Introduction

Knowledge of defence mechanisms may make you more fit for life. All the major defence mechanisms are found here, and many other, less known ones. Alternative remedies - Dr Bach flower essences, homeopathic remedies and some Gem therapy items aimed at major defence mechanisms - are found too.

Find the trouble(s) you want to deal with, and select one to three of them at the time. If you cannot get them through av pharmacy, you may as a last resort make them yourself, if you take the time to: [How to make your own remedies].

Are homeopathic preparations fake medicine without effects other than sugar? A new magnetic resonnance method measures homeopathic remedies. Dr Karin Lenger documents there really is something about them. Find a summary and a link to her research report on this page: [Link]

The following information is for self-help educational purposes, and stems from radionic findings. Some think radionics is quack, others stick firmly to it. After testing sides to it extensively, I could document squarely there are things that work in it. Some radionic devices are purported to diagnose persons by subtle assonance (magnetic assonnance). That was one of my favoured methods. Compare Dr Lenger's findings above.

Find a lot of Boericke's remedy descriptions at Google Books - ◦One and ◦Two and ◦Three (recommended) - to compare with, and Dr Bach's on another page here.

As for taking remedies, here is detailed information:

• Full remedy names
• Briefing
• Crash Course

- The briefing and the crash course complement one another.

Unhealthy Defence Mechanisms

THE DEFENCE mechanisms of psychoanalysis are understood as unwholesome manoeuvres aimed at defending the faith in oneself as not too bad, or OK. If such stratagems of the depths become too tense, or conditions very bad, the grip of the defence mechanisms in themselves may become largely unhealthy. There are many such instances.

We typically need to ward off degrading circumstances and persons on the one hand, and build for safety and fluent, all-round living with the other, and so on. Maybe then we can afford to drop some defence mechanisms - because they no longer serve upholding a "good faith" by tricks or many small or major devious means inside.

Also, when defence mechanisms are unhealthy, you should try to get rid of them for the sake of health and recuperation. Relaxing is a good way to find out about things like defence mechanisms. The Freuds (Sigmund and his daughter Anna) used that method, among others.

To try for being instead of seeming. That could help, along with adjusting more or better to who you are deep inside, and how things are, as year follows year.

Make the garden of your life blossom. Later bear good fruit.

Acting out

Expressing impulses or fantasies directly in overt behavior without modification or without complying enough or well enough with social norms.

Larynx 5

Saxifraga nivalis 4

Affiliation

Turning to others for help, support or comfort in emotional turmoil and conflict.

Aim inhibition

Placing one of more limitations on the instinctual side of oneself.

Altruism

Dedicated to meeting the needs of others, gratification vicariously.

Aluminium sulphuricum 6+

Ammonium carbonicum 6

Aristolochia clematis 6+

Cina 6

Cuprum arsenicum 5

Dolichos pruriens 6+

Eupatorium purpurea B 6

Falcon's Eye 5

Hepar sulphuris calcarea 6+

Kalium muriaticum 6

Larix leptolepis B 5

P-benzoquinone 5

Plumbum metallicum 5

Pothos foetida 6

Rhoisiccus sessilifolia 6

Stachis palustris B 5

Williamsite 6+

Zoisite 6

Anticipation

Emotional reactions in advance.

Blocking (rude and advanced)*

Obstruction of attainments of others, also legitimate ones. Largely unfounded obstruction of justice, or of opponents. It may include preventions and restrictions, probably for the sake of security.

Compartementalisation

Separating parts of the self from awareness of other parts, unintegrated.

Cyclamen persicum 5

Eleutheerococcus senticosus B 5

Hepar sulphuris calcarea 4

Opium 5

Compensation

Making up for deficits and real weakness in one area or sphere of life by over-emphasising some other(s). Compensation is quite semiconscious.

Daydreaming

Fantasy as an escape. Fantasy may then become part of the problem, in time.

Deflection

Redirecting attention to another thing, or turning aside or off course. Hallmark: marked departure from the proper course to take.

Demonisation

Implicating another is demoniac and going on from there, treating the other meanly with contempt, for the most part in fiendish, very cruel and indifferent ways. "Give a dog a bad name and hang him" suggests the projective measure involved, and a possible scapegoating effect too.

