"My dog won't stop eating rocks," moaned my new client's human. "He's only a year old, and he's had stomach surgery THREE TIMES already because he keeps swallowing rocks too large to pass. Can essences help? I'm desperate!"
This case was not only an experience in working with a serious animal behavior, but it also went on to affirm my belief that the "identified patient" -- that is, the one who is described as having the problem -- is so often just the tip of the family iceberg. Many times the symptoms which bring the client to seek help have complex origins: other (or all) members of the family may need intervention in order for the original problem to find healing. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, so the outcome can end up being somewhat less than desired.
This case also involved the use of two essences for over six months. In instances where the same essences are needed over and over again like this, it is usually a sign the treatment has stalled. In a perfect world, when this happens I would look to changing or adding additional intervention to move the case along or to bring about resolution. Again, unfortunately, this is not always possible so the outcome may be less than is desired.
Pica -- the ingesting of non-foods -- can be a problem for some dogs. At the time this case was presented to me, I didn't have a whole lot of confidence that essences alone would help enough to stop this destructive behavior. But I reasoned that this dog was at the least stressed by how much surgery he had had and the resulting separations from his family. I felt essences would be appropriate as a support to his care. Something constitutional seemed in order to help him feel happier, more resilient and more himself.
And given the seriousness of the situation, surely this doggie was a candidate for some "what can we lose?" attempts at using essences to get him back on track. Even if they helped just a little, it was worth it in my book.
When asked to help choose an essence, I like to start with case-taking and discussion to help focus the situation more clearly, adding intuitive skills to the mix. I observed my canine client and interviewed his human about his likes and dislikes, habits, and temperament. What set off the rock eating? Were there events immediately preceding the rock eating that might have upset him, therefore catalyzing his pica?
We couldn't reveal much through these methods. His owner was too upset and not sufficiently observant or tuned into him as an individual to provide much insight. I suggested that she consider some essences to help her connect better with her dog (Earth Essences' Wolf came to mind immediately), thinking to explore this as an avenue to a better quality of life -- and better digestive health. I also talked to her about some Five Flower or Master Harmonixing Mixture for herself, hoping it might help her feel less stressed by the situation, which was clearly upsetting to her. But she was unwilling to consider this extra step of involvement in both cases.
As far as the identified patient was concerned, it was doggie...period.
Feeling between a (not-yet-eaten) rock and a hard place, I was forced to rely heavily on intuition. Studying and tuning into this dog, I sensed he was just a mass of young boy canine. Eager, still puppyish, active, willing to please, and very insecure, he seemed interested in normal territorial and investigative behavior but was very nervous about carrying it out. I got the feeling he wasn't sure he could hold onto what was "his" and was timid about following his curiosity. It was like he never felt sure he was standing on firm ground.
Adding some surrogate muscle testing, I came up with two essences: Astilbe ("Warrior") and Siberian Iris ("Male Energy") (both from Whole Energy Essences). My thought was that the two together might make him feel more secure and sure of himself. He tested for receiving them both together once a day either directly into his mouth (they are alcohol free so giving them without dilution is suitable) or added to his water bowl.
I didn't see or hear from them for eight months. When I eventually bumped into 'mom' in a local store, I asked after her dog. "Oh, he's just swallowed another rock, and we hope it's going to pass this time without surgery."
A bit disappointed, but not entirely surprised (recalling my lack of confidence that essences alone would do the trick), I expressed my condolences and asked how many surgeries he had had since we had last met. "Oh, none. He hasn't eaten one single rock in all that time 'til now."
I asked her what she thought gave him such a good, long spell without any pica. "I don't know."
I asked about the essences...had they used them? "Yes, and he stopped eating rocks right away."
Had they done anything else different? "No."
Had they stopped using the essences recently? "Yes, we couldn't keep up with giving them to him."
What was the difficulty she was having? Would she like to start giving them again? "No, it's too hard to remember to give them to him." Seeming embarrassed, she quickly moved off. I never saw either of them again.
About the Author: Deborah Bier, M.Ed is one of the editors of Vibration and
the maker of Whole Energy Essences. For more about her work and links
to her generous selection of previous articles in this journal, visit her
Frequent Contributor Page.
Art Credits: Hometown Websmith and ArtToday.
The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.
