Helping glaucoma with natural therapies

Firstly, I need to point out that I am not an eye surgeon or optometrist. Yet I have had first-hand experience with glaucoma.

There are a few types of glaucoma, namely:

   primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) – the most common type, which I will base this topic around; normal tension glaucoma (NTG);

   low tension glaucoma (LTG); pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma (PEX);

   narrow angle glaucoma – intermittent narrowing of the angle.

The topic is complex, so this is a brief overview of how natural therapies can help POAG.

Global research has not produced a cure yet. However, I feel there will eventually be one, with stem cell therapy being the answer.

Meanwhile, globally, every sufferer is managing the disorder, some with success, others not so successfully.

I have spent much time researching POAG and my personal journey took me to the USA with hope that micro-current frequency devices could assist. However, it did not lower my intraocular pressure. A device attached to it, called a ‘transducer’, was to help regenerate cells, but I am not sure if this was happening over the eight months of using it.

But my journey was not futile, since I discovered I had intermittent narrowing of the angles, particularly in the left eye, which six local doctors in Sydney had been unable to see. Due to the fact it was a ‘mechanical’ issue (as Americans refer to it), no remedy would help it except a laser procedure called peripheral iridotomy (PI), which is specifically for opening the angles. Since no Australian doctor would accept the diagnosis or be willing to conduct PI, I had to fly back to the US for it six weeks later. I am told that intermittent narrowing of the angle is difficult to detect, yet the US doctor saw it immediately and so did the doctor who performed the PI.

At the time people said ‘he’ could be wrong considering six local doctors disputed it, but I knew otherwise. The slight intermittent ache I had experienced for many months in the left eye was resolved with the PI procedure and to date has not returned. The ache was a sign that the angle was narrowing, and you don’t want the angle to close because sight is lost when this occurs.

I had experienced head trauma 46 years ago due to a car accident, and this caused damage to tiny lymph channels which the doctor detected, along with peripheral anterior synechia (PAS), which is often present after physical trauma.

I am pleased that I traveled to the US, since a laser, called an SLT, would not have opened the angles. SLT is commonly used to assist with aqueous drainage to help lower intra-ocular pressure (IOP). All laser procedures for various eye disorders perform specific things, and it is important that you receive the correct type for your particular disorder and symptoms.

I must stress that if two dozen people were diagnosed with POAG, they would all have manifested it due to different circumstances – aside from a genetic tendency – such as through physical head/eye trauma, metabolic problems or conventional drugs. I feel the hormonal changes in midlife also play a role, which is often considered an ‘ageing disorder’, but I don’t agree with this.

I have learned a lot about glaucoma, having observed my own body and how it has responded. I measure my IOP daily using a non-contact tonometer. Glaucoma is not caused by the IOP; this only plays a part in contributing to damage to the optic nerve.

I agree that people with ocular hypertension for a lengthy period of time, without remedial action, could progress to optic nerve damage and glaucoma, but there are many other factors that contribute to the disorder. Even the world’s experts are baffled about some aspects of glaucoma, especially when it comes to helping those with low or normal tension glaucoma.

Conventional treatment

Laser or glaucoma eye drops help with lowering the IOP and improve aqueous fluid drainage. However there are many side effects with the drops. For some fortunate people they are minor, but many others suffer both systemically and locally, despite diligently following the directions which the doctor explains. SLT is not long lasting and the range I am told is 6 months up to 5 years.  Really depends on person’s overall health and chronicity of the glaucoma.  I also feel the skills of the doctor and whether he treats a third of the eye or 360 deg. SLT is repeatable.  Some eyes can only tolerate approximately 3 treatments, others several.

Types of glaucoma drops

Prostaglandin analogues (PA) appear to be the most popular. Australia does not have as wide a selection as the US or Europe and it took time for us to have drops free of the preservative BAK, which can be an irritant, although this is controversial.

