Asthma and Bowen Therapy
What happens in an Asthma Attacks?
Certain things can trigger the sensitive airways in asthmatics to ‘flare-up’, causing the muscles around the airways to contract making the airways swell and become narrow, making it harder to breathe.
Key organs involved in an asthma attack are not just the lungs but also the diaphragm. Normally the diaphragm contracts when breathing in and then relaxes to allow expiration.
However, with asthma, the diaphragm goes into spasm and may 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.
Have you developed work related Asthma?
If your job triggers asthma and your physician and employer have fully documented it, you may qualify for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. This is a recurring payment given to individuals whose asthma is linked to work-related exposure to a particular substance that is recognised to cause asthma.
If you intend to pursue legal recourse against your employer for occupational asthma, it is imperative that your attorney takes action within 3 years of the date of diagnosis. This time limit is critical and must be strictly adhered to (Correct as of May 2023).
List of substances that can cause occupational Asthma
To see the full list of these substances please click here.
Early Symptoms Of An Asthma Attack?
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 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 Technique in the treatment of the Asthma condition.
The research was aimed at recording any changes in the Volunteer’s symptoms in terms of:
- frequency
- severity of attacks, and
- reliance on medication
over a period of 12 months whilst receiving Bowen treatments.
Research Conclusion:
The outcomes of the study are highly encouraging, as indicated by the unanimous recommendation from every Volunteer to suggest the Bowen Technique 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.
Dr Claire Pickin, Warwickshire GP wrote:
I am pleased though not surprised to see the patients in this trial benefiting from the Bowen Technique. I use the Bowen Technique frequently in my GP practice, mainly for musculoskeletal problems, but notice that patients’ general health improves as well. (“Bowen Therapy Research Studies”)
To see the details of the research program please click here. Link
Resources
https://www.bowentherapy.org.uk/bowen-research.php
What a client said:
“Very effective – asthma is relieved and wrist pain reduced from RSI”.
Geeta Naik
