Bowen Technique/ NST

Originally developed to alleviate muscle and joint problems and sports injuries, these therapies are now also used to help people with a wide variety of problems including:

• bad backs
• whiplash
• frozen shoulder
• stress
• asthma
• migraine
• hay fever
• arthritis
• menstrual problems

Many people respond to treatment rapidly with excellent results (1-3 treatments), and others more slowly (4-8 treatments).

Origin

The therapy was originally devised and developed by Tom Bowen in Australia between the 1950's and 1982, the year of his death. He treated an average of over 50 people a day, most of whom required only one or two treatments.

Description

A "hands-on" therapy in which the practitioner makes a series of moves over the muscles and soft tissue of the client, using only the thumbs and fingers: this prompts a neurological healing response.

It is gentle and non-invasive, and suitable for anyone from the newborn to the elderly. Treatment is punctuated by breaks of 2-3 minutes to allow the body to adjust. It can be performed through light clothing, and a session lasts about 40 minutes.

Guidelines

• Intervals between treatments: preferably 7-10 days initially.
• Wear lightweight, loose clothing: T-shirt and jogging bottoms are fine.
• Drink plenty of water, avoiding tap water if possible. Aim for 2 litres, or 4 pints a day ( 8-10 glasses).
• Take regular exercise: walk, swim or cycle. Get your heart 'pumping' for at least 15 minutes daily.

Client Improvements

In the five years to 2002 nine out of ten of my clients have reported a positive change in their condition, and of these six have experienced a good-to-excellent improvement. Clients were from 2 to 95 years old, and required an average of two to four treatments.

Improvement rates for particular sets of 'problem areas' as reported by clients, follow below:

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