My observations were that this kind of drop interacts with the endocrine (hormonal) system, because I had a long list of side effects. Liver enzymes doubled in two-and-a-half weeks, I experienced IBS-like symptoms, was sore and bloated, had brain fog, was weepy, depressed and fatigued, had excessive thirst, a craving chocolate after lunch, (Traditional Chinese Medicine use a 24 hour clock that indicates which organ system is active), approximately between 1 and 3pm is the small intestine, this is when the sweet craving was uncontrollable, the pancreas was being challenged.  Also I developed sinusitis and headaches. 

Beta blockers (BB) – can interfere with cardio and respiratory system, but medical people may dispute this. These drugs can cause shortness of breath, asthmatic type symptoms, dizziness and fatigue. I knew of one man who had a seizure, yet had no history of seizures and was in good health prior to taking the drugs.

Timolol is a beta blocker, which can cause impotence. A man advised me that his eye doctor had said it doesn’t matter if he became impotent since he was 65 and not about to father children.

Alpha agonists decrease production of fluid and increase drainage. They contain pruite as a preservative, which breaks down into a natural tear component and is often better tolerated. I have heard of some respiratory issues with this medication

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce IOP by decreasing production of intraocular fluid. They can affect the kidneys.

Sometimes combined medications are offered.

The aqueous fluid (AF) serves the purpose of providing nutrients, amino acids and glucose for the blood-deficient ocular tissues, posterior cornea, trabecular mesh work, lens and anterior vitreous.  So if some glaucoma drops reduce the AF, how does that impact on the eye over the years regarding nutrition?

If you have glaucoma, I recommend you thoroughly research the type of eye drop that you have been prescribed.

The problem is, there are realistically only these two treatment options - laser of drops.  Worse cases would require general surgery, but a doctor advised me that there is a 50/50 chance of sight loss after surgery!

Things that can increase ocular pressure are:

 

Computer screens, TVs, staring at any machinery for too long, eye strain and working in bright lights or dull lighting. In some cases pressure can be increased by aerobics, Zumba classes, weightlifting, running and, jogging.

There are restrictions with some yoga and Pilates exercises, of which some Pilate instructors are unaware. You must never do Pilates roll-down exercises (placing the head low towards the knees), nor leg raises, nor head stands in yoga nor the plank. Some fitness instructors appear to lack understanding of appropriate exercises for people with glaucoma. Also avoid sports where you may encounter head impact or too much jumping or over exertion.

Avoid very hot drinks, soups and meals; eat just warm to cool in all cases. Over spicy food and other stimulants, gusty winds, small tight swimming goggles (use Aqua Sphere as they don’t impede circulation), diving into pools and scuba diving. coffee, no more than 3 black/green teas daily.

Heavy metal toxicity must be resolved. One young man had excessive level of arsenic. He had been a welder and at age 32 was diagnosed with POAG. It’s so important to get these levels down, even if you take the glaucoma drops, otherwise damage can occur at the cellular level despite medication.

Common pressure raisers are eating, drinking, stress, anxiety and fear. Also adrenal and thyroid fatigue, blood sugar problems and excessively high or low blood pressure. There is a ratio between IOP and blood pressure.

What helps stabilise or lower IOP?

Meditation, good sleep, lymphaciser (not in all people), walking, gentle yoga (stretches, no leg raises), warm temperature foods and drinks, palming (palms over eyes), head/facial/neck lymph drainage, anti-glare glasses, wearing black lens sunglasses, having fun with friends/family, reading in natural light (preferably black font on white paper) especially after meals, swinging exercises and various eye exercises to work tight muscles and destress the eyes. Some people find relief with bed elevation.

Natural Therapies

There are no ready-made formulas on the market for glaucoma.

Both Chinese and Western herbal medicine assess the metabolism of the person. They have slightly different approaches, but agree that the liver and gall bladder play huge roles. 

Improving digestion is important for supporting the endocrine system, central nervous system and brain.

It would require several functional lab tests to assess the current state of health of a person. Only then would remedies be selected.

