We had every intention of producing this Bulletinearlier, but as you know, time has a habit of “going” and before you know it, it has gone! Anyway, better late than never!
Over the last few months, several points have been raised, and as we have said before, when one person raises a certain question, the changes are, there will be many others who are also concerned with the same query, so we hope the information will prove useful to everyone.
Remedies for modern living
This subject has been addressed in detail in the Bach Centre Newsletter (August 94 issue), but as one or two practitioners have also raised the point, we felt it would be useful to mention it here as well.
There has been a lot of publicity recently about Australian Bush Essences, the main thrust of which has been an emphasis on modern living and the argument that the Bach remedies are out of date because in Dr Bach’s time people did not encounter such things as sexual problems. It is suggested therefore that new remedies are now needed to cater for conditions like this which are (apparently) a 1990’s phenomenon.
Such a statement, of course, shows a complete lack of understanding of the most fundamental concept of Dr Bach’s work – the principle of treating the person, not the complaint. A remedy selection depends on the nature of the problem, how the individual feels about it, whether it is the result of something deeper, and so on.
Problems with sex or sexuality may have purely physical causes such as the complications of a certain disease or the side effect of a particular drug, but there are also countless possible emotional reasons for a person’s sexual difficulty which could range from low self-esteem, lack of confidence, depression, mental preoccupation, disgust of the sexual act, disinterest, sense of inadequacy, fear of sex, worry, anxiety, tiredness, overwork, suspicion (real or imagined), trying (maybe too hard) for a baby, worrying about performance, feeling under pressure to perform and at the right time… it may even be due to one or other partner falling for someone else.
The end result (i.e. the “sexual problem”, however it might be manifested), could in turn range from impotence to premature ejaculation; from frigidity to nymphomania. But it is not the end result that matters – it is the cause of the problem in the first place that is important. The Bach remedies deal with that because they address the fear, anxiety, disgust, strain, or whatever it might be that is the causal factor, but as with any other “problem”, it is imperative to uncover the reasons why and how it affects each individual on a personal level. Only then can the right remedies be chosen.
The remedies move with the times and cope with so-called “modern day” problems perfectly adequately. And in any event, it is absurd to suggest people did not encounter such things in Dr Bach’s day! Not only did people cope with sexual difficulties, but rape, child abuse, burglaries, muggings, violent assaults etc. sadly went on too. We do not have to delve every deeply into the history book sot find the evidence – Jack the Ripper, Queen Victoria’s drug habits, Henry VIII’s infidelity, are just a few, albeit extreme, examples.
People may not have discussed their problems so openly in those days, but that does not mean they did not exist. People may have been ashamed or too proud to seek help, but that does not mean they did not suffer. On the contrary, their suffering may have been even greater for the absence of self-help groups, rape crisis centres or social services to turn to for advice and support.
The Bach remedies are for every day – not just for the 1930s or even the 1990s. They are for now and tomorrow and for decades to come, for until human beings evolve to such an extent that they no longer suffer emotionally, they remedies simply cannot be surpassed.
Insurance
It has been suggested that if anyone comes across a reasonable insurance policy, they inform other practitioners. We are not sure how practical this would be to yourselves (perish the thought of an enormous telephone bill!), but if anyone has come across a relatively cheap but comprehensive cover, perhaps you would let us know so that we can pass the information on via the Bulletin. So far, we feel the package offered by H&L Balen seems to be the most competitive, combining a good all-round policy with fairly reasonable rates, and they have provided us with bundles of information should anyone be interested.
Registration renewals
As you already know, your registration has to be renewed annually. Each year we send you a form to return with your registration fee. Most of you are very prompt with the renewal of your registration (thank you!), but very occasionally the form is never returned, and consequently registration not renewed, despite reminders being sent out. We are then left wondering what the problem is – whether the practitioner wishes to take some time off and does not want to receive referrals for the time being, or simply does not wish to be associated with us any more.
If it is the former, we should like to reassure anyone in this situation that referrals are not compulsory! You can be a non-active practitioner for a while if you prefer – simply indicate this preference on the form. However, to retain registered status and recognition as such, registration must be renewed. So please let us know – even if there is a problem – so that we are not left guessing!
Whilst on the subject of registrations, those who have renewed recently will have noticed that we are issuing a new type of certificate with no expiry date. You will still receive your registration renewal form which, as explained above, much be returned for your registration to be renewed, but instead of receiving a replacement certificate, you will simply receive confirmation that renewal has taken place. This system will avoid unnecessary paperwork whilst retaining the annual review procedure.
And finally…
Hats off to:
Jane Pratt, Richard Darlington, Janet Gibbons, Rosemary Burr, Dianne McGee, Catherine Cozic, Joanna Croft, Meg Brinton, Avril Harvey, Anne-Grete Olesen, Jennie Levick, Callie Low, Gina Merrett-Smith, Priscilla Davies, Susan Davies, Kathy Jones, Sandie Rodham, Marilyn Hunt, Joyce Tindall, Helen Marriott, Gail Thomas, Robin Bate, Irene Townson, Janet Kalmbach, Barbara Lewis, Pamela Jordan, Maureen Buchanan…
who have all joined the Register since the last Bulletin. Congraulations!
This archive material has been edited to remove some out-of-date advice and information.