Complementary Therapy

Variety is the spice of life, so they say! Certainly in terms of clients I have a wide variety, some come along for one or two sessions, never to be seen again and others have a regular maintenance treatment every fortnight or even monthly. I even have a couple who come along every six months or so for a check-up, a bit like an MOT! I’m a firm believer that once a person feels they are better from Bowen or another complementary therapy, then they either no longer require any help or they can just telephone when the need arises.

It is just the same with my online shop. I have customers that feel better from using one or two products and recommend me to their friends while professional therapists buy regularly for their own clientele. 

I do like a chat when my client first arrives. This helps to set the scene by letting me know how they have coped and felt from the last session and any current aches and pains. It is important that I address those areas, but also to apply other moves that may assist directly or indirectly. I still remember a man who had a terrible shoulder problem that seemed not to improve despite several sessions on the neck and shoulder area. I then worked on the pelvis only to be told a week later that his original pain had gone – phew.  

Complementary medicine has now become more widely accepted. If it makes one feel good, whether it’s a therapy session, exercise or a supplement, in our busy lives, it’s no bad thing.   

Instructor training

I am a trainee Bowtech Bowen instructor and am attending a module course with students in London with Nicola Hok (www.bowentraining.co.uk) Although, I am observing the teaching methods and instruction, I am also having my own work checked and taking assessments alongside the students. I enjoy training and being involved in the group dynamics: it will assist me in learning how the course is structured and what I can add with my own teaching style. The course is worldwide and taught the same high standards throughout; see: www.bowtech.com

Re-doing the beginners’ modules again, I would recommend as continuing professional development (CPD) for all therapists to undertake at any time. It is astonishing how rewarding it is to go back over procedures you thought you knew, only to be corrected and reminded of where your hands should be to carry out a movement over fascia or muscle. I’m just starting to get adjusted to being practiced on and taking notes to teach – after the first two modules, I felt rather overwhelmed and tired in mind and body. After this last module, which is number three -  I have decided to do it again and will return to Nicola Hok’s Hampshire course in Liss, because secretly I did enjoy it.    

Stock take

Looking after my own practice, I carry out a stock-take regularly to maintain a level of minimal items. There is no way I want to be caught out if a large order came in and I was unable to fulfil it and it was delayed. I buy my bottles in bulk from Mike Spencer PA Aromatherapy http://www.paaromatherapy.co.uk/ and often buy their luxury aromatherapy oils or candles – I am always telling my clients to treat themselves and I try to practice what I preach. When I need practical equipment for my treatment room such as bedrolls, towels, cotton pads etc I buy from a local hair and beauty supplier that I have known for over 20 years  http://www.idealhairandbeauty.com/

I do like to use local services and I feel it’s so important to share our money around – helping and recommending one another helps everyone’s business to grow. In the same spirit I like to use the local post office – I walk down if I can with a big bag of parcels or call upon the courier http://www.fastwaycouriers.co.uk/ for larger items. I take time to chat to people on the way if I can. I enjoy life and try not to rush about and get stressed out! I think I sound a bit like Sally Hawkins in the film ‘Happy Go Lucky’ - did anyone else see that? Her character is a thoroughly nice person!  

'Your Intuitive Self'

I AM running an evening course called ‘Your intuitive Self.’ It’s all about knowing how we each use intuition and how to practice it through exercises in class and at home. The course runs for six weeks and we are mid-way. We’ve also discussed personal boundaries and how we can sense or have an awareness of our own and others’, especially when we meet new people. Being quiet and present is a big part of it and I read with interest in the Daily Telegraph on Monday (October 4th) about Dan Howard and his technique called ‘Intentional Resting’ see www.intentionalresting.com Wow, this really clicked for me as I have been teaching the same thing to clients and students for years as well as applying it myself. It’s kind of self indulgent, but, hey why not!

The next three classes are about listening to your intuition, finding out if you have spirit guides or guardian angels and using your hands to heal. I’m planning a day workshop, although weekly classes mean there is time to absorb some of the principles and try them out. It’s an exciting moment when you discover someone else is on your wavelength and you can find a website or a class to join. I am going to explain this one-day workshop more on my other website www.helenperkins.com as it has a similar theme to the course I already present which is called ‘Intuition and Sound Reflexology.’

Do come along – the more the merrier!