Author: nickynewtonbowentherapist@gmail.com

This 2022 Mental Health Day, we should all spend some time reviewing our personal mental well-being, and how our physical and mental wellbeing tie in together. We often think of these aspects as separate and forget how intertwined our mental health and physical health really are.

How Bowen Therapy can help

Mental health issues often manifest into physical pains and issues, such as back ache, neck tension migraines and IBS, just to name a few. As Bowen Therapy is designed to work by acknowledging the link between our mind and body, it’s the ideal treatment for mental health problems, such as anxiety.

Bowen Therapy is a holistic, hands-on type of therapy which is non-invasive and completely drug-free. It’s performed through small rolling movements that are made on the body. For example, over muscles tendons, ligaments and soft tissues. The aim is to encourage the body to recognise what’s going on and address it rather than forcing it to change. After treatment, clients often come away feeling more relaxed and lighter. With the release of toxins from the body many feel healthier and calmer.

Bowen Therapy and anxiety

Around 8 million people in the UK have some form of anxiety disorder. It’s one of the most common mental health issues around the world.

Our anxiety is our body’s response to external situations or stimulants. That’s why Bowen Therapy can be highly effective in the treatment of anxiety.

Those with anxiety often have a racing mind which they struggle to slow down due to the stress and busy-ness of our modern lives. Through Bowen Therapy treatment, our nervous system is able to exist in a more balanced parasympathetic and sympathetic state. This is the ideal state for our body to heal itself, for example in terms of our digestion.

If you struggle with anxiety, Bowen Therapy might be the answer for you.

How much do Nicky Newton treatments cost?

All of my treatments are £50 per session and last between 45-60 minutes. At the start of each treatment I will carry out a consultation to enable you to discuss any changes. We will discuss your physical and emotional well-being and from this I will ensure your treatment is tailored to you.

For babies and those under 16, treatment times will vary depending on the child. All treatments are £15.

To find out how Nicky Bowen Therapy could help you, get in touch today by clicking here.

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.