Aragallus lamberti 6

Ferraria densepunctulata 6+

Pearls 5

Saxifraga nivalis 6+

Denial

Going against an anxiety provoking stimulus, protecting oneself from unpleasant acceptance of a problem, even conscious refusal. Refusing to admit or face a situation. Easily observable in childhood development.

Asclepias aure 6

Emerald 5

Gentiana cruc B 6

Nephrite 5

Kalium oxalicum 6

Rhodonite 6

Sardonyx 6++

Derniere cri: Resorting to even ugly fashion for the sake of acceptance

Arnica montana 5

China 6+

Ferrum metallicum 6

Hematite 5

Nephrite 6

Mercurius nitrosus 6+

Salix hastata 6+

Taxus baccata 'Dovastonii' 6

Mercurius corrosivus 5

Devaluation

Attributing exaggerated negative qualities to others.

Displacement (due to unsatisfied impulses and needs)

Redirecting impulses (such as anger) from a too dangerous or violent target to someone safer. Unconscious transfer of thoughts. Even conscious acceptance of a substitute. Example 1. Yelling at your spouse after an argument with your boss. Example 2: "Turning against self": instead of hating others, hating oneself.

Aesculus carnea B 6

Aesculus hippocastanum B 5

Fagus sylvatica heterophylla 6

Lilium tigrin 6

Rhodonite 6+

Sepia 5

Dissociation

Splitting off thoughts from consciousness, and detachment from negatively charged experiences. Dissociation can lead into mental illness.

Emotional insulation

To protect oneself from harm or hurt.

Evasions

Here, esp. explaining away things. Also, avoiding facing up to issues; avoiding the performance of things. (Norw: tyr bl.a. til bortforklaringar)

Arthrospira platensis B 6+

Arundo mauritanica V 6+

Boracid acid 6

Euporbia lathyrus BV 6+

Lachesis muta 5

Menyanthes trifoliata 6+

Ruby 6+

Strychnos toxifera B 6+++

Fixation

Cessation of a process that leads to quite mature independence.

Help-rejecting and complaining

Complaining and asking for help repeatedly, with hidden feelings of hostility and reproach.

Homophobia

Irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals.

Aethiops mineralis 6

Arnica montana 6

Benzoin 5

Fraxinus americana 6

Hepatica triloba 6

Mercurius corrosivus 6

Strychnos nux-vomica 6

Idealisation

Overestimating and/or over-expounding the desirable qualities of someone desired or a desired object.

Apatite G 5

Aralia race 4

Argentum meta 3

Cypripedium pube 3-4

Diamond 2-6

Kalium muri 6

Ornithogalum umbe B (Star of Bethlehem)

Xantium spin 5

Saxifraga albe 5

Yucca elep 4

Identification, rooted in imitation and pooling of such as libido

Similar to introjection (q.v.). There is intentional identification

Idyllisation

Sustaining the wrong notion that situation is pleasing or good (idyllic), while it is far from it.

Aesculus hippocastanum B 6

Gentiana cruc B 6+

Opal: Fire opal 6

Tiger's Eye 5

Intellectualisation

Cutting off affective and/or emotional charge from hurtful situations or experiences by use of logic and rational activities that seem helpful.

Alyssium saxa 6

Falcon's Eye 6

Etylendinitrilotetra-aceticum 6

Kalium hydr-oxal 6

Kalium muriaticum 6

Papaver nudicaule B 6

Tanzanite 6

Introjection

Incorporating external values and standards into the self (ego) to the end of not being at the mercy of police officers or other scary authority figures.

Isolation of affect

Splitting off feelings from thoughts unhealthily.

Manipulation

Use or control or play on someone(s) by crafty, artful, skilful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage. Changing something or influencing someone's mind by artful or unfair means so as to serve some ulterior motive. Scheming may lie at the back of it.

Minimization

Lessening the importance and/or significance of an affect or experience.

Omnipotence (feeling omnipotent)

Claiming he or she possesses special powers or abilities and is thereby superior.

Over-justification

Aristolochia clematis 6

Cuprum arsenicum 6

Cuprum sulphuricum 5

Emetine hydrochloride 5

Hepar sulphuris calcarea 6

Hypericum perfolatum B 6

Hypericum perfolatum V 6++

Manganum sulphuricum 6++

Polygonum viviparum 6++

Stachis palustris B 6

Viburnum tinus 6+

Zoisite 6+

Passive aggression

Unassertively expressing aggression toward others. A harsh facade of neurotic compliance usually covers hostility and resentment.

