In most cases you will receive clear advice on the aftercare for a Bowen session. The healing process significantly depends on how you stick to the Do’s and Don’ts after a treatment. Healthy nutrition and gentle exercise forms a major part of the aftercare. REMEMBER THE THREE “W’s”:
- Walk. It’s so simple, but can have profound results. Without actually causing pain, spend as much time walking as you reasonably can. Go for a minimum of 15 - 30 minutes per day. If necessary have two or three short walks rather than one marathon.
- Water. All of your body’s functions depend on water, and it is allotted according to demand. Diluting the waste products in muscle tissue will not efficiently happen unless there’s enough water.
- Walk - Get up off your seat. Especially on the day of treatment, don’t stay uninterrupted in a sitting position longer than about 30 minutes at a time.
- Avoid or minimize other forms of physically applied therapies. While massage, chiropractic adjustment, magnets, etc. all have something to offer, they can “antidote” and confuse some of the effectiveness of a Bowen treatment. Go back to these, if needed, at least a week after your course of treatment is over.
- Avoid extremes of temperature. No blazing hot baths or showers (where you let the hot water “cook” your sore places. No ice packs. No heating or chilling ointments.
- Take care of yourself and avoid re-injury. You may feel the need to sleep more than usual, including a daytime nap or two. Honour your body’s request and understand that healing takes place. If you feel any discomfort, try a bath (not too hot) with either Epsom salts, baking soda, cider vinegar, or some herbal or aromatic preparation.
- Analgesics, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, are okay to take.
- Stay in touch with your therapist. Whatever response you may have to the treatment, he or she can answer questions, and give you reassurance and further advice during this recovery period.
HEALING PROCESS / PUZZLE EFFECT
You cannot rush the body’s healing process. Each one of us has different capabilities to self-heal. Be prepared to put some work into becoming well. The amount of abuse and damage your body has suffered will define how much extra time and work you need to repair long term injury and chronic health problems. Some people will need 3 sessions, some will feel immediate benefits kick in after the first session – some of us need a bit more time.
Keep track and make notes of what happens to your body after a Bowen session. Every single change or observation is of significance and should be monitored and discussed with your therapist in the next session. No matter how insignificant the information might seem at the time, it will fit in the bigger picture of the complex healing process and help your practitioner to choose appropriate procedures in the following sessions.