Get Fit for the Festive Season

Many of us have already started indulging in festive food, from munching on mince pies to raiding through boxes of chocolates at work. However, we all still need to stay trim enough to fit into that fabulous New Year’s Eve dress or simply get through Christmas day without the trouser button popping open, this is why it is important to stay on top of your fitness regimes.

It is clearly hard to avoid the lashings of scrumptious food and drink at this time of the year, so going to the gym or starting a fitness plan will help to keep those extra calories from creeping on to your body. Nevertheless, whether you're a serious sportsperson or you exercise for fun, there's a chance that if you haven’t already you may one day suffer a sports injury. Bowen can significantly help with any injuries incurred during exercise whether it is a recurring injury or a new one.

Celebrities such as intrepid adventurer, Bear Grylls, has been quoted saying Bowen Therapy is something he turns to whenever he returns from his exploits in hostile environments around the world, Bear has regular treatments and now regards Bowen therapy as an essential part of his preparation and recovery. “Bowen has helped keep my body together despite the continual bashing it takes,” he explains: “It’s a vital support in putting right a whole range of new aches and pains, making sure that old injuries don’t cause me problems, and helping me fight stress and fatigue.”

Born Survivor, Bear Grylls

Whether you’ll be going on mass adventurers like Bear Grylls or going for a jog make sure you keep on top of any injuries and try out Bowen Therapy from a trained practitioner,

For further information on Bowen Therapy and fully trained Bowen practitioners in your area visit www.bowen-therapy.co or call 0844 561 7173

Bowen therapy takes away the down side of pregnancy

As many pregnant women will know pregnancy can really take a toll on a lady’s body and well-being; from morning sickness and tiredness to physical pain such as back ache and sciatica. Renowned obstetrician and author of ‘The Gentle Birth Method’ Gowri Motha, believes Bowen Therapy can help many pregnant women. Motha, who boasts Elle Macpherson and Sam Taylor-Wood amongst her celebrity mums, prescribes Bowen for cases of back pain, nausea, pubic and pelvic pain, mastitis, temporo-mandibular joint(TMJ) problems and for mothers who are anxious and tense. She has also found that Bowen can help with pelvic tilt, which often causes problems with the positioning of the foetus, and that there are Bowen procedures that can encourage the baby's head to engage.

As with many other alternative therapies the success of a treatment mainly depends on visiting a legitimate, well trained practitioner. The Bowen Therapy Professional Association (BTPA), which is the largest UK professional association for qualified Bowen Therapists is an ideal place to find a suitable practitioner. 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

Bowen Therapist of the week: Martina Grubmueller

Martina has been performing Bowen therapy since 2005 and been a member of BTPA since December 2010. Martina first came across the Bowen technique when a close friend who had trained in Australia offered her a treatment, as she had always suffered from multiple ailments. At first Martina had thought nothing of it as the treatment was so gentle, then a month on she noticed significant changes in herself, especially effecting her monthly cycle. Martina was so amazed by the results she decided to become a practitioner herself. Martina has said, “Bowen has changed my entire career path and I am eternally grateful for it!”

Here are a selection of testimonials from some of Martina's clients who had come to her with various ailments;

Hypermobility

My son (3 years old) has low muscle tone and hypertonia - otherwise known as hypermobility, this led to him being diagnosed by doctors with a "Global Developmental Delay".

The two together resulted in him being unable to move around and walk as early as other children and therefore had a knock on effect on his Gross Motor skills and subsequently Fine Motor skills development.  He drools (due to low facial muscle) and can be quite unsteady on his feet (due to extreme flexibility).  He was having trouble with co-ordinating both hands and general dexterity.

Bowen therapy "globally" addressed the situation and had quite a profound impact on almost all areas of is development. Not only did his mobility and balance improve but his dexterity and hand eye co-ordination as well as his comprehension and speech. I noticed a distinct difference in his awareness and general mood, I felt more connected to him and as a result we are calmer and he sleeps better. I also found he co-operates more and is certainly more aware of is surroundings. We have more work to do but he is making great progress and I would highly recommend Bowen to any parent concerned that their child could do with a friendly shift/ boost in the right direction. Clare N, London

Chronic Back Pain/ Pregnancy

I started receiving Bowen treatment nearly 3 years ago following a recommendation from a physio friend who thought if would help with an ongoing chronic back complaint.

