By Maria Broderick, Ed.D.
Editors' Note: While essences can be an
excellent complement to other treatments, they are not to be considered a
cure for the psychological/neuropsychological disorders mentioned below.
Dr. Broderick aims to speak to aiding symptoms, and help parents identify which flower
essences can help by noting common conditions for which these symptoms appear.
Psychologists and educators have long recognized that children with known
psychoneurological conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention
Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders
can suffer from acute sensitivity to not only environmental stress but also
to household sounds, light, physical sensations, and even 'friendly' interpersonal interactions.
In my practice, I consult to parents of children
who suffer from these forms of extreme sensitivity. These parents report that
their children are reactive to their own efforts to sooth and calm them through touch.
We have found flower essences to be ideal remedies for helping highly sensitive
children become better able to experience the warm comfort their parents hope to provide.
Lydia is a 4-year-old girl whose mother requested a consultation
on how to best help Lydia recover from a traumatic experience. Lydia is a
sensitive child who suffers from recurring bronchitis and allergies. Lydia
and her parents and younger sister had taken a long driving vacation to Florida.
On the trip home by car, Lydia's baby sister choked on some food in her carseat.
Her parents panicked and Lydia became terrified as her mother worked to remove
the blockage. Lydia herself has choked seriously several times as a toddler
and her mother was quite frightened each time it happened.
Since
the choking incident, Lydia had created a routine around eating where she would eat
only tiny bites, and had to sip water in a particular way between each bite. She was
losing weight and seemed anxious and tired. Lydia's mom had consulted her pediatrician,
who was keeping an eye on Lydia's dropping weight. Lydia had also started to tic.
It started with clearing her throat repeatedly. She then developed persistent eye blinking,
and recently had begun dipping her head to touch her shoulders.
I worked with Lydia's mother to select essences helpful for recovery
from the trauma and to settle her system. Over three days we worked
with Elm and Rescue Remedy from the Bach essences and Elecampagne, Star Jasmine,
Solomon's Seal and Butterflyweed from Delta Gardens. The Bach Rescue Remedy
was selected for trauma created by the repeated choking incidents. The Elm and
Solomon's Seal addressed stability and openness through change.(Lydia's family
had gone through many changes in the few months prior to this consultation,
and the changes seemed to contribute to her sensitivity.)
Elecampagne was included as it is particularly helpful for children who are feeling
the stress of being replaced by a younger sibling. Also, Lydia is asthmatic,
and while it was not the issue we were treating, Elecampagne as an herbal remedy
is helpful with lung conditions. Star Jasmine contributed uplift and lightness to
the blend. We selected the Butterflyweed for the 'stuckness' the ticcing represented.
All of Lydia's essences were applied topically -- Lydia used the Elecampagne
in a mister bottle, and her mother bathed her in a blend of the other essences.
Two weeks later, most of the tics had cleared. Within a month, the eye blinking
had stopped as well. Lydia's mother was very relieved and pleased. Lydia continued
on the blend for one more month.
Jesse is a 3-year-old boy whose older brother has been diagnosed with bipolar
disorder. Jesse was a settled baby and contented toddler who had begun demonstrating
sensitivity to his surroundings. He was especially distressed by novelty -- any
small changes in routine or habits upset him greatly. No particular event was
associated with his increasing sensitivity. We gave him Solomon's Seal
for two weeks, both in baths and topically (through foot and hand rubs).
Solomon's Seal was selected because it aids children who have trouble flowing
readily with change. Jesse's sensitivity has cleared considerably. His happy mood has returned.
Currently in my practice I only recommend topical applications of essences for children, as
they seem to be perfectly effective. Parents of young children use the essences in a light
massage to hands and feet. For older children, I typically give them mister bottles to
apply around their bodies and in their environment.
In both cases, after using flower essences, Lydia and Jesse were more comfortable being
hugged and cuddled by their parents.The sensitivity that prevented them
from feeling comfortable when being touched also seems to have been addressed.
Their increased comfort with touch allows them to receive the natural forms of nurturing their parents offer that, in turn, help keep them balanced and more open to experience.
And their parents, in turn, feel more able to be of help.
Flower essences open the door for children to take in the supports and challenges that
are critical for their growth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MARIA BRODERICK, EdD is a flower essence practitioner and Reiki Master
Teacher. In her practice, she consults to parents about a variety of energetic modalities
that are especially well-suited for working with highly sensitive children. She holds a doctorate from Harvard University in human development and psychology, and has conducted research on mind-body education in area hospitals and research centers. Maria maintains a private practice in Concord, MA. She is the mother of two boys. Email her at maria2broderick@aol.com.
Artwork: Our featured artist for this issue, Lesa Motz, created the indigo-blue tiles. Other images from Art Today.
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.
