Aftercare Guidelines
What to Expect
The therapy session you have just experienced invariably brings beneficial results. Bowen Therapy does not force change, but rather stimulates the body to correct and heal itself. This CORRECTING PROCESS can take from just a few hours to several days.
The Correcting Process
For most people this process is pleasant and energizing. However for some, this CORRECTING PROCESS can produce periods of discomfort - including: fatigue; sleeplessness; headache; shifting body sensations; emotional fluctuations and in some instances, a short term worsening of symptoms - DETOX. Some have described this process as “pre-flu like symptoms” and can sometimes increase for the first 72 hours. While sometimes disconcerting, all of these changes are indications that your body is undergoing a CORRECTING PROCESS and that you will see positive changes as a result of your session.
Please Avoid
Don’t interrupt the beneficial effects of your Bowen Therapy session by straining, numbing or clogging the CORRECTING PROCESS. Let the restorative powers of your own body react, unimpeded to the session and optimize the pain relieving opportunities afforded by Bowen Therapy.
Okay to Use
If discomfort persists, over-the-counter analgesics (Aspirin, Tylenol, Excedrin, Aleve etc.) or prescription pain medications can provide relief and will not adversely interfere with the CORRECTING PROCESS.
On the Day of Your Treatment
Please follow these simple recommendations...
No sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time (stand, stretch and walk about - if driving, stop, get out, and walk around the car every 30 minutes) - lying down/reclining is okay.
No heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
Avoid temperature extremes - NO hot baths or showers - (mild or cool temperatures are okay but don’t stand under streaming water for long periods). Avoid ice packs, heating or cooling ointments on the day of treatment and if possible, for the first 3 days.
For Treatment Day and Following Week
Drink plenty of water - more than usual and try and spread it throughout the day. Minimum water requirements “body weight in pounds divided by 4, in ounces” Body weight = 160lbs/4 = 40oz of water. Optimal consumption is DOUBLE that amount.
Walk as much as possible - gentle easy comfortable walking (jogging/running don’t help).
Use good body dynamics - get up placing both feet on the ground (especially when getting out of your car, getting out of bed and getting out of a chair), lift using your legs instead of your back and avoid slouching in chairs.
Avoid all other types of manipulative therapy (Chiropractic and Massage) - while these may be helpful at other times, they will interrupt the CORRECTING PROCESS we have started (this is most important for the first 4 sessions, for tune-up work it is ideal to allow 72 hours).