As soon as I started treatment I notice an improvement in my back condition. I felt it worked straight away, experiencing sensations in my body which indicated to Martina where I needed additional work.

I continued treatment throughout my 2^nd pregnancy, which contributed to an easy and straight forward pregnancy and labour.

I have monthly sessions to keep my back in good working order and for general well-being. I always look forward to my treatment as they are very gentle and holistic, resulting in a very relaxing experience.

I would highly recommend Bowen to anyone with an ongoing condition and to maintain overall good health.

Martina puts you at ease and really understands and supports her clients. It is a wonderful treatment, which until you experience it, is hard to describe. Rachel R, London

Chronic lower back pain

In 1997 I had a number of accidents that left me with a chronic lower back problem. I have had various interventions over the past 12 years including courses of treatment with chiropractors and osteopaths. I was however Bowen healing with Martina Grubmueller that resolved the structural issues. I have been pain free for a number of months now – to the degree that I can now undertake massage treatments without stress or pain. If you feel that your body is ready to heal, I would recommend Martina as a professional and grounded Bowen Practitioner. Sue H., Liverpool

Shoulder pain

Message: Hi Martina, 

You asked me to let you know how my shoulder was following our taster treatment at the Natural Health Fair in Tolworth. Well, it’s good! I don’t have the stiffness associated with the shoulder and mobility is good. Thank you very much for your time and energy, and for helping my shoulder find balance again. Ladio M, London

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

I have heard of the Bowen Therapy sometime ago and of its beneficial treatments. Yet I never thought of learning little more about its system until this year when after a long illness, I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. At that time I was very lucky to be introduced to a Bowen Therapist living and operating in my area, Mrs. Martina Grubmueller, who so kindly applied her skills on my body and managed after two sessions of therapy to make me feel considerably better, and on her third session my IBS complaint completely disappeared and I was well again, well and fee to eat all kind of food I used to eat before.

Lately, after my visit to my Medical Centre for a check-up they found out that my blood pressure was considerably high; I visited again my Bowen therapist for a “well being” session and after a week to the surprise of my doctor and mine, the blood pressure had dropped again.

I am so lucky and happy to have discovered the Bowen Therapy and especially Martina who with her gentle touch, sweet smile and kind approach is creating little miracles. Mrs. Vanda D, Kingston Vale

Frozen Shoulder

I had quite a few Bowen treatments from Martina especially for my Frozen Shoulder. Following these Bowen treatments my shoulder movements improved significantly and there was a marked reduction in the pain as well. Recently I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have a mastectomy. This left me feeling shocked and worried. The Bowen treatments prior to my surgery certainly helped me with my speedy recovery and I am extremely happy with the outcome. D, London

Wrist pain

“I was slightly apprehensive of the treatment at first as I am not exactly a ‘new age person’. However, I had heard good things and wanted to give it a try. Martina was very welcoming and warm and instantly set me at ease. The Bowen treatment was very peaceful and pain that I had been feeling in my right wrist started to fade away as my nervous and muscular system relaxed under her skilled hands. We have also done some NLP therapy to help me deal with a couple of insecurities and I am really looking forward to my next session." William B, London

Overall well-being

I was going though a very emotional time in my life and needed a boost both physically and mentally.  I saw Martina for a few Bowen sessions. She worked on not only the physical aspects but the mind / body connection which has made huge improvements to my health and my mental state.  I am feeling much more positive and my energy levels have improved greatly!  She is very warm and instantly puts you at ease - I would recommend her to any of my friends!  Thank you, Deborah 

If you are interested in experiencing a Bowen treatment with Martina contact her directly at the Kingston-Upon-Thames clinic on Tel: 0208 5411498 / 07713887998 E-mail: Martina.Grubmueller@bowen-technique.co.uk Web: www.bowennlp.com
Or
the Twickenham clinic on Tel: 020 33706488 E-mail: info@theconscioushealthcentre.com Web:www.theconscioushealthcentre.com

Bowen Technique photo-shoot!

It was an exciting day in the Furore office yesterday, as a variety of willing models enjoyed a Bowen Technique therapy session whilst trying their best to strike a pose!

