PURE & SIMPLE
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PURE & SIMPLE
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Natural
Awakenings
Every
year we hear of more young children being Recent research suggests that Asthma is the leading serious chronic illness of children in the United States. In 2005, it was estimated that 6.5 million children under age 18 (almost 1.4 million under age 5) were suffering from asthma! The effect of this on whole families can be considerable. Children often respond immediately to Bowen Therapy, and there is no doubt it can significantly change the situation for young asthma sufferers and their families.
What is Asthma? Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the airways. Attacks can be caused by many things: respiratory infection; cold or illness; dairy products which produce extra mucus; animal hairs from cats, dogs and horses; airborne dust particles and irritants; sharp changes of temperature; smoking; emotional stress/anxiety issues; alcohol abuse; foods (possibly including bananas); exercise and allergens. They are triggered by stimuli that activate an over-reactive airway system.
How can Bowen Therapy help Asthma? While Bowen was developed as a muscular-skeletal therapy, it also affects the body’s other systems, such as the immune system. There have been many cases where chronic infection lasting several years has stopped soon after Bowen treatment has begun. Children who are constantly ill (sometimes because steroids have affected their immune system), can often get long-term relief, especially once the “trigger” has been identified and isolated, with an occasional “maintenance” program. The key to an asthma attack is the diaphragm. This contracts normally when breathing in and then relaxes to allow expiration. With an asthma-like condition, the diaphragm may be constantly in part-contraction, hence the familiar wheeze of an asthmatic. If a trigger such as a cold or illness or an allergy is detected, the diaphragm seems to contract more and more thus allowing the asthmatic to breathe in, but increasingly not to breathe out. The Bowen asthma/respiratory procedure persuades the muscles, especially the diaphragm, to relax more and more. Hence the reduction in frequency of attacks and their severity, plus an improvement in breathing — especially among young children. Combined with a boost to their immune system, it’s no wonder children usually love Bowen!
What about medications? Understandably, parents are always anxious to get their child off steroids as soon as possible. As children seem to respond quickly to Bowen, a reduction is medication is often possible soon after Bowen has done its work successfully. Nevertheless, we always recommend that reduction in medication should be under the guidance of the medical practitioner, as it is important to realize that medication has often been prescribed to safeguard the child from major attack and a possible life-threatening situation.
Can Bowen help in a full asthma attack? Yes! The Bowen Therapy Asthma Emergency Procedure is taught as a standard part of the Bowen courses. It is safe and quick to administer. In a full attack, the person cannot breathe out at all. The emergency procedure can release the spasm of the diaphragm and the air is released from the lungs. This is a very gentle, safe “release” move, which can even be taught to children of about 6-7 years old and their parents. Many asthma cases use this move instead of their inhaler. It is perfectly OK to use their normal treatment method, too. The move also works with other similar conditions such as Panic Attacks, Choking, and may help release chest tension in a case of Anaphylactic Shock. In a major asthma attack, call the Emergency Services immediately.
What is The Bowen Technique and how does it work? It consists of a number of gentle, rolling moves with fingers and thumbs across muscles or tendons in specific places on the body, which in turn persuades the body to start its own healing process. For this reason the therapist does not try to diagnose the cause of the problem, but rather than trying to fix specific conditions, performs Bowen moves to encourage the body to identify and get to the root of any problems it finds so as to reset itself in a very natural and holistic way. Many clients find issues they have not even mentioned to the practitioner begin to resolve once they start receiving Bowen bodywork. Treatment can be given through light clothing. A unique and important feature of the Bowen Technique is that the practitioner leaves the room for a few minutes at a time between sets of moves to allow the body to begin its healing process. These breaks are an extremely important and necessary part of the process. The human body is designed to heal itself; it is the therapist. The treatment is very gentle and non-invasive by nature, leaving the client very relaxed and with a feeling of well-being. It can be performed on newborn babies as well as 90-year olds. Effects may continue for some time after a session.
What other conditions respond to The Bowen Technique? As Bowen treats the whole body, many conditions may respond well. Excellent results have been achieved with Fibromyalgia, Back pain, Sciatica, Neck problems, “Frozen” and other Shoulder problems, Knees, Ankles, Headaches, Migraines, Asthma, Hayfever, Sinusitis, TMJ/Jaw problems, Chronic infection, Lymphodema, Sports injuries, Digestive disorders and more.
© The New You of Orlando 2008
Cheryll Hillier is a certified Bowen Instructor and a practitioner with 12 years experience, as well as a Licensed Massage Therapist (MA#29662).
To schedule an appointment, or if you are interested in classes, please call her at 321-277-8847.
The Bowen Therapy office is located at 1954 Howell Branch Road, Ste 112, Winter Park, Fl 32792. Ask about discounts for children under 12 years old.
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