So its official 4 out of 5 of us suffer with back pain at some point in our lives, and specifically back pain. It can be totally debilitating and can strike at any time, it accounts for massive loss of income and productivity as people take time off work. Dr Hilary Jones was talking about some of the possible cures on BBC Radio 2 recently and as well as drugs, he rather sensibly suggested that good posture can play a part, alongside trying treatments such massage and acupuncture. Now I simply couldn't let that comment go without doing yet another big up for the Bowen Technique. I've been banging on about it for years and in my defence Tim Smith who works with me on the radio popped up and admitted he'd had some treatments for a frozen shoulder and been amazed at its effectiveness.
I first came across Bowen when I was pregnant with my second child, read the full account here and I've since recommended it both on and off the radio to hundreds of people. I just wish I'd kept a proper file to document the many calls and emails I've been sent over the years from people thanking me for the recommendation and saying how it's with cured or greatly alleviated their symptoms. Some of them have suffered with pain for many years and had been about to have surgery, or indeed in one case had been told it was unlikely they'd walk again or drive, that 85 year old man by the way went on to drive, walk and indeed play golf !
It not just back pain either - Bowen can help a huge number of problems from colic to hay fever, and it’s my first port of call for any muscular problems or minor injuries. Recently I found myself in Brighton (well a girl has to get her fix of the seaside) with a bit of an aching shoulder. I confess it was rather self inflicted having been carrying stupidly heavy bags - not the well distributed shoulder bags favoured by my Bowen therapist. I decided it couldn't wait till I returned to London so I sought out a local practitioner who even came to my hotel room. What can I say, Bowen (and Brighton) rocks! Jan Davies who practices in the south east could tell I was a little out of alignment. I'd had a bit of a fall also, and no I wasn't on the vino! And there's often a tad of RSI going on as I'm constantly writing not necessarily sitting in a great position at the computer.
With Bowen the therapist always leaves you for a few moments several times during the session to allow your body to ‘cook’, indeed the Bowen technique works on the principle that the body can heal itself, the practitioner merely facilitates this healing.
Within a few moments I felt deeply relaxed and by the end of the 40 'minute session I had slightly more movement in the shoulder, I drank lots of water, slept like a baby and was thrilled to report that the next day the shoulder felt better still, with more freedom of movement.
Jan comes highly recommended and if you want to work on your posture and fitness also she offers Pilates classes in Hampshire and Brighton,
Jan Davis is a member of The Bowen Therapy Professional Association (BTPA), which is the largest UK professional association for qualified Bowen Therapists. Members of this association are qualified in Anatomy & Physiology and First Aid. They are also fully insured, abide by a strict code of conduct and ethics and are committed to a programme of continuing professional development.
For further information on Bowen Therapy and registered BTPA members in your area visit www.bowen-therapy.co or call 0844 561 7173
And here’s is Jan’s direct details as well.
Jan Davis 01273 447121 / 07904 187257 jan@movementandhealth.co.uk www.movementandhealth.co.uk
If you're looking for a. Practitioner in the. London area try Jo Lunn who's also personally helped me, and comes highly recommended..
For other practitioners go to www.bowen-therapy.co.uk