Helpful can be homeopathics, herbal remedies including Chinese herbs, various supplements and perhaps probiotics and enzymes to optimise gut integrity and function. Topical homeopathics may be applied to the vision centre.

Balancing hormones is very important. It is necessary to assess levels of iodine and all vital nutrients. Vitamin C is mentioned on ‘Dr Google’, but may not be appropriate, since I’ve noted that it can relax the tissues, and if you have damage to tiny lymph channels, this can increase the pressure, since they struggle to drain.

Optimising nutrition for the eye/brain is vital, regardless of taking glaucoma medication or receiving laser treatment.

I often show people simple head, facial and neck exercises that can help with drainage, including lymph drainage. 

This is a very complex disorder, and what helps one person may not help another.

If you opt for conventional medications, you can still employ natural remedies. Since the drops are to lower pressure and open up drainage channels or reduce aqueous fluid, they do not provide any antioxidant properties or anti-inflammatory action or aid cellular integrity, nor help with the entire metabolism.

The complexity of the disorder means we must tailor-make remedies, and they will change over time.

I had two-and-a-half weeks of distress with one eye drop, so I created an herbal eye rinse to counteract the local inflammation and it worked perfectly.

After this experience I had weekly acupuncture treatments for almost 20 months, which brought the IOP down from 42/44 to 19/19. I was fastidious with what I consumed and my types of activities. But after all this good work, drugs for an unrelated general surgery increased the IOP to high 50s hence the US visit.  I do not use glaucoma drops due to dreadful side effects and support the past laser with all natural therapies including Bowen therapy and acupressure points.

Presently I do not have acupuncture. In Australia it is illegal to treat glaucoma with acupuncture, however, as always we treat the person not the named disease and this is what we did.

Since I wrote this article I would like to point out that my IOP has stablised after SLT waking with either 11 - 13 IOP in both eyes.  Other facets of my eyes are also stable when comprehensive tests are conducted.  My eye doctor is open to all that I do and interested which makes an enormous difference.  I continually support my brain and eyes with all relevant nutrients, herbs and homoepathics (yes they do work!!) to ensure my entire endocrine, digestive and nervous system is balanced.  Being active, I do not have an issue with sluggish lymphatics as some people may experience. 

I find Bowen therapy gently frees up energy in the body similar to acupuncture and thereby assists with ongoing re balancing of the body on all levels.  Since the SLT my colleague feels that acupuncture should not be performed unless emergencies with any other physical accidents.  She feels that the acupuncture can interfere with the SLT laser.  I trust her in this decision with her 40 years of experience in TCM.

If you would like help in re-balancing the entire metabolism and ongoing support with both herbal and homoeopathic remedies to stabalise the eyes including vital nutrients along with heavy metal testing and treatments. please contact me on 0403 231 804 or email lyncraven@bigpond.com

Website:  lyncraven.com

Warning:  Please do see a glaucoma specialist, do NOT rely on natural therapies alone

Cubital tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, golf elbow - Not to be confused with carpel tunnel syndrome!

What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? CTS is often considered another RSI disorder involving a type of ulnar nerve compression neuropathy. It is considered the second most common peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity.

What we refer to as the ‘funny bone’ is actually the site of the ulnar nerve that runs from the side of your neck down the arm, crossing the elbow and ending at the fingers. The ulnar nerve is the principal motor (outgoing) supply to the intrinsic muscles of the hand. If people ignore such warning signs from the body, chronic cases may result in the wasting of small muscles of the hand and, of course, the muscles of the forearm where the ulnar nerve runs.

Compression of the ulnar nerve – most commonly in the inside part of the elbow – can cause tingling sensations in both the ring and little (often called pinkie) finger. In some people, sensory loss is often the first symptom, and if not addressed could progress into clumsiness in hand use. The ulnar nerve can become inflamed, which is common in many types of RSI. CTS can feel like an ‘electric shock’, as when you hit the ‘funny’ bone in your elbow.  