Projection + laughs at others

Placing unacceptable impulses or undesired feelings and traits in yourself onto someone else that is far away too - perhaps. Attributing self-critical feelings to others. Attributing one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects; especially by way of externalising blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety.

Abies webbiana 6

Adansonia digitata B 6

Agate opal 6

Cassiterite 6

Elymus aren 6

Kalium hydr-oxal 6

Petiveria tetrandra 5

Quartz, Rose quarts 4

Argentum chrystal 6

Projection 2

Panax ginseng

Apium graveolens (advances: Don't appear too modest, especially when talking)

Projective identification

Falsely attributing to another his or her own unacceptable feelings, impulses, or thoughts. One does not fully disavow what is projected, unlike what takes place in simple projection (q.v.). Misattributing feelings and perhaps going so far as to induce them in the victims of the "charade" too.

Rationalisation

Attempting to show one's conduct is justifiable by some feigned or facade reason as opposed to the real reason(s) involved, which may feel threatening to one's sense of self as OK or good. Often involving unconscious or semi-conscious efforts to justify unacceptable behaviours, thoughts and feelings.

Arum triphyllum 5

Anagallis arvensis 3

Fagus sylvatica heterophylla 5

Hydrobromic acid 6

Populus tremuloides 5

Rhodonite 6

Reaction formation (Hi 472)

When a genuine belief causes anxiety, taking the opposite stand (belief) because of the anxiety. Converting wishes. Example: becoming overly solicitous and overprotective in consequence of not wanting the child somehow, etc.

Amber 4

Cassiterite 3

Cuprum arsenicum 5

Fucus vesiculosis B 5

Lilium maculatum 6

Ruby 6

Topaz 5

Wyethia helen 5

Zoisite 5

Regression

Return to more infantile behaviours and thoughts. Return to some previous, or earlier, less mature stage of development or a lower level of aspiration. Examples: bed wetting and thumb sucking.

Repression (internal, inside oneself , of memories and perhaps also impulses) (Hi 461)

Preventing quite threatening thoughts from entering consciousness. Blocking of unacceptable impulses, even sympathy and friendship, if they seems dangerous. Repression is unconsious, suppression (q.v.) is not wholly outside the range of a normal consciousness.

Asclepias aure 6

Gall 6

Prunus cerasifera B 6+

Senna 4

Ligustrum ovafolium 4

Repression or suppression or both - going into decadance

Repression is a process by which unacceptable desires or impulses are excluded from consciousness and left to operate in the unconscious, whereas suppression involves conscious, intentional exclusion from consciousness of one or more thoughts or feelings.

Baryta oxydata 6+

Brass 6+

Helichrysum bracteatum 6+

Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' 6

Populus tremuloides B 6

Williamsite 6

Rhodonite 4

Resistance

Deep-seated opposition to memories and other data that evoke anxiety.

Rubbish-fencing off (Norw: "det er rusk"-avfeiingar)

Rejecting someone or something as worthless.

Arundo mauritanica B 6+

Arundo mauritanica V 6

Daphne x burkwoodii 'Somerset' 6

Dioscorea villosa 5

Papaver nudicaule B 5

Salix vitellina B 6

Thymus serphyllum 5

Viburnum opulus B 6+

Sarcastic, biting ironical "humour"

Sarcasm involves feigning (q.v.). Sarcasm can be sharp and often satirical or ironic, and designed to cut or give pain. Scorn may or may not be involved.

Self-assertion

Expressing one's feelings and notions and so on in some directly manipulative ways.

Slave of fashion, not just a follower of it any longer (Norw: tynast slik)

Clematis vitalba B 6+

Fittonia verschaffeltii B 6

Influenzinum Bach 'Poly Flu' 6+

Paeonia lactiflora 6+

Pearl 6

Santolina neapolitana B 6++

Viola odorata B 6+

Splitting

Not managing very well having "two minds" about some things. Handling contradictory states or sets of feelings badly.

Splitting may be looked on as a continuation of unresolved, severe ambivalence (being of "two minds", harbouring weighty, simultaneous and contradictory feelings toward something or someone largely important.

