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| Natural Lifestyle Magazine |
| July 2006
IN PRACTICE, behind the scenes with
practitioners
by Sarah Yearsley
The Bowen Technique - the gentle touch for natural healing
Bowen was originally developed in the 1950s by Australian Tom Bowen who
believed that the body has the ability to adjust, adapt and heal itself.
It's a totally holistic and extremely gentle, non-invasive therapy in which
the therapist, using only thumbs and fingers, makes gentle rolling movements
over muscles, ligaments and tendons at precise points. The process sends
impulses to the brain to trigger the body's own healing systems and
rebalances body energy. Bowen is suitable for all ages including babies and
the very elderly.
We asked registered Bowen Technique Therapist
Sarah Yearsley, BTER, Cert ECBS, ITEC from Lewes, East Sussex to tell
us about some of the common health complaints that she deals with:
The Bowen Technique therapist will first look for poor body posture
and alignment, possibly asking the client to walk up and down and make other
movements. The treatment will start with a series of moves around the spine
that's common to all Bowen treatments. Depending on the therapist's
assessment, there may then be further moves around the sacrum and pelvis.
Help Yourself
 | If you do any physical work, use your knees when bending, stand
correctly and generally avoid putting stress on your back.
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| Look into some core strengthening exercises to improve the support
muscles around the painful areas: Pilates-style exercises may help.
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| Consider natural supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin,
which can help with all sorts of joint and muscular conditions. |
Asthma
Bowen has had some remarkable effects in alleviating asthma, including
helping children (See www.relieve-childhood-asthma.com). After the spinal
column moves, treatment will most probably focus on relieving tension and
pressure around the chest and lung cavities. Moves may also be made behind
the ears and down the neck to drain glands. The therapist can also teach a
move which the client can carry out themselves to help with difficulties.
Help Yourself
| Drinking more water is key to alleviating some of today's most common
diseases and disorders. Increased water intake will/may help prevent
asthma attacks
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| There are natural remedies that may help, such as yamoa. Try them out
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| Be more conscious of situations which cause you stress - which is one
of the most normal triggers of asthmatic attacks - and try to find ways of
reducing the tension. |
Migraine
The Bowen Technique therapist will discuss frequency and severity of
symptoms and potential triggers such as allergies, food types, wine and
general stress levels. After the core spinal column moves, the therapist
will probably focus on specific moves around the neck and head, including
temple-mandibular joint (jawbone) moves and treatment on the top of the head
to relieve pressure. The session may also include further moves around the
trapezium to relieve tight shoulders.
Help Yourself
| Note which foods may be associated with attacks. It could be
chocolate, or excessively acidic foods such as citrus fruits. If
necessary, look for appropriate substitutes.
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| Try to relax more - most migraine sufferers are significantly more
tense than average. And take a look at the guidance provided by the
Migraine Action Association (www.migraine.org.uk).
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| Get plenty of fresh air, take regular exercise and practise deep
breathing. |
Need a Bowen Therapist?
Contact Sarah Yearsley, registered Bowen Technique Therapist, Lewes, East
Sussex for a free initial consultation and find out how Bowen can help you:
Tel: 07710 329 449
email:sarah@bowentechnique.org.uk
For a registered therapist in your area call the Bowen Therapists'
European Register helpline on 07986 008384 or access the BTER website (www.bowentherapists.com),
which tells you much more about the technique and its applications.
Natural Lifestyle Magazine, July 2006
by Sarah Yearsley |
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