Symptoms

Some people experience soreness around the elbow joint on the side where the ulnar nerve is located. This can cause weakness, extreme tenderness and shooting pain, hand pain and hand and thumb muscle weakness which could affect grip. Symptoms of CTS could also be present in medial epicondylitis commonly known as ‘golfers elbow’. 

Some Causes are:

Overuse (RSI – repetitive strain injury) such as:

·      Excessive weight lifting;

·      Carrying extremely heavy items on a regular basis;

·      Overuse of smart phones/tablets that also affects posture and neck;

·      Constantly leaning on a bent elbow when working/studying or reading;

·      Direct injury to elbow/site of ulnar nerve;

·      Keeping elbow bent for long period of time.

Compression from another entity such as:

·      Haematoma;

·      Synovitis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis;

·      Ganglion cyst;

·      Soft tissue mass – tumour;

·      Thickened cubital tunnel retinaculum (or arcuate ligament) of flexor        carpi-ulnaris muscle;

·      Infective process such as tuberculosis;

·      Humeral fracture with loose bodies/callus formation;

·      Spurs – known as osteophytic bony spurs – arising from the          epicondyle/olecranon;
.     Osteochondroma (overgrowth of cartilage and bone occuring at the end of the bone near the growth plate - a common non-cancerous growth);

·      Compression of ulnar nerve in the hand or nerve roots in the neck.

Treatment

Best thing you can do is cease all activities that either caused it or exacerbate it. However, few people will comply 100 percent here, especially if it affects their work or sporting activities. They must be encouraged to at least cut right back, otherwise no matter the type of treatment received the problem will never fully resolve. This could contribute to underlying weakness where it can flare up again soon in the future.

Ideally a support splint should be worn in bed at night to keep the arms straight at all times and limit movement.  Elbow pads can protect during the day.

I use Bowen therapy to treat this disorder and anti-inflammatory remedies, particularly homeopathics or herbal medicine. Bowen therapy has helped many RSI cases of all types, and, providing the patient complies with supports and reduces or eliminates activities that contribute to CTS, then this can be resolved in many cases without surgery. It is also important to work with the correct Bowen therapy sequences to help CTS resolve, and I may also use acupressure. However, there are always exceptions, and people who are stubborn and refuse to cease activities may need surgery.

 

Acupuncture can also be very helpful.

I also work with liniments that are applied the full length of the nerve 2 – 3 times a day, aiding circulation and ‘feeding’ the nerve with nutrients. Stifled blood flow affects the nerves; this occurs when there is any injury, impingement and compression on nerves or some of the above-mentioned causes.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow can be mistaken for CTS and vice versa. Tennis elbow pain is located on the outside of the arm where the forearm meets the elbow. This is another RSI condition where the tendons at the end of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle can develop small tears. This obviously results in inflammation and causes further stress to the rest of your arm, triggering pain when you lift or grip things. Never leave these symptoms untreated. When chronic, it takes much longer to resolve. I have to wonder why people allow such problems to continue and then can become incapacitated with extremely chronic situations. 

 

Causes of tennis elbow

 

When hitting a back hand during tennis you put additional stress on the forearm muscles, which contract every time you hit the ball. When you are learning or develop a poor technique or grip the racquet too tightly, this adds further stress to the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow. Tendons can develop small tears. So it is important for even novices to get some professional tuition when playing tennis. Playing incorrectly repeatedly results in a greater chance of developing tennis elbow.

The same applies to all racquet sports and any activities in your line of work that requires you to constantly repeat certain arm movements such as:

·      Painting!

·      Carpentry

·      Tree cutting, including over-use of chainsaw

·      Stacking shelves continually

·      Playing certain types of musical instruments

·      Being a chef, cook or butcher

·      A factory worker on an assembly line

Golfer’s Elbow (GE)

 

On the other hand, golfer’s elbow focuses on the inside of the elbow and can also develop tears of tendons. GE is an injury to muscles that flex wrist and fingers. The site of it being the medial epicondyle which is a bony bump on the inside of the elbow where these muscles attach. Therefore golfers elbow is correctly called medial epicondylitis or medial elbow pain.

