CONNECTIONS to HEALTH

Bowen Technique: Focus on Musculo-Skeletal Problems The Bowen Technique is a unique soft tissue therapy effective for a wide range of conditions. Originating from the work of Tom Bowen in Australia during the 1950s-80's, and very well known there, it has been around in the UK for nearly 20 years. One of the 'new kids on the block' in terms of remedial treatments, there have been plenty of recent press articles about the benefits of Bowen. There are now hundreds of practising therapists and even more happy and enthusiastic clients but you won't be alone if you're still wondering what all the fuss is about! Recent research projects show that Bowen can ease respiratory problems, and migraine. And whilst it can also help fatigue and immune problems, assist during pregnancy, for stress management and more, the majority of clients who come for treatment arrive with conditions such as back and neck pain (often long standing), sciatica, shoulder problems including frozen shoulder, tennis/golfers elbow, painful knees and so on. I have been practising aromatherapy and massage for nearly 14 years and Bowen for 3 and I now prefer to offer Bowen for most muscular and skeletal problems. Why Bowen? A number of complementary therapies help these problems so why choose Bowen? Here are some of the things that make Bowen special:- - It is a very gentle, non-invasive and light touch therapy. This makes it ideal for those in pain or with other health issues, the very young, elderly or disabled but also makes it pleasant and relaxing for everyone. - The Bowen 'move' - a rolling movement at precise points on the body - stimulates the body in a unique way both at the point it is applied but also throughout the body via the nervous system and connective tissue. The whole body and its systems are addressed and clients frequently report improvement in a range of symptoms as well as the main issue being treated. - Whilst there is no manipulation of hard tissue (bones) alignment often improves as the muscular and connective tissue framework adjusts. - There is no deep or prolonged pressure. It can range from comfortably firm to almost feather-light using a variation called Fascia Bowen where only the top layer of skin is disturbed. This often achieves significant results both in more fragile clients but in others as well. With Bowen it is usually a case of 'less is more'. - Bowen therapy does not 'impose' an outcome. Instead it taps in fully to the body's own healing response and as a result clients often find that the treatment holds very well. - Despite being so gentle the technique is also very effective in the area of sports injury - recovery is usually speedy and regular treatment can reduce the occurrence of injuries. Here is a selection of recent cases that illustrate how effective Bowen can be. Though not everyone responds quite as quickly, most people have a noticeable improvement after only a few sessions. Golfers Elbow "I had a very painful elbow caused by a new golf swing. I also spend long hours at the computer and have had spondylitis for years which makes my neck painful and stiff . I had 3 treatments in November - after the first my neck pain had eased a lot, during the week after the second I played golf and was surprised to find the pain completely gone! Since then I've had no further problems with my elbow and my neck is much better." Mandy Shoulder and Upper back Pain Karen worked for many years as a silk dyer and weaver and as a result had developed a very painful upper back and shoulders which needed regular treatment from a holistic physio to release it. Flare-ups would leave her in a lot of pain and unable to rest at night. She responded immediately to Bowen and now comes for treatment at regular intervals to maintain the improvement (no sleep problems, fine on long haul flights). Early in the treatment she phoned to bring her appointment forward as she had hurt her back at work - I agreed to see her if necessary but arranged to check how she was the next day. She called me, amazed that she was feeling a lot better - her back had righted itself without emergency treatment which had never happened before. She also feels 'better in herself' and reports having fewer colds and infections since having Bowen. Frozen Shoulder When Carol arrived for treatment recently she had suffered a gradually worsening frozen shoulder for about 18months. It was brought on by work related activities and she had been transferred to light duties and had given up her beloved sports - football, badminton and running. She'd also had to stop many everyday activities - housework like mopping, diy and even throwing a ball for the dog. She had been attending physiotherapy treatment twice a week until recently which hadn't given any lasting relief. After the first treatment she noticed a big improvement in mobility and pain reduction. After 4 sessions to date she has done some spring cleaning, stripped wallpaper (!) and had some long walks with her dogs, none of which she could have attempted before and with no ill effects. She is continuing with treatment and hoping gradually to get back into sport again. TREATMENT OFFER As a special introductory offer, phone in April to book two or more sessions and get your first treatment half price (£16). For more information call me on 07967 384560 or go to my website www.therapies4balance.co.uk.

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