plum can also help you let go of constricting ways of thinking or unrequired actions.

You can have a dominent Pitta dosha and not require any of these Bach flower essences, and you might benefit from others as well. The three suggested are not meant to be limiting or restricting. As far as I know, Dr. Bach didn't make any connections between the doshas and the flower essences. However, sometimes it's helpful to just have a starting point of reference. These essences are merely meant as a point to start, a place to begin your research, and see what makes the best match for you. Happy experimenting and I'm always happy to hear your results!

Bach Flowers for the Vata Dosha

Self-diagnosis can be a difficult task. I think it becomes even more difficult to figure out what it is you need when you really need something! Perhaps that's why we like to categorize things, and put labels and diagnosis on ailments. Once you have a diagnosis it feels like it is easier to treat. It doesn't really work that way in alternative medicine but I understand the mentality. It is the way we have been trained to think.

Along these lines, someone asked me the other day if there were Bach Flowers specific to the doshas. That got me thinking... While any of the 38 Bach flowers might be indicated for any and all of the doshas, there are some that come to mind as a good match for each dosha, similar to the way certain flowers can be "assigned" to each of the chakras. If you already know which dosha you are, http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2010/12/ayurveda-healing-which-dosha-are-you.html this could be a helpful way to narrow down your choices when looking for a healing essence. Often you just need that place to start.

If you are a dead ringer for today's picture, you might be a dominant Vata Dosha as they tend to be the ectomorph body type. If the resemblance isn't that great, and you're not sure, check out this earlier post http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2010/12/ayurvedic-healing-vata-dosha.html

The Vata Dosha is comprised of the elements air and space. That type of light, spacious detachment, suggests the Bach flower essence Clematis might be helpful in times of imbalance. People with dominant Vata Doshas are often creative and dreamy. They tend to spend a lot of time in dreamland and may lack the groundedness of other doshas. Clematis may help them connect with their roots so they can bring their creativity into action. Clematis may also help them maintain an interest in the present rather than drifting off.

People with a dominant vata dosha tend to be quick in action. They are fast talkers, move in bursts of energy, and have difficulty relaxing. When they get out of balance, they tend to become impatient and frustrated. This is a match for the Bach Flower Impatiens. This essence can be difficult to self-diagnosis because when you are in an impatient mood you don't have the patience to figure out which essence you need! So if you are of the Vata Dosha, you might consider trying the essence Impatiens as one of your first "go to" remedies to help you breathe deep, relax, and take the time to figure out what other essences are indicated.

That type of creativity that is common to the Vata Dosha, when it gets out of balance, can lead to worrying thoughts and a sense of restlessness. This in turn can lead to some restless nights and bouts of insomnia for people with this dominant dosha. White Chestnut may be indicated for this imbalance. White Chestnut is helpful for anyone that has repetitive thoughts going round and round their head preventing sleep. White Chestnut can help you replace worry with clearer thinking and an ability to concentrate during the day or sleep at night.

For the Vata Dosha, there may be no constant but change. This person is up and down and moves from bursts of energy, thought and emotion. This points to the Bach flower essence Scleranthus. Scleranthus is considered the essence for indecision, when you are trying to decide between two things. The pattern of scleranthus is that of up and down, back and forth, changing between the extremes of joy and sadness or energy and apathy. During the extreme of positive energy and joy, it may be difficult to self-diagnosis. In fact, there may be no desire or need. During the extreme of apathy or sadness, it may be hard to remember you had a swing the other way a few days, weeks or minutes ago!

The Vata Dosha loves change and resists routine. Although they are drawn to spontaneity and shifts, such lack of routine can bring about an imbalance and can result in digestive complaints, physical aliments, and emotional upheaval. For this, the Bach Flower Walnut may be indicated. Because the Vata Dosha personality brings so much change into their lives, they may, at times, need some protection from this change. Walnut can help you move forward during change, staying steady to a course and a path in life. Sometimes Vata Dosha's need that directional assistance.

Sometimes it's all about finding the right place to start. If starting with your dosha helps you find the path towards healing, then that's a good place to begin. Follow the path, try some essences and see where it leads.