Symptoms

Pain when attempting to grip items or resisted wrist or finger flexion. Pain can be present when muscles are stretched, including tenderness over the bony epicondyle due to inflammation.  There could be trigger points in the wrist flexor muscles. Some people may experience stiff necks and tenderness, including median nerve irritation. In GE, elbow movements can be pain-free, but gripping anything will generate pain.

 

Causes

Once again, RSI often due to:

·         Golf swings – especially if incorrect swing

·          Lifting weights – overuse and incorrectly

·          Even shaking hands (if you have a lot of people to greet!)

·          Degenerative changes in the muscle tissues at site of medial epicondyle.

In all the above cases people can present with what is known as ‘referred pain’, which may confuse an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment for Tennis and Golfer’s elbow

Again I use Bowen therapy since the techniques extend themselves for all RSI disorders when correct sequences are applied. Rest should always be encouraged along with elimination or reduction of all activities that exacerbate the condition.

The same applies as for cubital tunnel syndrome. Appropriate liniments applied 2 – 3 times daily and regular treatments should be received. People who do not follow through with remedies and weekly treatments take longer to resolve and some may not. My observations are that one must be consistent.

As mentioned above’ there are always exceptions to the general case. However, it is far better to have correct treatment and see how your body responds.

Many of the nerves that run down the arm conduct messages to the extremities – the hand and fingers. If you suffer any injury resulting in compression of any one of these nerves, you will experience problems with hand and finger use. I have seen many people recover from any of the above without the need for surgery, often in a 4 – 6 week period. Bowen therapy helps the body’s healing response more quickly.

My advice would be to also take preventative measures. If you are involved in any of the tasks or sporting activities mentioned above on a regular basis, it would be a good idea to have regular treatments to ensure no RSI of any type develops. Whenever it does, you need to be take prompt action and be consistent with regular treatments. At least with Bowen therapy (which is non-manipulative), treatments are only weekly for a while, then at longer intervals as improvement occurs. However, with other modalities you may be expected to attend 2 – 3 times a week.

Contact me today if you are suffering from any of the above symptoms for a Bowen Treatment on :   0403 231 804 or email lyncraven@bigpond.com

Website lyncraven.com

Resolving Pain and RSI with Bowen Therapy effectively

Speedy recovery with Bowen Therapy                   

Bowen Therapy was developed by and named after the Australian, Tom Bowen (1916 – 1982). He started his therapeutic career by working as a masseur with junior football clubs in Geelong, Victoria, and treated the general public at his home after hours.

Early in his career Bowen discovered that he had what can only be described as an extreme hypersensitivity of the fingers and hands, which apparently enabled him to feel nerve transmission and energy. This unusual talent allowed him to locate blockages in the nervous and muscular systems of the clients he treated. He also had a discerning eye for variations in the muscular surface tension of his clients' bodies.

Bowen became famous for being able to cure the ‘incurable’, and find solutions where none seemed possible. He treated everybody in the same manner, whether they were poor street drunkards or wealthy and powerful. He devoted a considerable amount of his personal time helping people – even making house calls in the evening – and continued to treat people until near his death.

WHAT IS BOWEN THERAPY?

Bowen Therapy is a specific series of muscle and connective tissue movements designed to treat a wide range of problems and injuries. It addresses every system in the body – internal organs as well as the musculo-skeletal structure. The gentle, powerful moves send neurological impulses to the brain which is then given time to process the information before feeding impulses back so that the body is able to realign itself. Completing this feedback loop is essential for allowing the body to restore its own natural balance.

During a Bowen Therapy treatment, the practitioner will step away from you for about two to five minutes in order to allow the transmitted energy to flow through the respective meridian pathways. After that, he or she will apply further moves.

