If you are interested in using natural, flower-based therapies on your pet, this Sunday offers two opportunities to learn more. These workshops from The Lightfoot Way can teach you more: Flower Essences for Animals Workshop, Sunday August 30, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Molly's Mutt House at 1726 W. 23rd in the Heights. Flower essences are created by placing a flower or part of a plant in water, placing it in sunlight, and allowing the water to take on the vibrational energies of that part of the plant. They are commonly used on animals with emotional/behavioral issues by many professional animal communicators. Many animal rescue organizations have realized the value in flower essences. In this workshop you will: Learn how flower essences work, Learn the benefits and properties of Bach flower essences, Learn how to determine the proper flower essences, Learn the administration of flower essences, Learn how to make a custom flower essence, Bring your animal or photos of your animals (blends can also be made for yourself or other people), Participants will be able to create one custom blend of Bach flower essences. And, on the same day at the same location, you can sign take advantage of: Aromatherapy for Animals Workshop from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils which are extracted from flowers, leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds or fruit of the plant. Documented veterinary remedies date back to the 18th century. While essential oils can be used to help with emotional and spiritual issues, they are also helpful with physical issues such as wounds, skin conditions, joint problems, circulatory issues, and parasites. In this workshop you will: Learn how essential oils work, Learn the benefits and properties of essential oils, Learn how to determine the proper essential oils, Learn the administration of aromatherapy for animals, Learn the precautions with animal aromatherapy, Learn how to make a custom essential oil blend, Bring your animal or photos of your animals (blends can also be made for yourself or other people), Participants will be able to create one custom blend of essential oils. Cost: $75 or both workshops for $125 (paypal & checks accepted; $45 deposit or $75 for both Here is a helpful article written by workshop leader Kim Shotola, an expert on holistic healing, featured in the current issue of PetTalk. Find out where you can get a copy here. HELP YOUR PETS WITH FLOWER ESSENCES By Kim Shotola The Origin of Flower Essences Edward Bach was a London pathologist, bacteriologist, and physician whose clinical experience showed that the cause of illness is linked to emotions. His research indicated that a positive state of wellbeing could be achieved through the energies found in flowers, bushes, trees, and special waters. He created the first flower essences in the 1930’s. The most popular of his 39 remedies is Rescue Remedy. It is known for its calming ability and used by many people, including animal rescuers. Essences are a compliment to traditional veterinary care. How Essences Can Help Flower essences work on a mental, emotional, physical or spiritual level. If you can bring your pet’s body back in balance, then any behavioral or physical issue has the ability to be reduced or resolved. Tommy was a cat that did not want to interact with the owner’s husband. After a few days of receiving a custom blend of essences, he accepted the husband and even wanted to curl up with him. Glenda was a dog that started to act withdrawn and have a loss of appetite. Within a day, she was acting more outgoing and eating again. How Essences are Created Essences are created by taking the part of the plant, placing it in a clear glass bowl with spring water, and allowing it to soak in the sunshine for three hours. Bach added brandy to the energized water to help preserve the stock bottles. Each of his essences is made from a single source, other than the Rescue Remedy, which is made from five of the essences. While a single flower essence is more effective because it is more focused, most animals need a remedy with multiple essences to help their situation. A blend of 3-7 essences from the 39 is common. While you can select essences based on the emotions they help, the best way to determine the proper ones is to muscle test. You are likely to achieve success more quickly by using this simple technique. You then take 2 drops from each stock bottle, place them in an empty bottle, and fill with spring water. Refrigeration preserves the blend for 6-8 weeks. How to Administer Essences Essences can be given by placing the liquid in your pet’s mouth, on a small piece of food, or in their water bowl. The liquid can be applied to the animal’s paws, tips of their ears, or their fur. You can even put the essences in a spray bottle and mist your pet, their carrier, or sleeping area. Make sure the dropper does not touch anything so that you don’t contaminate it. Most people offer 3-4 drops of essences 2-4 times a day. While sometimes improvement is seen within a few hours, some situations may take days or weeks. With consistent improvement, you can wean your animal off. Some pets benefit from essences long term, especially those that are constantly undergoing change in their life or have been severely abused or neglected. Bach essences can be purchased at Whole Foods and some health food stores. Custom blends can be ordered from TheLightfootWay.com.