Sublimation

Channeling or deflecting unacceptable impulses in some socially acceptable way. But the fruits (long-term consequences) of that may interfere with a life by demanding disproportionately much efforts and other resources, and there is an element of faking (q.v.) at the bottom of things later on, perhaps.

Substitution

Going for alternative substitutive gratification. Replacing an unreachable or unacceptable target or solution by a more acceptable or attainable goal.

At Last

On from Here

There are more sides to potentised preparations than what has been described here [More]. You may also want to know where to get them. You could try the nearest pharmacy or health store in your country, or ask The Bach Centre for information. There may be other and better ways for you in the country you're inside. It generally helps to check out (look before you leap).

Now well chosen homeopathic remedies, flower essence remedies and other such remedies may help (more or less, for a while or longer, and so on) against some mental disturbances, and perhaps some of the defence mechanisms too, before they have turned severe.

You do not have to have faith in such remedies as I talk of to try them out for some months. Desperation or a little interest will do - and not even that: just trying them. That is the main point for now. Scientific evidence is missing.

It is best to detect and correct disorders and ailings as soon as possible, and before they get serious - or more serious. And preventing them is better still.

You may like to know what are the most common defence mechanisms, and what remedies that could possibly be helpful in their initial stages and maybe a bit later too, before the troubles get serious. Well, here they are, and many less talked-about defence mechanisms too.

Please note that the remedies listed under the ego defence mechanisms are suggestions, and in order to use the suggestions, proficiency in the use of homeopathic remedies and essence remedies is needed, not only useful. I have described how to use them on another page and yet another page. You may also find my Remedy Finder, in which are listed troubles and problems and good qualities to aspire for, along with certain remedies to try out, much according to "try and see what helps, if help is possible through such means" and so on.

A set of related pages is found here: [More].

Names and Their Numbers: What It is Supposed to Mean

NUMBERS: The numbers attached to a remedy suggests its helpfulness (within bounds, concerning one or more aspects to) a mild variant of a particular condition. The higher the number on a scale from one to six, the better I think of the remedy in that context. One added + or several of them suggest even better faith in that remedy in that context. For example, under 'Evasions' is Strychnos toxifera (B) 6+++. It says something like "hitting the bull's eye" and suggests that such a remedy, a relative of the homeopathic remedy Nux vomica, could work very well against the drive for evasions, if given time - for example 8 weeks. Note down how you feel before starting to take the remedy, and after 7-8 weeks and note if there are any differences. You should not evade doint this . . . Do not believe a lot - feel free to try out and form your own conclusions by use of your best judgement.

The values given are rough estimates of "averages", which may be misleading in some sets of circumstances. If someone suffers from "enthusiasm versus appearances" and idyllises things from it, the remedy Diamond may not help so much (2). But if something seduces and causes idyllisation thereby - for example plots of negative snobs, plots of not really good groups, or faking persons - it is supposed that Diamond may help better (up to 6). Thus, there are sides to headlines that different remedies "talks to", each in its own way, and in every case estimated "averages" are suggested.

The capital letter B right after remedies stands for "like a Bach flower essence", which is fairly often prepared from delicate flowers. There may be differences in what chemical compounds and other components are found in different parts of a plant, and their relative proportions too - I think that should be enough to call for different remedies at times. Also consider the life quality of the plant part, and what you sense in a flower as compared to the root. A useful rule of the thumb could be: "The flower essence (B) should work in gentler ways" - that is in harmony with the philosophy of the Bach remedies, anyhow. You try it out, if you like.

I am not out to indoctrinate anyone, just to present the findings below. "Don't believe, make sure," is a Russian proverb, aligned to Buddha's counsel in these waters:

Do not believe something just because it has been passed along and retold for many generations.

Do not necessarily believe something merely because it has become a traditional practice.

Do not necessarily believe blindly in common opinion.

Do not necessarilybelieve something just because it is cited in a text or solely on the grounds of logic, or accords with your world view.

Do not necessarily believe something because it appeals to "common sense" or you like the idea, or due to some preconceived notions, or because the speaker seems trustworthy.

And do not be gullibly, blindly led by what your teacher tells you is so.

Yet when you yourselves directly know [after sound testing and other procedures etc.] , "These things are wholesome, blameless, praised by the wise; when adopted and carried out they lead to well-being, prosperity and happiness," then you should accept and practise them."

