Month: September 2022

In general terms, having a holistic approach means looking at something as a whole entity; understanding the bigger picture. In healthcare, a holistic approach means to provide support that looks at the whole person, not just their specific need at the time. It considers their physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

According to the holistic medicine philosophy, one can achieve optimal health – the primary goal of holistic medicine practice – by gaining proper balance in life.

Practitioners believe that the whole person is made up of interdependent parts and if one is not working properly, all the other parts will be affected. So, if people have imbalances in their lives e.g. physically or emotionally, it can negatively affect their overall health.

History of holistic therapy

Clinical holistic medicine dates as far back as Hippocrates. It was also suggested by Percival in his book – the first textbook of medical ethics, first published in 1803. Percival stated: “The feeling and emotions of the patients require to be known and to be attended to, no less than the symptoms of their diseases.”

Types of treatments in a holistic approach

Holistic practitioners use a variety of treatment techniques to help their patients achieve optimal health. These may include:

• Patient education on lifestyle changes and self-care to promote wellness. This can include diet, exercise, counselling, and more.
• Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, Bowen therapy and lymphatic drainage.

For example, when a person suffering headaches pays a visit to a holistic therapist, instead of walking out only with medication, the doctor will look at all the potential factors that might be causing the headaches, such as other health problems, diet and sleep habits, and personal problems. The treatment plan may work alongside any medication that the person has been prescribed by their doctor.

Although holistic health has been around for years, it’s a fresh concept to many. But it’s increasing in popularity worldwide and has been strongly advocated by the Royal College of General Practitioners for many years. If you are someone who has a health condition it might be time to have a chat with your local holistic therapist. Please get in touch to find out more.

Bowen Therapy is a gentle, hands-on therapy in which subtle moves are made over connective tissue, muscles, tendons and ligaments, prompting your body to make changes. These changes could be physical, emotional, or psychological, in order to trigger positive improvements in your health and well-being.

This therapy uses precise and gentle rolling hand movements applied to areas of the body, using thumbs and fingers in a specific process or order. It’s designed to stimulate nervous pathways which allow a ‘conversation’ to take place between different nervous systems of the body.

The history of Bowen Therapy

The technique was created by Thomas Ambrose Bowen in Australia, who claimed the therapy could reset the body’s pain response. After serving in World War II, Tom Bowen became interested in discovering ways to relieve pain in the human body. He noticed that certain movements made the body respond in a positive way.

He spent years refining and developing the effectiveness of his newfound treatment. As the popularity grew, it was not uncommon for Tom to treat up to 100 people per day in his clinic. In 1993, the Bowen Technique was brought to the UK. Since then, thousands of people have discovered the power of Bowen and have had their lives transformed by the treatment.

What is Bowen Therapy used for?

Bowen Therapy is used to treat various ailments. Generally, it can help to relieves pain such as back pain, shoulder and neck pain.

Additionally, some people find that Bowen Therapy helps with stress, fatigue, depression & anxiety, and flexibility.

What to expect during a session

A Bowen therapy session usually lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour. If preferred, the treatment can be given through light clothing.

The number of treatments varies from person to person, but if you have a long-standing injury, you will typically require more treatments than someone whose injuries have recently occurred. Most people will start to experience the positive effects of Bowen therapy immediately after their first treatment.

After your session, you will be given post-treatment instructions. Your symptoms might change during the treatment, after the session, or several days later, as the body will continue the ‘conversation’ up to 5-10 days after the treatment.

Typically for long-standing injuries and pain, clients will require 3 treatments, up to two weeks apart followed by a maintenance program that is designed by you and the therapist.