Quite simply one of the most effective hands-on therapies available
Welcome to Ashby Bowen Clinic
I have been a Bowen therapist since 2004 when I qualified at the European College of Bowen Studies. Before that I had worked for the NHS in various jobs, firstly as a trainee Lab Technician in Liverpool until I married, and then as a clerical officer/receptionist/secretary in North West Leicestershire, followed by Groby Road Hospital. I am presently working part-time at Leicester Royal Infirmary, combining clerical work with treating members of staff at the University Hospitals of Leicester on the Wellbeing @ Work scheme.
The Bowen Technique fascinated me right from day one of the course. I could not understand how such a gentle therapy could produce the impressive results I was seeing amongst my fellow students, two of whom had residual problems after being seriously injured years previously in road traffic accidents and, despite having been put back together again by the orthopaedic surgeons, had permanent backache with reduced hip and shoulder mobility. By the end of the introductory two day course and some simple moves by our teacher, they were both feeling very much less pain and had a greater range of movement.
Since qualifying, I have treated more than 150 people, with around 80% of them reporting either partial or complete relief of their pain.
The Bowen Technique
The Bowen technique is a drug-free, non-invasive, hands-on therapy. There is no pulling or cracking of joints, no insertion of needles, no oils or chemicals, and no manipulation. The technique consists of a sequence of small, rolling moves using gentle fingertip pressure over muscles and soft tissue. Bowen is unique in that these moves are interspersed with periods of rest in order for the treatment to be absorbed and the body to start the self-healing process. Bowen can be administered through light stretchy fabric such as T-shirts and jog pants.
What does treatment involve?
A Bowen treatment is usually done on a comfortable treatment couch, but can be done with the client sitting up. At the first visit a history will be taken and a note made of any medication being used, plus any past accidents or injuries. Many people experience injuries in childhood which have apparently resolved, but these can affect health later in life.
You will be invited to lie face down on the couch and will be covered with a blanket. The technique can be done through light clothing, such as a cotton T-shirt and loose cotton slacks or jog pants (not jeans please as they are usually quite stiff with thick seams). Gentle rolling moves will be done at specific places on your body, mostly on your back, with gaps between moves to allow your central nervous system to take in the information and begin the process of self-healing. There is no force used, no chemicals, oils or needles, simply fingertip pressure. It is usually a deeply relaxing experience. Unlike massage, it can often be several days before an improvement is felt although, if the pain is severe, relief may be noticed during treatment.
What changes can I expect?
During a treatment you may feel warmth or tingling radiating from the areas that have been touched. Quite a few clients fall asleep during a treatment due to its relaxing nature.
At the end of treatment you may feel dizzy for a minute or two when you sit up. Clients have reported feeling cold and shivery for up to an hour afterwards.
It is possible that you will have an increase in your pain, or even pain where there was none before.
Surprisingly, these are all good signs. It means that your nervous system has recognised that you have been touched in an unfamiliar way and is trying to work out what has happened, and as a result has begun to make adjustments.
Drinking extra water is very important as it helps to flush out toxins released by the treatment. It is also very helpful if you go for a short walk after treatment, say 20-30 minutes at a reasonable pace. This is really good for your circulation and, again, helps to flush out toxins.
Testimonials
Fibromyalgia
I have always been a very hardworking person who puts all of my energy into my job. Because of this, I often get stressed and over-tired. Seven or eight years ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which is a form of chronic fatigue syndrome. It deteriorates when you are stressed, ill or work too hard, but I have learned to live with it. I have tried different complementary therapies in the past with some positive results, so was keen to try the Bowen Therapy at the hospital where I work, offered through Wellbeing@Work. Bowen was like a magic wand for me. Since I’ve been having it my pain has gradually got better and I’ve even stopped taking pain-killers. It is a temporary relief but as long as I have the therapy once every week or fortnight I cope very well.
Jivka, Specialist NHS Nurse, Leicester
Fibromyalgia and dyspraxia
I have been unco-ordinated and in constant pain all my life, even throughout childhood. I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia by my GP who suggested I may benefit from Bowen Therapy. My physiotherapist gave me the same advice, so when my wife found a Bowen practitioner locally I was persuaded to give it a try. I was on pain-killers which were upsetting my stomach, necessitating me taking another drug to counteract the side effects. “OK,” I thought, “I’ll have one treatment and if I don’t improve, then I won’t bother again.” Luckily for me, my pain reduced during the first session and I was able to stop taking my pain-killers. At the second treatment Sue decided to address my balance problem by doing some moves around my ankles. Immediately I felt a sensation travelling through my ankles into my feet, right down to my toes. For the first time in my life I know where my toes are and what they are doing. Until that moment I had thought of my feet as being simply like blocks of wood on the end of my ankles. Now that I know where my toes are I have stopped bruising them by walking into things.
“Wonderful!” I am recommending Sue and Bowen to everyone who I think may benefit.
Nyall, aged 34, Leicester
Shoulder pain and restriction
I had very stiff and painful left shoulder for 2-3 weeks and painkillers were not helping at all. I was planning to go to my GP, but decided to try Bowen Therapy first as it was on-site through the Wellbeing@work scheme. Just two sessions sorted it out for good without bothering the doctor.
Diane, Secretary, Leicester
Service Categories
Bowen Therapy, Sports Injury Therapy
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