Starting volunteer work at Isla

When meeting the Sisters of Assumption at Apello Cruz in Pasay City, one can’t help admiring their dedication to the community. The small bit of assistance that I, as an individual, could offer seemed almost insignificant until I realised that anything at all, however small, was in fact a big deal to those living in Isla, the area the Little Sisters of Assumption support. With my health care and natural health background, I offered my assistance in any way possible. My forte lies in the rehabilitation of the injured and infirmed. After deciding to treat patients at the local chapel where we set up a clinic, I realised that once my time in the Philippines ended, I would be taking away the chance for these people to have the ongoing care I had instigated. I approached the medical staff with the offer to teach them my skills. While I would be only able to pass on basic knowledge in the time I had there, they were very excited to learn. In Australia I have a busy practise in Natural Therapies and one of the most versatile is Bowen Therapy. Bowtech (the original Bowen Method) is a soft tissue treatment used for an array of the following conditions: 
•         Back pain and Sciatica
•         Digestive and bowel problems - including Irritable Bowel Syndrome
•         Ear-ache, ear infections and migraines 
•         Fibromyalgia
•         Chronic Fatigue syndrome, 
•         Knee, ankle and foot problems
•         Menstrual and hormonal irregularities
•         Neck / shoulder problems, including frozen shoulder
•         Respiratory problems and Hay fever
•         Repetitive Strain Injury
•         Carpel Tunnel and Tennis Elbow
•         Sports and accident injuries
The resources are limited in these community centres; therefore with the use of Bowen therapy we can hopefully alleviate the needs for expensive drugs or pain relief in many cases. Understanding of course that it doesn’t take the place of medical assistance, but either assists or repairs before further damage can be done. ‘A stitch in time saves nine’ comes to mind.

Before the devastation of the flood caused by typhoon Ondoy, we had one training day which was very successful. Unfortunately with the flood I found myself back at Isla in a very different role.  Two volunteers and I gave our help in any way we could. We helped to deliver food and supplies donated by the expat community and from our families and friends, and spent our time making up care packs to be distributed to the neediest in the area. I treated a number of helpers with Bowen therapy to help them cope with the stress and trauma and the back breaking work of cleaning up. There were mountains of mud and rubbish to be shovelled from their homes and streets. This was only another  hiccup in their everyday lives. With their let’s-get-on-with-it attitude the clinic, and school, would be up and running, and life would resume as normal in the aftermath of another setback in their lives.

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Bowtech is a gentle form of bodywork in which very subtle moves performed over the muscles and connective tissue send messages deep into the body, retrieving cellular memory of a preferred relaxed way of wellbeing. Results can be remarkable, even from the first session; often only a few sessions are needed to correct the presenting problem.
There are frequent but very essential pauses throughout the session that allow the body time to respond and begin the healing process. The practitioner can target a specific problem or address the body as a whole.

Can the Bowen Technique help me?
The original Bowen Technique is extremely gentle and is considered appropriate for anyone from pregnant women to newborn babies, the frail and the elderly. It can assist recovery from many conditions, from traumatic injury to chronic illness, depending upon each individual’s capacity to heal. No adverse side affects have been reported.

The technique should be considered for:
Back pain and sciatica
Digestive and bowel problems including IBS
Earache, ear infections and migraines
Fibro myalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome
Knee, ankle and foot problems
Groin pain, pelvic tilt and uneven leg length
Menstrual and hormonal irregularities
Neck/shoulder problems including frozen shoulder
Respiratory problems and hay fever
RSI, carpel tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow
Sports and accidental injuries
Baby colic

Who to Choose?

Who to choose?
We are now getting more and more Alternative and Natural Healing businesses in Mackay and surrounding suburbs. This can become confusing for clients. They may have had the same therapist for awhile and wonder ,"Will I try someone else to see what they do?"
Someone may have just started up and will undercut the usual prices, so it looks advantageous to give it a go. So, do you go on price alone in these hard times?Can they fix my bad back or sore knee or shoulder. Your thoughts may be, you won't really know unless you" give them a go".
Having been a massage therapist for over thirty years, I have heard all the questions. When clients ask me how to choose a therapist, I tell them a few things to look for. Are the premises clean? Is their manner professional in the treatment room? Can you claim your health care benefits back. (You pay it each year, so you should claim it back.) Most importantly; What is their experience and qualifications?
If they are registered with a health care provider, this ensures they have insurance and qualifications of a professional body standard. eg. AAMT. (Australian Assoc. of Massage Therapists) BTAA (Bowen Therapist Assoc. Australia) BAA (Bowen Assoc. Australia) to name a few.
Never forget there are “horses for courses”.
If you want a relaxing massage to pamper yourself, then look to a Spa. This is their forte. You will be surrounded with relaxing music, darken room and all will be soothing to the soul as well as the body.
If you have an injury, muscle or tendon related , look to a clinic that specializes in repair and rehab. Rarely will you find them both in the same clinic, as they are different qualifications. (Bowen therapy does treat both).
When you are booking your appointment, ask the questions. You are the client so you want to know up front the best treatment they can offer you.
If the answers aren't what you want or you don't feel reassured,then keep looking. We aren't all the same.