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The Bowen Technique for Children
As the holiday season approaches our thoughts turn to the children. All Bowen procedures can be used effectively and safely on any age, but a few are adapted specifically to the needs of infants and small children.
Most of us can look back and make a comparison as to how quickly we healed when we were youngsters. It is a testament to the Bowen premise that we have an efficient blueprint of health. Bowen gently activates and accelerates that healing process, like optimizing or rebooting a computer. Bowen does not interfere or alter any drug therapies be used. It is known for its effectiveness over a very short period, often in 3 -5 sessions a week apart, with acute injuries responding even faster.
Bowen is a neuromuscular and connective tissue modality that affects every system of the body. It is done with the client clothed using a specific series of gentle rolling motions of the thumb of fingers by the therapist. Each series of from two to eight movements is followed by” quiet working periods” that allows the brain, body and mind to integrate each stage of the work. Children are very receptive to Bowen’s subtle suggestions because their bodies are growing and used to getting new information all of the time. It is the most holistic approach to health that is available to society today. It is self actualization at its finest, an empowerment that will set a pattern of wellbeing for a lifetime.
Birth – A moment of great anticipation (I am going to be a first time Grandpa in mid December), but even under ideal conditions a traumatic experience that some babies do not weather well. Heads are distorted and the soft and flexible fibrous joints of the skull do not always slip back into place. A chronically cry baby may simply have a headache from this added pressure. There are procedures to handle this with no pushing or pulling. The joint simply loosens and the bones reset. End of problem.
Circulation – With babies under three months old, the sclera (white part of the eye) is often blue. This is simply a matter of insufficient oxygen-rich blood getting to the eyes. Our veins are blue, right? A circulatory reduction can be detected when only one eyes sclera remains blue or if when passing a soft light near the eyes, one pupil is slower to react. A single gentle move on the back of the neck is all that is needed and the effects will bring resolution in a few minutes. Check older children for imbalanced pupil movement also. These procedures can be done as early as two months of age.
Nursing problems for infants may be an early sign of TMJD (temporal mandibular joint dysfunction), as a result of trauma during birth. It hurts to suckle because they have a sore jaw. Anyone who has had a jaw problem can sympathize with the little ones suffering this condition. Some see it as the most important joint in the body. Its misalignment leads to PH changes in saliva, which upsets the balance of intestinal flora and digestive function. It creates headaches, earaches, equilibrium problems (those first steps require the bodies complete cooperation), and can promote scoliosis. Approximately 40 percent of the nerves leaving the head pass near this joint area. The nerve supply leading to the thymus gland which initiates the development of the immune system could be compromised. With a couple of minutes of delicate skin movements in the right place the jaw will reset itself.
Colic – This may last until a child is four or more months old, but doctors will state it is of unknown origin. They will make suggestions such as rocking or swaddling tightly in a small blanket, reducing the opening in nipples on bottles if feeding takes less than 20 minutes, or even prescribing low doses of sedatives prior to predicable crying times. Bowen gently goes to the cause of the problem. How do we know? Because it works, with a single procedure that also addresses asthma symptoms, incidences of projectile vomiting, and lung development (particularly valuable for preemies) as well. No official diagnosis needed; even if your infant is only unsettled or distressed, they will benefit from this simply procedure.
ADD and ADHD – Figures show that as high as 15% of our children are affected by ADD and/or ADHD. Do not abandon what is working and continue to explore the full range of ways of to deal with social integration in these complex issues. What is at the root of the problem are complex chemical and neural interactions that are beyond the scope of our brightest minds at this point in history. Only the child’s body knows what is wrong, so give it a chance to fix it. In my practice I have seen many positive results that improved the quality of life for all parties concerned. All you have to invest is a quick visit once a week for a month to decide for yourself.
Bed Wetting – Some success should be noticeable within four once-a-week visits and continue until seven dry nights are reported, using all pain-free, relaxing moves that give the body the information needed to make the internal adjustments to put the control element in place.
Asthma – When the body lingers through any healing process or repeatedly falls victim to the same issues such as colds, allergies or ear infections it is a signal that the body is hanging onto an inefficient healing pattern. The Bowen respiratory procedure releases the diaphragm, the intercostals (rib) muscles and the smooth muscles of the bronchial walls that spasm and reduce the ability to take a breath. Bring in your peak flow meter and see the difference before and after treatment. After a second session a week later the child is taught a simple, single movement that will stop most asthma attacks immediately. The general balancing that accompanies the process will also help with the depression and nervous anxiety that pediatrics journal says is present in 45% of the 11-17 age group with asthma. This procedure is a real winner for all breathing and digestive issues at any age. With the “take as needed” category of drugs, Bowen treatment has been shown to reduce inhaler use by more than 30 percent. A monthly Bowen booster treatment during peak season will keep symptoms under control.
These listed items are only a portion of the things that the body is better capable of dealing with when given a chance. Bowenwork does not micromanage or manipulate tissue to direct it where we think it should be, it gently and effectively asks the body to make whatever changes are in its best interest. It is the equivalent of teaching the body to fish rather than giving it one. Tom Bowen simply called it a gift from God. Pass it on this Christmas with a gift certificate stocking stuffer to your child and better yet add one for yourself. How much more willing and positive about the experience will the child be if you are doing it together at the same time?
Have a blessed and wonderful holiday season.
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