Bowen for Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Week

Today sees the start of Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Week.

It is estimated that around 1 in 500 people are affected by Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disease that is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra.

The loss of nerve cells leads to a reduction in the amount dopamine in the brain.

Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body and this reduction in dopamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Symptoms include involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body (tremors), muscle stiffness that can make everyday tasks very difficult and physical movements becoming very slow.

Sufferers can also experience non-motor symptoms such as depression, daytime sleepiness and dysphagia (difficulties swallowing).

                  Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with a form of Parkinson’s syndrome in 1984

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, though a medication called levodopa has proved effective in relieving symptoms.

Unfortunately after around 3-5 years use the effectiveness of levodopa is reduced.

The Bowen Technique is a natural, drug-free, non-invasive, complementary therapy that can be a gentle yet effective for sufferers of Parkinson’s disease.

 

Rather than 'making' the body change, Bowen 'asks' the body to recognise the ailment and make the changes it requires. It works ‘with’ the body as opposed to ‘against’ it.

 

During the 30-60 minute treatment, 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.

Read a testimonial from a client that has used Bowen to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

If you are caring for somebody with Parkinson’s and are interested in how Bowen Therapy can help with physical or mental stress visit the website to find a Bowen therapist near you or call 0844 561 7173.