Animal Signs: The Otter

The animal world seems to be making itself known to us lately in some unusual ways. Or at least this is happening in my part of the world. I'm not sure if it was the lunar eclipse, or solstice, or some pretty intense electrical storm activity that seemed to have the birds out of whack for awhile. Thankfully, they have stopped throwing themselves at the windows and seem to have calmed down. A few days ago a deer made headline news when he crashed through the window of a coffee shop in the city. Strange behavior that we seem to be seeing more of. The Heron is still hanging around but seems to be above any self-destructive or extreme behavior. He appears quite regal and content on his buoy or flying above. There are butterflies and dragonflies all around these days- a welcome sign of summer I guess. Now an otter is making his appearance known to me. He's been swimming around pretty contented but I think he wants to be talked about on the blog so here goes.

Daniel Mapel in, "Into the Heart of the Wild", describes the Otter as being a symbol of child-like playfulness. That certainly describes the Otter behavior. I'm sure he has concerns of basic survival but you wouldn't know it by looking. He swims around in no big hurry or pattern and just seems to be enjoying the splashes. Mapel explains the Otter is an animal that nurtures our ability to relax and not take life too seriously. Having Otters come into your life (and I believe this can happen through actual appearances, pictures, or just being drawn to the creature), may be a symbol that nature is encouraging you to keep a light outlook on the world and your situation, even when facing serious matters. The Otter encourages us to see life as a fun game and a joyful place to be no matter what might be brewing around us. The Otter is seen as a symbol of increased freedom, and light-hearted adventure. It is said that the Otter may come to those that are depressed or chronically worried in order to encourage them that life is not meant to be difficult.

If worry seems to be a constant in your life that takes you away from playing with the Otters, there are a couple of Bach flowers that might help. Both Red Chestnut and Heather can help soothe the worried mind.

If your worry seems focused on others, Red Chestnut may be indicated. Red Chestnut might be considered the "mother's essence" as it is indicated for those that are over-concerned for their children or family members. When out of balance, this concern becomes a pretty consuming fear and has a way of spiraling out of control. The remedy is helpful if you find yourself worried that minor complaints will turn into serious diseases, or everyday activities will end in tragedies such as plane trips into crashes. The parent who lives in fear their son or daughter will be in a car crash can be helped with Red Chestnut. It isn't just parents that hold these worries or fears. Children may be over-concerned they will loose a parent or loved one as well. Red Chestnut won't take away your love and concern for family members, but it can help you balance compassion without anxiety. It likely won't help you fall sleep before the car is back in the driveway, but it might enable you to read a good book until they get home, instead of staring out the window or pacing the hallways.

If your worry is more focused on yourself than on others, Heather may be the Bach Flower essence that is indicated for you. Heather is indicated for those that are preoccupied with their own situation, ailments or concerns. It is helpful for people that exaggerate their symptoms into full blown anxieties. The typical hypochondriac can benefit from a few drops of Heather. This is an essence that might be hard to self-diagnose, but often comes up in professional consultations. People that can benefit from Heather often exhaust their friends from constant talk and endless details about their own issues. They can drive people away because of such extreme neediness. The classic Heather personality is a fast talker that invades your personal space in order to explain what they are going through.

On the other hand, the Otter may make an appearance just to say- "Hey, it's summertime, chill-out in human land". We could take a lot of lessons from our animal friends. If only we would listen...

Summer Solstice

Today is summer solstice and therefore the true beginning of the summer season. And in my part of the world, it has been a beautiful sunny day, reason to rejoice in itself!

During this summer solstice, the sun is in Cancer according to my We'Moon book, which means it is a particularly nurturing time. The sun in Cancer calls us to nurture gardens, fertilize our souls and reconnect with family and friends. It's a special time of peace and quiet contentment.

The summer solstice speaks to the root chakra and that sense of feeling safe and secure, deeply rooted in the earth. The root chakra is focused on stability, basic survival needs, self preservation, trust and the sense of being grounded.

The summer season is a good time to nurture your root chakra. It's a time to live life simply, to kick back and enjoy what is around you without unnecessary complications or strict plans. It's a time to "go with the flow", basking in the energy the earth provides you with.

If you aren't experiencing that peaceful connection with the earth and a sense of security there are some Bach flowers that can help.