[A condensed redition from Gautama Buddha's Kesaputti Sutta, 5th sutta (sutra) in the Book of Threes (Mahavagga) in the Gradual Sayings (Tika Nipata). - More]

It is fairly difficult to sort out exactly which influences help in a life, for a life is part of a complex web or interactions and influences, and very often every day so too. Also, there are various sides to the defence mechanisms too - and different remedies are supposed to address one or some or all of them, as the case may be. But there is no guarantee that it is so; hard evidence is notoriously lacking so far. Then, is this bogus all along. I for one don't think so. But that may not interest you. What matters, eventually, is that you study the surveys here and decide for yourself what to try out as far as you may. After that, draw your own more founded conclusions than the blind fools - some believe anything, others disbelieve anything, blindly.

If you get better after trying out some of these listed remedies, good for you, whatever the cause(s) may be. You are encouraged to put to good uses your rational mind - that is fit. These are some findings. Feel free to study them, try them or discard them as you like.

STRENGTHS: Homeopathic "strengths" or potencies, as they are called, are indicated by letters and numbers right after the latin remedy names. The potency D30 could be fit for self-help. Grown-ups may suck 10-12 small globules (pellets) once a day, and refrain from all sorts of warm food and drink for about 15 minutes before and after. That's the rule of the game; that's how it should be done. Let the globules (pellets) melt on the tongue - or the tablets, if that is what you find; let them melt on the tongue, and keep in mouth for about 5 minutes. Then swallow, if you stand sugar. If not, feel free to spit it out (!). According to the theory, the influence of homeopathic remedies is absorbed through the mouth, and more specifically the tongue area - around it too. There are many more potencies and ways to administer homeopathic self-help or family care, but for the busy person this is about ideal.

BLENDS POSSIBLE: In step with Edward Bach's method for his famous flower essences, you may try one or many remedies in a blend, if you like - one, three, many. And if you study the remedies with a capital B after them, they are either Bach remedies or very similar remedies. [Compare].

If you take more than one remedy, you may not reach any personal, experienced certainty as to which remedy seems to help, and seems help the most. There is a way to find out, called double-blind experiments, but to conduct such experiments may be too cumbersome to the layman.

You can leave strict testing to researchers, then, if you choose to try out such amiable remedies on your own. Homeopathy is rather difficult and diversified in all its aspects, but there are many books that are meant for non-professionals, and so with flower remedies. Good luck with such study.

HOW TO: Maybe the problems and conditions call for other homeopathic potencies, dosages and ways of administering the globules. If so, it is best to seek professional help. The next best is to learn "the art of trade" yourself. But it takes time to get very proficient, and maybe you cannot afford to wait that long for one reason or another. How to take such remedies, potencies and doses in series (rounds), has to be mastered by someone, then. And remember to allow for enough rest periods in between such series (treatment rounds) too. We refer you to the homeopathic literature here too.

Troubles and Remedies

The categorisations above represent features and mechanisms that have become "too much" to be healthy. Dropping them may not be easy. While a little of a thing may not damage, but much and repeatedly of the thing may work toward ill-health, even severely so. You should "stay clean" and be yourself fortrightly and well first and foremost. The selected potentised preparations that follow, could assist the one of progress.

So why not make a plan to try out first-hand the remedies you have selected, in your attempts to get more robust as who you are. That and neatness often spell progress. In Dr Eric Berne's TA (Transactional Analysis) it equals being Game-free. "Game" means hanky-panky in such a jargon.

The point is, you can work towards it, and try and see if some well-chosen preparations may strenghten you as you go on. Below are the selected defence mechanisms defined, with homeopathic preparations added to some of them. Feel free to choose and blend up to five of them for a "round" of 5-7 weeks at a time. Then weigh your problems or troubles anew, and choose one or more remedies to try out again, if you do not repeat the first remedies for another 6-7 weeks after a brief pause, for example ten days.

For severe ailments go to a doctor. For minor ailments, use such homeopatic-like remedies at your discretion, but tell your doctor of it, so that you get supervision, if that should be needed. Play safe. Note the site's disclaimer as well.

Hbf: Chancellor, Phillip: Handbook on the Bach Flower Remedies. Daniel. Rockford, 1971.

Hi: Smith, Carolyn D. (ed) et al. Hilgard's Introduction to Psychology. 14th ed. Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003.