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Laxey woman becomes registered to use plant remedies for animals
BACH Flower Remedies are familiar to many of us – especially Rescue Remedy, which lots of women carry around in their handbag to calm the nerves in those crisis moments we all experience from time to time.
But did you know that the remedies are also prescribed for animals?
Registered Bach Flower practitioner Fiona Shimmin of Laxey (one of only two on the Island) has recently qualified as a Bach Foundation registered animal practitioner.
The course took two-and-a-half-years to complete and included attending the Bach Centre in Mount Vernon, Oxfordshire – former home of the founder, Dr Edward Bach.
Fiona said: 'Animals have emotions, just like people. Sometimes they feel anxious, frightened, irritable, lonely or sad just like we do. Perhaps they are recovering from an operation or illness and need some extra support or they may be having difficulties if you have moved house.
'Pets may miss you when you go on holiday or perhaps they are frightened of fireworks. These are just some of the issues the remedies will help with.'
Bach Remedies were founded by Dr Edward Bach, who qualified as a medical doctor in 1912.
Dr Bach had a successful Harley Street practice, but turned away from orthodox medicine and turned instead to research into the healing properties of plant essences.
Over 18 years, he discovered 38 plant-based preparations that can be combined into different combinations. Each remedy he believed 'chimes' with a different emotional states such as fear, worry, jealousy, and grief – feelings that in themselves can affect the immune system and lead to physical illnesses.
They are said to be truly 'complementary' in that they work alongside orthodox medicine and are gentle and non-habit forming.
Fiona, 49, discovered Bach Remedies after a hip operation.
'It just resonated with me,' she said. 'They helped with my recuperation'.
Having proved the benefits for herself, she decided to train as a practitioner and qualified in 2008.
It was through her clients that she became interested in treating animals.
With the support and encouragement of her husband Peter and teenage son Fynn, she embarked on the specialist training she needed.
Eighteen months later she has graduated as one of the few human and animal practitioners in the British Isles.
'I did a lot of travelling between here and the Natural Animal Centre near Camarthen.
'I also had to make a DVD of a consultation with a German Shepherd!' she said.
She emphasises that she only works under referrals from a vet and she follows up a course of treatment with a report for them.
'They have all been really supportive,' she said.
Fiona has just returned from Natural Animal Centre in Wales, where she gave a talk at the annual conference.
She also collected her Bach Foundation registered animal practitioner qualification and listened to speakers such as Stefan Ball, director of the Bach Centre, Steve Goward of the UK Dogs Trust, and a farrier on how to make shoeing your horse a pleasant experience.
She will be running a Bach Flower Remedies Pet's Workshop on Saturday, May 8 from 2pm–4pm at the Manx Natural Healing Centre, Centre 21, Greenfield Road, Douglas.
To book phone Chris Wallis on 673824.
In addition, she and Pam Neill will be holding a Health Fayre at Ramsey Town Hall on Saturday, June 26, with proceeds going to the Manx branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society.
She has clinics in Ramsey and Douglas and can be contacted by telephone on 494708 or by email at info@mbfr.co.uk
Website: www.mbfr.co.uk
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Weather for Isle of Man
Saturday 04 February 2012
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