Rock Rose is helpful if you fear for your survival. It can help balance a state of being "frozen in fear". This deep sense of fear can leave you incapable of making decisions to ensure your well-being. Rock Rose can help restore your ability to react and move forward during a crisis.

Sweet Chestnut is sometimes indicated with issues of the root chakra. It is helpful when you have a deep sense of mental anguish. If your ability to survive in the world is heavily dependent on someone or something that is no longer in your life, Sweet Chestnut can help to restore your sense of balance. Sweet Chestnut is particularly helpful when you feel you have met the limit of your endurance. It helps when life has been very difficult such as when you are grieving the death of a loved one.

The root chakra is quite concentrated on feeling a connection to the earth and those basic needs. If life isn't providing you with that sense of "safe connection", you may remove yourself to a dream land. This isn't a pleasant daydream state, but a yearning for better times, better circumstances, a different life. The dreaming prevents action, and can set up a vicious cycle. The worse things get, the more you escape, and while you are off in dream-land, the world continues to fall in around you. People in this constant dream state are often accident prone because of distraction. Clematis is the Bach flower essence that can help bring you down to earth. Clematis can help you put your dreams into action so that you can take an active interest in the world around you and shape it into a secure place.

One of the foods that resonates with the root chakra is ginger. It's a perfect time to sit back in the hammock with a glass of ginger beer, a gingersnap and a really good book. Enjoy the sense of re-charging.

Cheers!

Tired? Exhausted?: Bach Flowers for Energy

Tomorrow marks the first day of those "lazy hazy days of summer". Summer is supposed to be a easy going, slow paced time of year. Hmm.. isn't that interesting? If the lead up to these slower paced days has you feeling a little worn out- there are some Bach Flower essences that might help.

The two classic Bach flower essences for exhaustion are Olive and Oak. It is helpful to distinguish between the two.

Olive is indicated when you are exhausted in both body and mind. If you find yourself tired to the point of tears- this is the essence for you. Olive is a great essence to consider if you have been going through a period of personal difficulties, intense work, or a long illness. People that can benefit from Olive often feel as though everything is an effort. If the leisure activities that you once enjoyed don't even interest you anymore because you're just too tired- consider a few drops of Olive. Olive can help you restore your inner strength. Olive can help you listen to your body so that you pace yourself better and recognize the needs of your body before you reach your limit. Olive can help you renew an interest in life and restore you vitality.

Oak is also indicated for a sense of fatigue. The Oak person will continue to struggle on despite feeling exhausted. Unlike Olive, the Oak person will have no time to even think about crying. Oak people are usually driven by a sense of duty. They keep plodding through in an effort to help others and be reliable. The person needing Oak is often working for others- many others. Like the Oak tree, this person has many branches that reach out to others in an effort to care, support, and help. Also like the Oak tree, this person may find themselves feeling empty in their core. They have given so much to so many others and the numerous branches of self that there is nothing left inside. The Oak person won't allow themselves to relax until all the duties are done and they ignore how tired they are until they come crashing down. And, for an Oak person, it is often a big crash. They collapse in total exhaustion and often come down with a serious illness and are forced to stop. Oak can help restore energy to this type of person. When balanced, an Oak person is able to recognize the need to relax and look after themselves as well as their various duties. Taking Oak can help you see the need to feed your inner core so the branches can remain strong, being fed from within.

If neither Olive or Oak seem to describe your sense of fatigue, and instead you feel overwhelmed by the work load, Elm may be the essence that can help you. Elm people are usually very competent and capable people that suddenly become depressed and exhausted. In the Elm state, people begin to doubt their abilities and feel they can't deal with the workload. Elm can help put things into perspective. Elm can help restore your normal capable personality so you can return to a sense of efficiency and self-assurance. When balanced, the Elm person only takes on as much as can be coped with. They take time to look after personal needs as well as the needs of others.

Whether it's Olive, Oak,or Elm, there is a central theme with these essences. There is a need to really balance and restore the core. We often get so caught up in our "to do" lists and busy lives that we don't pay attention to what our body needs. Whether it's effort driven by tough times (Olive), duty (Oak), or a sense of responsibility (Elm), we can become drained. Once drained, the body often responds by giving up and giving in to illness and exhaustion. We reach the "breaking point"- sometimes quite literally.