Bowen Therapy assists in accessing the body’s natural feedback system. It is this system which monitors the state of each muscle, releasing tension within the muscles. All the cells in the body hold memories of events, including sites of injuries, so the therapy assists in removing any energy blockages. Many of these are created by emotional issues, which have accumulated in the physical body, causing tension, pain and disease. The therapy provides a powerful stimulus to the circulation in the joints, allowing the muscles attached to the joints to relax, which, in turn, encourages healing.

Bowen Therapy can be received with ease and efficiency even whilst
 wearing loose clothing.

 WHAT DOES BOWEN THERAPY FEEL LIKE?

There is no forceful manipulation, just a gentle cross-fibre manoeuvering of a muscle, tendon or ligament, which is a pleasant feeling to receive. I have observed that most people become deeply relaxed, and some even fall asleep. Some people experience sensations of moving energy (which can be quite subtle), feelings like ‘pins and needles’, of muscles being gently stretched, or a feeling of tightness being lifted away.

Bowen Therapy is unique in that it can be administered to a person fully clothed, to newborn babies, to people who are aged and frail, to those with acute injuries and chronic disorders, with rarely any discomfort being experienced. If there is a highly inflamed area, there may be a small amount of discomfort, but this will free up after one application while the body's energy is released, allowing the second treatment to be experienced without discomfort. Bowen therapists do not work on an inflamed area, but around it.

WHAT CAN BOWEN THERAPY BE USED FOR?

Bowen Therapy is excellent for the work environment, as it can be administered without removing any clothing and can assist in prevention or treatment of RSI and back/neck strain/injuries that often occur in the workplace. Corporations are now showing more interest in the therapy as they see the benefits of creating a healthier and injury-free work environment, more productivity and a greater sense of wellbeing in their staff.

The range of conditions that may be helped includes:

·       Sports and accident injuries (chronic/acute) – bursitis and whiplash

·       Frozen shoulders/tennis elbow, carpel tunnel syndrome

·       Stress, anxiety and emotional issues

·       Neck and head tension, headaches, migraine, ear/eye problems

·       Musculo-skeletal pain and hip/pelvic imbalance

·       Organic complaints – respiratory, digestive, menstrual and hormonal

·       Auto-immune disorders – fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis

·       Infertility and other reproductive problems

·       Acute/chronic fatigue, low immunity

·       Strokes and recovery from them

·       Accelerating healing during colds and flu

·       Aiding general feelings of discomfort or sickness

·       Assisting emotional issues around addiction

·       Releasing stress

·       Overcoming insomnia and improving quality of sleep

·       Many other health disorders

HOW WELL MIGHT I FEEL AFTER TREATMENT?

Bowen Therapy assists in the restoration of the structural integrity of the body. You can expect an improvement in posture and in lymphatic and venous drainage along with arterial blood flow. You will also experience a very relaxed feeling – most people enjoy a wonderful night's sleep after a treatment. Your body will feel freer and more aligned.

Since Bowen treatments free up blocked energy (known as chi), they also help people overcome emotional issues in their lives by creating a positive state of mind, clarity of focus and confidence. Bowen allows people to let go of attachment to outgrown issues and attitudes. It can be an excellent treatment for anyone feeling sadness, depression, anxiety, stress or grief.

After a treatment, the benefits will continue to be integrated in the body over the next five days.

Unlike chiropractic – which is manipulative – Bowen Therapy can treat the same health issues and injuries by allowing the body to draw upon its own innate intelligence to heal without any added force.

I have witnessed the power of this amazing therapy, including seeing a woman make a complete recovery from carpel tunnel syndrome in just six weeks (prior to this she had been advised to have immediate surgery).

More speedy recoveries are highlighted here:

Two men who were experiencing excruciating bursitis pain around the elbows and knee joints, respectively, both fully recovered within five to six weeks.

