Originally published February 16 2005
Massage technique proves helpful for pain reduction, many patients say
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A special massage technique called Bowen therapy is proving successful in reducing pain in patients who have been frustrated by numerous other treatments. One businesswoman said she was once a skeptic of all "new-age" approaches, but the Bowen therapy has made her a believer. She says her migraines persisted for years despite a tough regimen of physical therapy, Botox shots, and many other medicines. After four months of Bowen therapy, she says it is the only treatment that has worked.
Like many people, the 41-year-old Snohomish mother of three and co-owner of a successful nationwide business leads a busy life.
In using Bowen to treat Tina Kuna for migraine headaches, massage therapist Gretchen Miles applies a light touch precisely to key spots.
Unlike deep tissue massage, no additional inflammation is introduced with Bowen.
But after years of medication, physical therapy and 30 shots of Botox to her head and neck to deaden the nerves, Kuna has found a solution to her headache problem: Bowen therapy.
Bowen therapy is a technique in which a therapist administers a series of gentle rolling movements over the muscles and soft tissue of a client lying clothed or unclothed on a massage table.
Therapy is alternated with rest during sessions of 15 to 60 minutes.
Medically, Bowen therapy is not a cure for any illness, but many people claim to have found relief from conditions such as back pain, asthma and fibromyalgia.
Miles uses her thumbs and fingers when working on a client.
After a series of moves, Miles leaves the client in the room alone for what Bowen therapists call essential pauses.
Olson, 50, was diagnosed last year with congestive heart failure when she became short of breath and her feet swelled considerably.
She describes the therapy movement like a bit of a flick on a muscle or a tendon.
It's more the room, the soft bed and the feeling that she's in trusted hands.
Bowen, an Australian, was interested in massage and other soft tissue manipulation and learned these techniques by watching trainers help injured football players.
After a couple of Bowen sessions, her appetite came back.
Bowen therapy also helps with her colds, which are serious for Olson because of her condition.
"Colds for me are like you having pneumonia," she said.
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