Heal Thyself

by Edward Bach

Dr Bach shows the vital principles which will guide medicine in the near future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

71 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interestingly, this book by Dr Edward Bach the well known creator or the Bach's Flower essences did not mention the flower essences or homeopathy, but talked about the importance of listening to and being connected with our Soul and its desires, and contributing love and value to the community and the world. According to Bach, it is because we are disconnected to our Soul (inner voice, inner wisdom, universal soul) and others because of pride, hatred, greed - that we suffer inner conflict and hence fall ill.

While it is a bit long-winded as are writings of those times (book written in 1930s - people had more time then lol) its essential points are in sync with modern psychology and intuitively correct.

I especially liked the part where he devoted some time to explain that parenthood is sacred and honorable duty, and that it is role of parents to help a child find out the call of his Soul and not to have any expectations in return. I've heard this said in different ways by both Venerable Mahinda (a Malaysian monk) in one of his talks as well as Deepak Chopra in The Seven Spiritual Laws of success. In fact, Chopra went to the point of telling his young sons then that their job was to find out what they were here for and what was their unique contribution to mankind. They were not to worry about grades or jobs. So cool right?

Overall, a simple but profound message. Listen to your soul and love/contribute to the world = no conflict = better health.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started this book, I was not diagnosed with skin cancer. After the recent diagnosis, I am even more interested in what he has to say. I do believe that it was through listening to my instincts and higher self that led me to the skin doctor to catch the cancer early.

Edward believes that all disease is caused by a conflict between your personality and your Soul. He suggests if you are experiencing such a conflict, to sit quietly, and see if any flash of insight or guidance are given to you for your next step.

He suggests focusing on virtue and what you are led by your higher self to do in life rather than fighting with your personality or ego. Just focusing on what your guidance is from your higher self is enough and the personality will quiet down.

The remedy to any illness lies within ourselves.

Fascinating book. I am very impressed by the man and his insight. I want to read more about the Bach remedies that he invented by using plants to help us deal with our emotions and commune easier with that small voice inside.

[Paula Cappa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Key word here is “Thyself.” First published in 1937 by Edward Bach, a homeopath, this book on the nature of healing is beautifully timed for today in 2021. Bach explains the origin of disease and pain as a conflict between the Soul and the Mind. If we can neutralize these adverse forces, we will be eliminating the root cause of disease. Based on the idea that pain and suffering is a “directive” to learn from the Higher Self, I found Bach’s philosophy to be precise and well-structured. He says disease is an opportunity to bring us back to the core of our Souls. He advises to use “conscience, instinct, and intuition.” The adverse forces are what you might expect: pride (self-love/selfishness), greed, cruelty, hate, ignorance (refusing to believe truths and facts), instability (weakness and indecision) as the basic causes of disease. Discovering these wrong actions in “thyself” is the path to healing. But he advises not to fight them. Battles only create a deeper power struggle. He advises instead to practice the opposing “virtues” to these forces in order to heal and make things right with the Soul. Ex., for prideful selfishness, arrogance/self-love, the cure is to activate the virtues of caring for the welfare of others by extending relief and consolation and living a more altruistic daily life. For hate, practice kindness to your fellow man every day [Gosh, if every one of us practiced acts of kindness every day, we’d all be living in a better world.] The chapter on parenting is especially targeted on giving your child the gift of freedom to grow his or her Higher Self with understanding, respect, and love. This past year with the pandemic affecting every single human on the planet, and with the lies, incitements, and disinformation rampant in America that is hurting so many thousands of people, I think this book is relevant to our needs, our pain, and our healing as we go forward into 2021. Bach’s book opens the door wide for self-examination and methods of improvement. At only .99 cents on Amazon (Kindle), it’s the best .99 cents I’ve spent. Highly recommended if you want to address pain, disease, and injuries from a spiritual growth perspective (curing the soul cures the body). Bach is well known for his books on flower remedies—another read that might prove fascinating. Paula Cappa is an avid book reviewer and an award-winning supernatural mystery author of novels and short stories.

[Rodrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heal Thyself is an amazing book.
Edward Bach presents an important view on the real cause of the diseases and its links with our minds and souls.
With a very sensible soul, Bach brings precious thoughts for those looking for the roots of their suffering and how to find a safe route to a holistic healing.
At the same time this book helps natural therapists and physicians to open their eyes to a spiritual approach that goes beyond the limitations of materialistic view and presents us a more complex and modern way to look to our physic bodies.
Everyone interested about health and the future of healing arts should read this book.
It is definitely not a book for a skeptic person or for those who do not enjoy spirituality ideas.

