be at a level of constant contraction. This allows the asthmatic to breathe in but becomes increasingly difficult to breathe out.
What Causes Asthma Attacks?
Asthma can be caused by various factors like;
Pollution
Allergies (pet, food, dust, chemicals)
Food intolerances
Infections
It can also be hereditary
Asthma attacks build-up starting from an initial difficulty breathing, dry cough, tightness and pain in the chest, cough during the night, difficulty breathing and wheezing. The heart rate increases as the body struggles to breathe. The cough can cause capillaries in the face to get damaged which can be seen.
How Bowen Therapy Can Help Asthma
Bowen therapy is a natural and gentle way to manage Asthma. The Bowen moves act directly through (the nerves in the fascia onto) the nervous system by relaxing and soothing it, which in turn relaxes and releases the tension in the diaphragm allowing the asthmatic to exhale and therefore breathe easier.
Over time this:
Improves breathing
Reduces the number of attacks and their severity
Reduces the sensitivity to the triggers
Helps them respond better to the medication when needed
Reduces the need for medication
Improve overall health
I like to teach my clients how to perform a small Bowen emergency move they can do themselves when they feel a tightness beginning to build so they manage the condition themselves. This move is also excellent for hiccups or coughing–even anxiety or panic attacks to help relieve and tight chest and normalise breathing.
Research Study on efficacy of Bowen Therapy in managing Asthma
A National Research program (between October 2002 to March 2004) was launched to determine the efficacy of The Bowen Therapy in the treatment of the Asthma condition. The research was carried out over a twelve month period. The research was aimed at recording any changes in the Volunteer’s symptoms in terms of frequency, severity of attacks and reliance on medication.
The majority of 24 volunteers had been suffering from Asthma over 5 years, most for over 15 years. The results were very positive.
83% reported a reduction in the frequency of their asthma attacks
75% reported a reduction in the severity of their attacks
75% reported using less medication than before the Bowen Research project.
Of the 24 volunteers who completed the program, 22 reported that secondary health concerns had also improved, including back, neck and shoulder problems; knee and joint problems; headaches and migraines; hay fever; irritable bowel syndrome and digestion; circulation; insomnia; anxiety, stress, depression and energy level improvement.
The outcomes of the study are highly encouraging, as indicated by the unanimous recommendation from every Volunteer to suggest the Bowen Therapy to other individuals with Asthma. Unlike treating a particular ailment in isolation, Bowen Therapy influences the individual’s integrated biodynamic system. Since Asthma can be triggered by a multitude of factors such as emotional distress, stress levels, exercise, food, and environmental allergens, it is crucial to consider a holistic therapy like Bowen as a viable alternative for enhancing the well-being of Asthma patients.
Girl, 2 years old, 1 Bowen Therapy treatment
At her first treatment she was very wheezy and had been prescribed steroids, which her mother was reluctant to use. Both parents smoke. The wheezing reduced after the first treatment and has now disappeared, though there was a period of mucus being produced. Her breathing has improved after 4 treatments, so much so that the school have commented on it. The steroids were discontinued before the first treatment. It is very difficult to treat a two-year-old child who is sitting and squirming on her mother's knees. However, it seemed to work well despite those difficulties. Normally, the child has had asthma attacks every two weeks or so during the winter. She has had none for over two months now. Her mother wrote: "My 2.5 year old daughter has suffered from asthma and also an over-production of mucus from birth. She has Ventolin and also Becotide on occasions. In November 1999, her asthma worsened and the GP advised restarting steroids at a higher dose. She took a severe reaction to steroids so we stopped them immediately. That week she received her first Bowen and has had treatment once or twice a month since. She has not needed any medication since; she has a very slight period of wheezing occasionally which is managed with essential oils. It has been a remarkable improvement, particularly as she is a lively two year old who doesn't always stay still for the treatments." Signed BC - Feb 2000
Boy, 6 years old, 1 Bowen Therapy treatment.
O's asthma was worsening and his mother did not tell him that his visit to Bowen therapist was connected to his breathing problems. As he is normally quite a stubborn little boy and wary of anything new, his mother was surprised when he accepted the treatment and did as he was told. The next evening, when she reminded him to take his usual dose from his inhaler, he announced: "I don't need my puffer any more". He then enjoyed a summer free of asthma, including hour-long football practices with his brother, and a mountain-biking holiday.
Girl, 8 years old, 3 Bowen Therapy treatments.
Suffers with asthma and chest infections. She was small for her age and had a poor appetite. She had 3 inhalers: 5 puffs of one twice a day; 3 of another twice a day and the last one every 4 hours. Distressed with the amount of medication F was taking, her mother was looking for an alternative and discovered The Bowen Technique. After one treatment, F became full of life, energetic, hungry and didn't need the last 4 hourly inhaler. At the end of treatment 3, she was off all inhalers, had grown, was still full of life and hungry. At a routine check-up with the GP, just after Bowen treatment 3, he immediately picked up the difference. The bright, alert look in her eyes, weight and height gain, clear, good, strong breathing. He was so pleased he wanted Bowen information to give to other patients.
Boy (teenager), 2 Bowen Therapy treatments.
A teenager, K had had asthma, a constant backache and severe 'morning motivational' problems for years. He often had problems getting to sleep, but after a 6.30 p.m. treatment he fell sound asleep till next morning. After two sessions he complained of little result, but carried on. After the third treatment, he drank a lot of water and has not looked back. His backache and asthma are gone and, amazingly, for the first time in his life he is experiencing a sustained motivation to get up and going in the mornings
Girl, 17 years old, 1 Bowen Emergency treatment.
England Junior Basketball Team Member, K, was involved with the multistage fitness test used to analyze an athlete's aerobic performance. A standard is expected at this level and the peer pressure to achieve the necessary grade is immense. K was struggling for breath soon into the test causing some concern early on. Determination kept her going until she had to stop because she could not gain a breath at all and had commenced a panic attack, which complicated the situation. K was removed from the concerned crowd and the Bowen emergency asthma move carried out. Immediately a normal breathing pattern resumed and after 30 minutes K carried on training with no further symptoms.
