It is true that maturity brings grace, knowledge and peace. It also seems to bring comments such as, "It's terrible getting old!" or, "That's what happens! You lose your hair and get arthritis, hard of hearing, and high blood pressure -- that's old age!" But is it? My favorite comment by the famous endocrinologist and natural health expert, Deepak Chopra, MD, is that people get old, get arthritis and die, because they see other people get old, get arthritis and die. His point is that we do not respect the fabulous and limitless healing power of our bodies. We do not give our bodies what they optimally need to have true health, vibrancy and longevity. Dr. Chopra teaches that our spiritual, mental and emotional health contributes directly to our physical health and happiness.

Does getting older really mean high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity, losing our hair, our sight and hearing? Do we have to get heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, colon cancer, osteoporosis and broken bones? Disease happens for many, many reasons -- genetics, environmental stresses, poor diet over a long term, and the work environment. There is more and more research being done today that our attitude, personality and spiritual outlook in life are major contributing factors as well.

Current statistics have indicated that over 69% of the general public has used an alternative healing technique in the last year -- including chiropractic, acupuncture, yoga, organic food choices, vitamin and herb therapy, meditation, etc. Over three billion dollars have been spent out-of-pocket for these health care choices, and less than 45% of those using natural health techniques have shared that information with their general care physicians.

There IS interest. There IS personal money being invested into our health care choices. There are even more insurance companies managing to finance such therapies, citing the overall savings experienced by covering natural techniques effective in preventing illness as compared to the astronomical costs of pharmaceuticals which are not always effective at treating or ending illness.

Read, learn, and advocate for your rights to access standard and alternative health care. Advocate for insurance coverage for health care that works. Contact a holistic nutritionist to evaluate your health and set up healthy meal plans and dietary guidelines. Look into community-sponsored exercise and recreation courses. Some even have classes (and personal deliveries) on healthy and light cooking techniques. Browse your local health food store for healthy choices in food and holistic health professionals in your area. For example, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, yoga for physical help. Look into homeopathy, aromatherapy, and flower remedies for mental and emotional health.

How Essences Helped One Senior in Crisis

At the age of 79, Sarah had lost her husband of over 50 years to advanced stage alcoholism. Although in shock, lost and adjusting to life without her husband, she also felt relieved not to have to see the terrible effects that the disease had taken on her husband and her family. While bicycling with her daughter, Sarah fell off her bike and scraped her side terribly. She was not ready or willing to be quickly relocated to up-state New York by her well-meaning children.

I had received a letter from Sarah three days before a vacation to upstate NY, suggesting that we visit her if the chance came about. I looked forward to our surprise visit very much. Sarah's new home was quaint and well kept. She admitted to being lost and a bit angry at her children's judgment that she should not live alone any longer. She especially missed her vast front and back gardens that she had developed at her home on Long Island for forty years. Sarah was limping and a bit frail. She said she felt in a dream state, with all the moving and new location, and still not healed from her bicycle accident. Her leg had a huge sore on it, her elbow hurt, and kept her up at night. She longed for her health, her familiar home, and some youth.

I described the wonders of flower remedies as a source of natural healing for emotional stability, which in turn can help the body to heal. Her reply was, "Why of course flowers can heal! Anyone would know that when they are tending to their garden and seeing and smelling those beautiful little friends! I'd love you to help me heal with your flowers."

Editors' Note: We'd like to re-emphasize Mary Anne's point here and add that unattended emotional and spiritual healing can block the body's own ability to naturally heal something like her wound. Unblocking the healing energy that is tied up in unresolved emotional and spiritual pain can free the body to heal itself. (More about this distinction in the editorial.)

I made Sarah a formula of Oak, for her enduring zest for life; Walnut for the transition to single life and her new neighborhood; Crab Apple, a general cleanser; Clematis for the dream state after moving; Star of Bethlehem for the trauma of losing a life long partner; Honeysuckle for the longing for the better days of the past; and Rescue Remedy for the immediate stress she felt daily.

When I returned from my one-week vacation, in the mail was a letter from Sarah: "I can hardly believe how well I am feeling. I slept so well last night. I awoke at 9AM -- a far cry from 5AM after a sleepless night of pain. This mixture was more like a miracle cure. I am even walking more gracefully! Thanks so much for caring. The doctor said my healing would take two to twelve months. God bless you both."

About one month later, I received another letter writing of her gardening plans (with her drawings), and a list of jokes. She again waxed enthusiastic about the effects of the remedies. We keep contact regularly now, and I am honored to help, and continue to help Sarah live her life to the fullest, as she always had!

Each Individual's Path to Wellness is Different

When our bodies, minds and souls are given what they need on an intimate, individual basis (which will be different for each and every one of us), healing can and does occur. The very successful move in modern health care today is the cooperation and integration of standard medical technology with natural and safe alternative methods of healing. Although new and challenging for many to access and finance such an approach into their life, it IS the answer to naturally longer, healthier, and fulfilling lives.

Editors' Note: Please see our February 2007 issue of Vibration entitled Essences Make Truly Holistic Health Care for more articles about this subject.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Ann Dittmeier, BFRP, is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, president and founder of FIND YOUR BALANCE, INC. Ms. Dittmeier is also a certified Bach Foundation Level I Instructor and has often been interviewed for print, radio and TV media. She lectures widely and is considered a compassionate expert in her field. For consultations, mail orders and workshops: call 631-475-8308, send an email, or visit her web page.

DESIGN CREDITS: This page was designed by Deborah Bier and Donna Cunningham; photos are from Clipart.com.

The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.

©2008 Vibration Magazine/The World Wide Essence Society
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