A Selection of Joanne’s Recent Fertility & Pregnancy Case Studies

Colic – 12 weeks old

Twelve week old James came to see me looking very uncomfortable and irritable.  His Mum told me that he had never taken a full feed with out being sick, he screamed for at least an hour after every feed, he had not slept for more than a two hour stretch and James was also constipated.  I treated James’ feet very gently, working the digestive system and then carried out several Bowen moves.  James was sleeping peacefully when he left my clinic.   James Mum rang me the next day to report that James had slept for five hours straight after the treatment!  When he woke he had taken a full bottle – with no screaming or reflux!  James came to see me on two more occasions, after which I then showed his Mum how to massage his feet to help keep his digestive system calm.

Fertility – Age 32 years

Jill’s daughter was now 3 years old.  Jill had not had any problem conceiving her daughter; however she was worried because she had been trying for a second baby for the past two years.  I treated Jill over a three month period, looking at her lifestyle; supplement intake, diet and stress levels.  Jill conceived on the fourth month and is now a happy Mummy of two.

Sciatica – Age 35 years

Gilly was six months pregnant when I first treated her and she hobbled into my treatment room.  She had pain down her left side from her buttocks down to her foot.  She had been in pain for six weeks and her GP advised her to take painkillers and go to bed.  After the first Bowen treatment Gilly felt exhausted but the pain had reduced.  After three Bowen treatments Gilly’s sciatica had completely gone.  She carried on having Bowen/reflexology throughout her pregnancy to reduce water retention, help sleep and prepare for birth.

Birth Induction - Age 39 years

I have treated Tricia with reflexology throughout her first and second pregnancy. She has had uncomplicated pregnancies.  The labour with her first baby had to be induced at 42 weeks and Tricia ended up having a 24 hour labour, an epidural and episiotomy. She was very unhappy that her first labour was not completely natural and was determined to have her second baby without intervention. Tricia came to see me for Bowen when she was 41.5 weeks pregnant.  That morning the midwife had carried out a 'sweep' and told her that the baby was not engaged yet.  The midwife told her that Tricia's body was following a similar pattern to her first labour and that she really did not think that Tricia would go into labour naturally.  Consequently the midwife booked Tricia in to have an induction in 2 days.  Tricia was upset at the prospect of another induction and asked me to do whatever I could to help the baby on its way.  Much to the surprise of the midwife, Carolyn had her baby 6 ½ hours after having the Bowen treatment. Half an hour (7pm) after getting home from the Bowen treatment, Tricia had ‘intense period like pains’ and very strong ‘Braxton hicks’. The midwife arrived at Tricia’s house at 11pm and was apparently very surprised that Tricia’s contractions were 3 minutes apart and she was 6cm dilated. Tricia gave birth to a healthy 9Ib6oz baby girl at 1am at home, completely naturally with no pain relief.    

‘’The Bowen is very relaxing and calming and it really seemed to work’’.

Severe Menopausal Symptoms -Age 55 years

June had been having hot flushes (5-6 a day), irregular cycles, heavy menstruation and aching joints, for the past six months.  Her GP had advised her to go on to HRT which would alleviate the menopausal symptoms.  June wanted to avoid taking HRT if possible; however, the symptoms were taking over her life and making her feel miserable.  She said she was going to see if Bowen could help her, as a friend had recommended it.  After three Bowen treatments her hot flushes had reduced to 1-2 a day and were less intense and more manageable.  She then changed her diet and after 2 more Bowen treatments her joints stopped aching and her period that month was very light.  June also commented that her energy levels had increased since starting the treatment.  She has decided to continue having Bowen once a month as a maintenance programme and not take HRT.

‘’I am so pleased that I found out about the Bowen Technique.  It has saved me having to take HRT’’.

Acute Menstrual Cycle Pains -Age 14 years.

Since Lily started menstruating, 6 months ago, she has experienced acute lower abdominal pain every month for two days, prior to her cycle starting.  Each month she has to take two days off school due to the discomfort.  Her periods are also very heavy and last for 8-9 days.   Lily, accompanied by her Mother, had three Bowen treatments.  The following month Lily did not get any abdominal pain and her period was much lighter.  Her Mother also remarked that since having the treatments Lily’s hormonal mood swings had not been as frequent.

‘’My daughter is a different person every month, since having the Bowen treatments’’.

Chest infections/croup/respiratory congestion - 10 months old – weight 30lb's

I have been treating Thomas’s Mummy for the past two years with reflexology. After one particular treatment she told me about her concerns regarding Thomas. Thomas has had five chest infections in the past five months, and consequently five lots of anti-biotics.  When he gets a cold it turns to croup. Thomas has a permanent runny nose and when he breaths it sounds congested and ‘crackly’. Thomas had bad colic for the first 3 months of his life – breast/bottle. His mother does not want to keep giving him antibiotics. Thomas had two Bowen treatments.  After each treatment Thomas started coughing and bought up a huge amount of mucous/flem.  Afterwards his breathing sounded much ‘quieter’. I advised her to avoid dairy products and gave her the name of a Homeopath for Thomas. It turned out Thomas had a lactose intolerance. Thomas has not had any respiratory problems for 8 weeks.  He is far less congested and does not have a runny nose any more. 

‘’It is so gentle and non-invasive and perfect for children.  Thomas’s chest is completely clear since the Bowen sessions’’.

Pregnancy Back Pain -Age 28 years

Abbey was 30 weeks pregnant when she first came to see me.  She had started to get pains & discomfort in her pelvis and sacrum area every day and was worried that this would intensify as the pregnancy went on.  After Abby’s first treatment she felt some relief.  After the fourth treatment Abbey said she did not have any pain in her lower back now and since having Bowen her daily nausea and heartburn had also subsided.  She continued to have regular Bowen treatments for the remainder of her pregnancy in preparation for the birth.

‘’I felt my back relax and ease even during the first treatment. I will definitely have Bowen again if I have another baby’’.