Advanced Bowen Course

I just got back from an interesting 3 days in Brisbane studying advanced Bowen techniques with Brian Smart from SmartBowen. He is an amazing man with a wealth of knowledge about Bowen Therapy. He's at the cutting edge of developing new Bowen moves to help in every situation and knows bodies and how they function better than anyone else I've met.
I learned many new moves - some of which I have already used sucessfully on clients.
I also learned about how injuries progress. For example, Bowen Therapy applied as soon as someone pulls a muscle or tears a tendon can actually start the healing process before inflamation even sets in. Because once a body part is inflamed, it is impossible to do any more treatments until it has settled down and regular ice therapy is the best treatment. But even that can be tailored. For example, an ankle may need 15 minutes of ice treatment, then let it warm up, then another 15 minutes, etc. for 48 hours. A larger body part such as a thigh may need 20 minutes icing then warming, etc.
I also learned some serious sports stretches where the clients themselves can increase their own stretching ability and we only help. Brian demonstrated on me and it really worked.

Winter Aches and Pains

Many aches and pains we experience in winter are arthritic. Cold, damp conditions seem to seep into our joints and make them sore and stiff.

Regular Bowen treatments can help keep you moving but there's lots of other things you can do for yourself to stave off the winter blues.

It's important to keep warm - scarves, jumpers and wooly socks are great and better than turning up the heating or standing under hot showers.

Remember to keep well hydrated - keep up the water but make sure it's at room temperature and not cold from the fridge. Herbal teas and plenty of soups and fruit will also help. When we become dehydrated, our bodies are more susceptible to injuries and viruses.

Maintain a regular excercise program. This is vital to reduce or avoid muscle and joint pain. Start with regular walks and build up to aerobic and weight workouts. You may have to find ways to excercise indoors. Gyms are great in the winter but even dancing in your home is an option if it's too cold or wet to venture outside.

Get some sun when you can. Vitamin D levels fall in winter and we need more sun to help activate the same levels as summer. Vitamin D is essential for so many bodily functions, consider a supliment if you can't get enough.

Add regular doses of olive leaf extract to your morning juice. It acts as a natural antioxidant and helps your body fight off cold and flu viruses before they can take hold. Echinacia, vitamin C, zinc, garlic and horshradish are other popular supliments for boosting your immune function.