Maybe summertime is meant as a recharging of the batteries. Rather than setting up the summer activities, or struggling to accomplish so that you can relax, it's time to just stop. Stop- right now, today, this minute. Breathe in and out, consider how your body really feels and honor yourself for a moment. Give yourself a break and take one thing off the list of "must do's". Let someone else pitch in for a moment, let the house go dirty, don't take on that new project. Say "no" to just one thing or one person. You might be surprised at how much energy you have within if you pay attention to the need to stop now and then. Consider it an investment for your future.

Bach Flowers for Animals in Transit

So tonight is the full moon, the lunar eclipse,and the final game for the Stanley Cup. It's also close to the end of the school year and all the ceremonies, joys and angst that comes with that. I don't think we could be any more charged with energy around here.

So it seems to me that tonight should just be a nice place of balance between the waxing moon and the wanning moon. That means today is the day to finally "let go" of all the things that you don't want to travel with you into the next moon phase. It's also a time to consider what new things you would like to have come into your life during the wanning moon phase and as we get close to summer solstice.

It seems like this sense of wanting to bring something new into your life has been good for the animal kingdom. I have talked to a lot of people lately that are in the process of, or have already acquired, a new pet.

The transition from one home to another, including the travel involved in getting to a new home, can be stressful for both animals and humans. This is a great time to consider using Bach Flowers. Animals respond very well to Bach Flower essences.

One of the first essences to consider for such a time of change is Walnut. Finding a new home is a major transition in any animal's(and owner's) life. Walnut can ease the process. You don't have to consider Walnut (or any other Bach Flower) only in terms of negative emotions. Happy change and new circumstances that are exciting and welcome can also be eased, leveled out, or balanced with Walnut. Think about that butterfly feeling in your stomach and reach for Walnut.

Scleranthus might be helpful during the plane, train, boat, or car ride to get to a new home. Scleranthus is typically used for uncertainty or indecision, when you are struggling between two courses of action. That movement from one place to another can be a little unsettling. I have had both human and animal clients relieve car sickness with a few drops of Scleranthus before embarking on the journey.

Wild Oat might help the new addition adjust to his/her role in the family. Animals, not unlike humans, struggle to find their place in the hierarchy. Sometimes they can be confused about when to follow, when to lead, and when to stay very neutral. Wild Oat can help your new pet sort out his or her true path or place so their talents can be used constructively within the overall family dynamics.

If you have pet "siblings" that might not be as excited about a new arrival as you are, you might consider giving them Holly in anticipation of a new arrival. Holly is the typical "sibling rivalry" remedy. Animals needing Holly sometimes act aggressively because they are feeling a bit confused or insecure in their heart. Holly can help them realize you still love them and may ease the conflict over your affection.

Honeysuckle might be an essence to consider if you or any of your pets are having some moments of doubt after the initial arrival. If you are starting to long for the peacefulness you had before the new puppy peed on the rug or chewed one of your shoes that was supposed to go with your bridesmaid outfit a day before the wedding (personal experience on that one!), Honeysuckle is indicated. Honeysuckle is for those that have an over-attachment to past memories, and their attachment to the past prevents them from moving forward (or buying a new pair of shoes!). Big sigh...

Any of the 38 Bach Flower essences might actually be indicated as you adjust to the new arrival of a pet. Particularly if you are adopting an older animal or rescued pet, you may need to look at personalized remedy options. In the meantime, Rescue Remedy can make things easier for you in hectic times. Rescue Remedy contains Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose and Clematis- all of which are great ones to consider. Rescue Remedy is also readily available in most health food stores, and can often be found in grocery and drug stores as well.

I can't wait to meet the guy in the picture. For now he's known as Mr. Purple until he reveals his real name. He's not mine, but I'm hoping to be a "favorite Aunty". I plan to bribe him with treats laden with Bach Flowers!!

In the meantime, howl at the moon tonight. Never mind the chewed shoes and enjoy the feeling of bare feet on the grass. Let go of all old, no longer useful stuff, and welcome in the new whatever your new might be. Put your shoes high up on a shelf and enjoy the magic!!