The shoot took place to show the public the wide range of people and ages Bowen Therapy is suitable for. Anyone can have the treatment including, men and women, children and the elderly, sporty types and pregnant women. 

For anyone who hasn't experienced The Bowen Technique, it is a natural, drug-free non-invasive complementary therapy which was invented in Australia and introduced to the UK in the 1990’s. It works differently to a conventional oil massage you may have received where pressure is used to aid recovery and injury. Instead Bowen ‘asks’ the body to recognise the problem and make the change itself. 

 Using primarily fingers and thumbs, the Bowen practitioner makes small, rolling movements over muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissue at precise points on the body, using only the amount of pressure appropriate for that individual. No hard-tissue manipulation or force is needed or used.

The treatment has some celebrity followers with Bear Grylls and Radio 2 Presenter Janey Lee Grace both raving about their Bowen experiences.

The models also appeared to have really enjoyed the variety of moves carried out by the practitioner, as you can tell by the photos! 

YourExchangeNetwork Event

BTPA attended the launch of YourExchangeNetwork.co.uk which was held at the Ramada Encore in Birmingham on Sunday 25th September.

The website is hailed as a one stop portal for everything menopause which was certainly apparent at the launch with stands alongside BTPA serving anything from speciality cupcakes to wine tasting courses and valet services.

<sup>We were invited to attend the launch after the organiser, and mind behind YourExchangeNetwork, Jacky Lawrence had been informed by a close friend just how beneficial The Bowen Technique had been in treating her menopause symptoms. This impressive testimonial led to us being offered a stand in the main room to promote Bowen and BTPA.

After a bit of a slow start initially – it was bucketing it down in Birmingham – the room soon filled up. The Bowen stand offered free mini treatments to show customers how it worked and gave some who already knew about the Bowern technique a great opportunity to refresh their knowledge or learn more about our amazing therapy. The taster sessions in the treatment room certainly were popular and everybody left feeling much improved and eager to try more Bowen.</sup>

A big thank you to Gustav Prinsloo, Susan Rook and Alex Haines who attended the event and made the BTPA stand a pleasure for all who came across it and also to Jacky Lawrence for inviting us to be a part of her wonderful afternoon.

Tom Bowen Legacy Trust Fund brings a swinging smile to Bowen patient's face

 Ron Phelan, from the Tom Bowen Legacy Trust Fund, came all the way from Geelong Australia to The Kings Centre, Wigston in Leicester on Friday 12^thAugust to present a swing to 12 year old local boy, Amer Singh. The Leicester Children’s Bowen Clinic knew that Amer needed help to improve his balance and successfully applied to the Trust Fund on his behalf.  Amer will now get the stimulation he needs in a fun way, with a sturdy garden swing.

From left to right: Ron Phelan, Amer Singh and Amer's parents

Amer has attended the Leicester Children’s Bowen Clinic for the past three years where Bowen therapy has helped to improve his walking ability a great deal. The therapists at the clinic knew of The Tom Bowen Legacy Fund, which is well established in Australia and has just this year started a UK fund. They applied to the fund for a swing on Amer’s behalf, as recommended by his occupational therapist.

The clinic is one of a network of 36 children’s clinics around the country run by Bowen Therapy Professional Association (BTPA) members.  The therapists give their time free of charge and are run either free or for a small donation to cover running costs and enable many hundreds of families to bring children for treatment. Rose Ward, who organises the LCBC and its team of therapists says: "It has been a privilege and pleasure to help youngsters like Amer at the clinic, to reach more of their potential through the use of Bowen therapy.”

From left to right: Rose Ward, Amer Singh

Bowen is a simple technique which encourages the body’s own healing processes. It was founded by the Australian, Tom Bowen who used it to successfully treat people for a wide range of muscular skeletal conditions from the 1950’s through to his death in the 1980’s.  He found it to be particularly effective for children as it is so gentle. After his death, the Tom Bowen Legacy Trust Fund was established in his honour.  The Fund is run in the UK by Bowen therapists David and Birgitte Howells.

David Howells says “The presentation has been a way for us to support Amer’s occupational therapy. The use of this equipment stimulates the body’s natural responses and that is also what is being done with the Bowen Technique.  We are hoping that the presentation of equipment like this will become a regular annual event.”