Another man presented with very weak wrists caused by past injuries. He was using a keyboard at work which was causing him immense and ongoing pain (he had also received prior advice to undergo surgery). After treatment, the strength returned to his wrists and forearms.

Being unique, we all respond in different ways to different therapies. We find that some people who experience similar disorders will have full recovery with different numbers of treatments.

Another example is man who came to see me after a fall on a construction site. He landed on steel poles during construction of foundations and so was examined to see if any organs had received damage from the impact.  Fortunately that was ok. He had received 10 physio sessions at 2 per week over 5 weeks.  Since he was nonresident they could not offer more treatments.  He knew nothing of Bowen therapy.  On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being excruciating he told me he was a 10+.  This was after many treatments!  I treated him and he returned the next week saying he felt much better a 4 on the scale.  I treated again and he returned the 3^rd week saying he was a zero!  However he had a crook neck having taken on a waiter job and holding the trays awkwardly.  This man was a quick responder. 

One lady had failed to have a menstrual cycle in over 1 year.  I treated her once with Bowen and gave her herbs to balance the hormonal system.  Prior to her 2^nd treatment she rang to say she had her first period and was completely stunned!

Another lady had been in pain for almost 3 years with prolapse after child birth. The baby had been quite large and put strain on the ligaments.  No doctor had been able to help her.  They simply told her to take pain killers and said it might go away, or perhaps consider hysterectomy!   I treated her with Bowen therapy, gave her herbs to normalize her hormonal system and with ONE treatment all the pain was resolved!  Months later she still had no pain and felt fantastic.  Bowen therapy rebalanced her body.

So if you suffer any pain, injury or even what we refer to as Organic issues (organ/system imbalance resulting in digestive, respiratory, reproductive problems etc), then come along and receive Bowen therapy.

If you receive Bowen Therapy, you are usually advised to receive a follow-up treatment a week later. With injuries, sometimes the treatments are taken weekly for a period of between three and six weeks, depending on the extent of the injury. Fortnightly visits are recommended after the second treatment until resolved. Positive results are often achieved in a short space of time and people often return for maintenance treatments once every four to six weeks. However some Bowen therapy practitioners may work a little different here re timeframes.  The above is what I have found to be most helpful.  Regular visits initially speed up recovery and encourage the person to follow through.

HOW CORTISONE AFFECTS BOWEN THERAPY

You should be aware that cortisone can interfere with many types of bodywork, including Bowen Therapy. It has a damaging effect on tissue. Some therapists I have spoken to agree, one saying the following:

“I have a patient who has had cortisone treatment around the heel for Achilles tendonitis, which is very resistant to treatment. I suspect this did some further damage. Cortisone weakens the area for three weeks, so people should be advised not to do anything (including receive treatments) during this time.”

Another quote comes from a book called The Bowen Technique: The Inside Story, written by John Wilks, Bowen therapist and teacher. It reads as follows:

Drugs

"Conductivity along the lines of collagen fibers is adversely affected by certain substances, for example, anesthetics. Many Bowen practitioners will have noticed that it is much more difficult to get good results if a patient has had a cortisone injection, for example, or is taking muscle relaxants.

Cortisone in particular has a fairly devastating effect on fascia and tends to create areas of density and lack of fluidity in the system. Some practitioners have found that using homeopathic cortisone is helpful in counteracting the effects of this drug".

So, if you visit a medical practitioner who offers you Bowen Therapy in conjunction with a cortisone injection, it may well impact on the effectiveness of the therapy and you could be disappointed with the results. In this case, I would be inclined to receive the therapy without the cortisone over a period of three to four weeks and see how your body responds. You may well find that you do not need to receive a pain-killing drug like cortisone. Alternatively I recommend homeopathic remedies.

Other testimonials can be found on my website:  lyncraven.com  Please contact me to arrange an appointment if you are experiencing some type of pain and unresolved RSI.  The latter I have observed has responded very well to Bowen therapy with a quicker recovery.

Call: 0403 231 804 or email lyncraven@bigpond.com

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