[VINCENT S DAGATI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heal Thyself - A Must Read

I am a teacher of A Course in Miracles. This book is totally consistent with the Eternal Truths thought in The Course. The medical profession has made many amazing contributions over the years but with the rise of materialism far to many health providers, insurance companies and big Pharma are taking advantage of those with illness. Reading this book is critical for those who want to live a healthy life. Another great thing about this book is it is short and sweet.

[Eileanór Bláth · Rating 1 out of 5]

what a boring christian moralistic rant... -_-

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

iven to me many years ago. It has stayed with me through our moves and wonderful to re read every now and then. Great reminder of how empowered we all really are.

[Amy Doeun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct but life changing book.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not the book for me. My brother, more interested in the mystical arts than me recommended it but really should have known I am a bit too skeptical for this book.

However, I think it is interesting to consider what can be salvaged. Looking around us today it appears chronic dieseases, cancer and mental illnesses are rampant.

Bach first published this in 1931, 3 years after the discovery of penicillin so he may not have even been aware of the modern principle of vaccination. He may have recommended smoking as a treatment for coughs and lung issues, as was common back then. He certainly would have dismissed or downplayed many medical issues of his female patients due to the fact men didn't have those issues.

This is not because he was a bad person. It was because he was a doctor in 1931, and that was how medical practice was approached.

Big pharma and perverse financial incentives are undoubtedly pervasive in medicine today. I believe many of our modern health issues, which are less disease and more disorder, could be fixed by healthier eating, more active lifestyle, more meditation and philosophical reflection, and more interaction with local community.

I don't believe we need to intertwine this with messages of spirituality and religion. Ideally government policy, and personal conviction could get us there, although I understand that can lack a bit of storytelling for some.

Ultimately this book may have been more valuable in its time, when our understanding of physiology, medicine and patient centered care was poorer than today. However, I am loathe to believe religion and positive thinking will cure someone of crippling polio or parasites digging into ones eyeball, causing blindness.

Mixed with the focus on 'brotherhood' and 'whiteness' and this really isn't the book for me. Hopefully my brother isn't to disappointed upon its return.

[Raya Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Downloaded the PDF version of the book from the Bach website.
Notable insights. Yes, we are disconnected.
Yes, nature and unity heals.
However it seems as if somehow he is blaming people for being sick by having two great errors:

1. Failing to honor the soul
2. Acts against unity

I have heard this line of thinking before in spiritual circles--that we are somehow responsible for our healing. While I agree with this perspective to a certain extent, questions in my mind are raised about those born with diseases, and people who do not have the mind to reason.

Although I appreciate the soulful vantage point of this writing, I have a hard time reconciling the medical perspective; there needs to be balance with sound medical teaching, and it's not here.

Soul recognition and unity is not a solution to every medical condition.

[Monique Ferrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book countless times in the past 2 decades. Dr. Bach believes in God as a loving Creator, in our God given right to experience health at all times. Stress, guilt, fear, are among the states of mind disrupting this state of perfect health, and his flower essences an easy way to restore peace of mind- thus eradicating any sense of un-health or dis-ease. Flower essences are the best things given to humanity since homeopathy and plant remedies.

[Vijayshree Menon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im glad to have finished reading this book as the first book of the year. It is a great book and insights into what brings illness. The book is really relevant to today's concerns about new diseases and maladies that are being discovered.

[maisie florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book! So inspiring and beautifully written.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good point to understand the vision of the world at the bottom of Edward Bach's important work.
In it he doesn't explaine his remedies but he clarify the importance to take care of our emotion, to respect our Higher Self,to act following the Unity of the Universe. When we don't respect this two point we create a disease because we separate our Soul from our Self, because we rise up the Love that should reign always.

[Julia Papworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant man. I have used Bach flower for a long time, just completed level 1 training. Brilliant book, brilliant system.

[Paddy Early · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb wise book. Would highly recommend it. Short only 60 pages but very much to the point.

[Victor De witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential & Mandatory reading for all of humanity. One of the most profound books I've ever read.

[April Sparrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Formal style of writing but well explained.