All money held by the charity is raised by Bowen therapists to purchase electronic communication or mobility equipment to improve the quality of children’s lives. In the UK, BTPA members have donated over £300 so far since March 2011 and it is this money that has been used to purchase the swing.

Amer on his new swing

Bowen brings therapy to menopause

Bowen Therapy Professional Association (BTPA) will be exhibiting at the launch of Your Exchange Network on Sunday 25^th September 2011, from 2pm at Ramada Encore, Ernest Street/ Holloway Road, Birmingham, B1 1NS. Entry is completely free.

The event will bring together a collaboration of friendly and trustworthy supporters and providers who understand your needs, providing advice and support around all aspects of the menopause.

As well as Bowen practitioners from BTPA, other exhibitors include: Cherish Jewels, Evanji Sugaring, The Pampering Den, Forever Living Products, Dermalogica, Distance Dieters, Wendy Kaye Hooper, Earth Connexions, Think Wills, Scentsy Warmers, Felina Accessories and cupcakes from Two Cousins Bakery!

This event will help you learn about new treatments and therapies, allow you to indulge in some girlie purchases, or simply relax and soak up the ambience as well as enjoy a gorgeous glass of bubbly and some lovely nibbles. 

For a better understanding on how Bowen therapy can help women going through the transition of menopause there is an opportunity to pre-book mini treatments in the INDULGENCE ROOM.

To pre-book a mini-treatment and to RSVP for the event simply contact Jacky Lawrence from Your Exchange Ltd on

e-mail: jacky@yourexchangenetwork.co.uk or telephone: 07595 721715
(For parking help, go to http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/)

Raising Awareness!

This Friday 12th August will see a very special presentation taking place. BTPA therapists have been working together to raise funds for a swing for a very special patient of the Leicester Children’s Bowen Clinic. The swing will help the young patient with vestibular stimulation as part of fun activity time. The official presentation of this swing is being made possible due to the fundraising for the Tom Bowen Legacy Trust Fund UK (TBLTFUk). The aim of TBLTFUk is to provide children who have had Bowen treatment and who require special help with items of mechanical and electrical means.

The presentation this Friday is just the start; plans are underway to continue to raise funds so that TBLTFUk can present new equipment to help children annually. With the support of practitioners, student practitioners, clients and anyone who has benefited from Bowen this will hopefully raise awareness.

Anyone who is interested in making donations to the trust fund can contact David Howells or his wife Birgitte at the Rosefield Clinic on 01926 430 455. Alternatively you can send a cheque directly to the clinic:

Rosefield Clinic
1 Rosefield Mews
42 Rosefield Street
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
CV32 4HE

The presentation will take place at 1:00pm at The Kings Centre, Bull Head Street, Leicestershire, LE18 1PA.

A bit of info on Bowen....

 

BTPA 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.

Bowen technique prides itself on being able to trigger the body's own healing systems. Rather than 'making' the body change, Bowen 'asks' the body to recognise and make the changes it requires. With primarily fingers and thumbs, the Bowen practitioner makes small, rolling movements over muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue at precise points on the body, using only the amount of pressure appropriate for that individual. No hard-tissue manipulation or force is needed or used. Between each set of moves, the body is allowed to rest for a few minutes, to allow it to absorb the information it has received and initiate the healing process.

Bowen is generally pleasant to receive, each session lasting 30 – 60 minutes, depending on the age of the client and the nature of their condition.  Many clients become so relaxed they fall asleep during the treatment.

Short-term (acute) injury may be resolved in one to three Bowen treatments, while long-standing (chronic) conditions may require longer. A gap of five to ten days is recommended between Bowen sessions; so that the body can process the subtle information it has been given. Bowen Therapy may help with a host of health issues such as:  back pain, frozen shoulders, sports injuries, whiplash, migraine, hay fever, asthma, IBS, fertility matters to name but a few.

For further information on Bowen Therapy, registered BTPA members in your area, how to become a BTPA member and/or testimonials visit www.bowen-therapy.co or call 0844 561 7173.

Hello and welcome......

This is the first official post for our new blog. Here you’ll find information, opinions and general talking points about Bowen. We’ll also use our blog to keep you updated on news from practitioners and BTPA. We've also launched on Twitter, so follow us to keep up to date on all of our comings and goings!