The following is an excerpt from Diane Stein's Healing With Flower and Gemstone Essences, published in 1996 by Crossing Press. It is reprinted here with the permission of the publisher.
One way to test the choices for your essence mixture is by
applied kinesiology, using your body as a pendulum. Stand
and hold the bottle of flower essences against your center chest.
Close your eyes and allow your body to sway freely. If you
find yourself swaying backward, the essence is not positive for
you -- the answer is "no." If you sway forward, the essence
is right for you at this time the answer is "yes." Remember to keep your eyes closed and your body relaxed while testing.
Another kinesiology method involves using the fingers, and is the preferred method of Machaelle Small Wright of Perelandra Essences. If you are right-handed, hold your left palm up and connect the tip of your left thumb with the tip of your left little finger to form a finger circle. Place the thumb and index (first) finger of your right hand inside the finger circle you have just made and hold the finger circle tight. Ask a question with a yes or no answer, then gently press the inside (right-hand) fingers against left-hand finger circle. If the answer is "yes," the left-hand fingers will not pull apart easily; if the answer is "no," they will separate without much pressure. If you are left-handed, reverse these directions. This method can be used for any yes or no questions, not just choosing flower essences.
The traditional method of kinesiology testing requires two participants. The person who wants the information holds the bottle of flower essences to be tested in either hand and holds her opposite arm straight out. The second person then asks: "Is this essence good for her at this time?" and presses gently against the first person's outstretched arm at the wrist. If the answer is "yes," the first person's arm remains steady; if the answer is "no," minimal pressure will cause her arm to fall. Only light, steady pressure on the wrist is needed, not strong force.
To use this method for a pet or a child, the first person touches the pet or child with the same hand that holds the flower essence. She extends her other arm, and the second person presses on the outstretched wrist asking: "Is this essence good for the dog or child at this time?" Again, if the first person's arm remains steady, the answer is "yes"; if her arm falls easily, it's a "no." This method is called surrogate muscle testing.
When using any form of muscle testing or pendulum work, it is important to remain focused on the question at hand. Ask only yes or no questions, phrased in the most simple, direct way. Any of the methods described will help you decide which flower essence/s are right for you at any given time.
For more information about how to formulate clear questions, as well as information on the pendulum
and other intuitive methods of essence selection, see our earlier article.
Links to Materials on Other Testing Procedures:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: This has been an excerpt from Diane Stein's
Healing With Flower and Gemstone Essences, published in 1996 by Crossing Press.
For almost thirty years Diane Stein has written about the issues
of women's spirituality, feminist metaphysics, and natural healing.
Stein is dedicated to teaching women to heal themselves, others,
and the Earth. Although primarily a healer, she has worked politically in the areas of AIDS, incest recovery and disability rights. Stein lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Diane has written more than a dozen books, including Essential
Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art, Natural Healing
for Dogs & Cats, The Natural Remedy Book for Women and All
Women are Healers: A Comprehensive Guide to Natural Healing.
To order any of these books, visit Crossing Press's website
or call 1-800-777-1048.
