Throughout history flowers have been valued for their healing properties. For many years, Australian Aborigines have used flowers to heal physical injuries as well as emotional imbalances; flower essences were also commonly used in India, Asia, Europe, and Ancient Egypt.

Seventy years ago, Dr. Edward Bach, who specialised in English flowering plants, began to re-popularise this method of healing. Australian herbalist and Naturopath, Ian White, further developed this system, and devoted many years to travelling Australia, where his studies led him to develop 65 specific Bush Flowers Essences. These particular essences are believed to heighten a person’s intuition, bring forth positive qualities, and finally enable individuals to follow their goals in life more effectively.

Research into California Flowers was first developed in the 1970s by Richard Katz and Patricia Kaminsky. They were both practitioners of Bach Flower Remedies, and used the principles of this treatment to develop twelve flower essences. These twelve essences are believed to treat emotional problems, and regenerate the patient’s life force. They focus on self-esteem issues, boosting creativity and self-realisation, also encouraging spiritual growth. There is also a range dedicated to the development of sexuality and increase of loving relationships. The flower remedies are directed toward the new-age patient as they were designed to deal with stressors specific to the current social climate.

Breathwork is a practise that involves different techniques of breathing. Hyperventilation and linking the inhalation and exhalation breaths during meditation and psychotherapy are such techniques. It is believed that these different forms of breathing are essential in reaching alternate states of consciousness.

Breathwork is thought to play a very important role in reducing stress, and in battling insomnia and depression. Moreover, sustained Breathwork techniques have been found to have psychological, spiritual, physical and emotional benefits.