 Parkinson’s and Bowen Treatment
The positive results obtained from treating a new client suffering from Parkinson’s Disease has prompted me to write on how Bowen Therapy can assist such sufferers. The lady reported that, after the first treatment session, she had the best night’s sleep in 5 years and as a result, her energy level improving over the week following the first treatment session. This is not surprising since sleep is so important in the healing process - for all of us. I would recommend anyone affected by Parkinson’s directly or via a caring role, to be aware of The Parkinson’s Society web site http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/ which publishes an array of documents related to all aspects of the disease. One such document is a booklet entitled “Complementary Therapies and Parkinson’s”. which contains information based on the recommendations from people with Parkinson’s. Bowen Therapy is included in the list of suitable modalities – and identifies that Bowen may help with: Pain, Relaxation, Motor Symptoms and overall sense of wellbeing . The section on Bowen Therapy from their booklet is reproduced below:- Bowen technique What is it?[i] Bowen technique is a very gentle, touch-based therapy. The practitioner aims to restore balance in your body by softly manipulating your muscles and soft tissue. They will use their fingers and thumbs to make small, rolling movements over precise points on your body. It is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy. How might it help? Bowen may be used for a range of physical and emotional conditions, including pain, muscular problems, stress and difficulties sleeping.[ii] Although there have been some studies into using Bowen for pain relief and stress, the studies have been small. A recent review of the evidence said more detailed studies were needed.[iii]. There have been no scientific studies to support the use of Bowen therapy in Parkinson’s. However, people with Parkinson’s have found Bowen useful for helping them with their symptoms. What about safety? Bowen therapists are not currently regulated by law, but they can register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (see page 8 for more information). In the weeks to come the aim of further Bowen treatment will be to continue to reduce her fatigue and start addressing the motor symptoms. From a Therapists perspective – treating people with such sensitive conditions requires a very gentle minimal approach. The secret of success with Bowen Treatment is in only applying the amount of treatment, in any given individual session, that the body can assimilate. The more sensitive the body, the fewer Bowen Procedures are applied. There is a saying in Bowen Therapy “Less is More” i.e. Less treatment leads to a more positive outcome Incidentally Bowen appears to work well with neurological conditions and I have previously treated stroke victims, ME, MS and Fibromyalgia sufferers. 26 July 2014 Stephen Ludbrook 01993 898693
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 Hydration is the key factor to your Wellness
Just Finished writing a book review for my Professional Association Newsletter regarding “Your not Sick –Your Thirsty” by F. Batmanghelidj M.D. I volunteered to provide a review because the subject of the bodies hydration is key factor in the health and repair of the body. All Bowen Therapist encourage Clients to drink water on a regular frequent basis. because the body responds to healing so much better when it is hydrated. – this book explains in detail, why this so. I thought that by sharing the review it may stimulate you to ask yourself “Do I drink enough water”? Remember - The most simple thing you can do to maintain your health is drink water. The body needs water, but coffee. tea, soda, alcohol, and even milk and juices are not the same as water. The Review was as follows:- In some 270 pages the book details why Hydration is the key to our wellness. The book commences by reminding us that we are basically 75% water, with our brains being composed of 85% and blood 94% water, and that the body has a system of prioritising functions when there is a water shortage, because we don’t store water like we do fat. If we need water for brain function and digestion – the 2 most important bodily functions, it takes some from our blood (10%) but the majority comes from our cells. ( 60 %). Ever wonder why you feel sluggish after a meal? Well its basically a lack of water in our cells. Drinking ½ hour before a meal can help prevent this feeling. The book discusses; some 46 reasons why your body needs water every day, the conditions that can arise through dehydration and the Primary functions of water in the body. There are chapters on how our emotions (anxiety, anger , depression etc.) are influenced on our degree of hydration. How conditions such as Asthma, Allergies, Hypertension, Constipation, Type II Diabetes and Autoimmune diseases are all indications of our bodies ‘drought management program’ In addition there are indicators of local dehydration such as heartburn, dyspeptic pain, angina pain, lower back pain, rheumatoid joint pain, migraine, colitis pain, fibromyalgia pain, bulimia, morning sickness during pregnancy. It was interesting to learn that our water requirements change throughout our life and importantly so does our awareness of being thirsty. This is why older people, in particular, tend to drink less than they should – they simply don’t recognise they are thirsty. By the time a dry mouth appears you are considerably de -hydrated. The concluding couple of chapters also talks about other essentials for health and healing e.g. proteins, essential fats, fruits, vegetables, sunlight and exercise. All in all, a book that is a comparatively easy read –a book that will give you the ammunition to counter those Clients who it is difficult to convince how important water is to their health. (such typical common excuses are “I don’t like the taste of water” , or “I drink a lot of other beverages” or “I don’t want to keep going to the loo”. In essence - a book that every Bowen Client as well as Therapist should be encouraged to read to understand the importance of water to their wellbeing. Stephen Ludbrook  Back Pain Show at Olympia
Last Weekend (6 July 14) I attended the 'Back Pain and Allergy Show' at Olympia, London. Spent an enjoyable busy day manning my Professional Association's Stand (Bowen Association uk - see web site:- www.bowen-technique.co.uk ) . Rather than trying to attract new clients to my Witney and Woodstock clinics, the intention was simply to spread the word of how the Bowen Technique can help back pain sufferers. Not unsurprisingly, back pain is the most common condition that clients report, but of course Bowen Therapy, being a holistic therapy, can address a wide of muscular and general conditions that affect the whole body's function, including issues like stress anxiety and depression as well as internal body functions e.g. breathing and digestive etc. |
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