Bowen Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease Management

Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disorder that affects the nervous system. It results in the loss of various brain cells, and a decrease in dopamine, a chemical in the brain that helps the muscles function. A report by the Shake It Up Foundation shows that Parkinson’s is the second most common disease in Australia after dementia.

Parkinson’s affects mainly males and usually develops after the age of 60. There is no known reason for the cause of the disease. Many researchers believe that a genetic mutation causes Parkinson’s disease, but there has been little proof of backing the theory. Since depression and anxiety is very common in patients with Parkinson’s disease, the disease can go undetected. The signs of Parkinson’s disease only become apparent after more than 80 per cent of dopamine is destroyed.

Symptoms: There are two types of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: motor and non-motor. Motor symptoms include slowed movement (bradykinesia), stiff and sore muscles, slouching and loss of balance, problems with walking and reduced facial expressions, also known as ‘masking’. The non-motor symptoms include anxiety and depression, loss of sense of smell, constipation, visionary problems, writing problems, speech problems and so on.

Not all of these symptoms need to occur in every individual, as Parkinson’s affects everyone differently.

How Does Bowen Therapy help Parkinson’s Disease?

Bowen Therapy, also known as the Bowen Technique, is a type of physical manipulation and is applied at precise points in the body. It involves giving patients a massage using the forefingers and thumbs. There are pauses between the Bowen massage for at least 2-3 seconds, giving time for the body to relax and respond to the treatment. The technique is used to stimulate the nerve pathways and tissues. Those who have Parkinson’s disease suffer from a decrease in the ability to move. The joints are affected, and the muscles become stiff. This is because the fascia muscles are affected due to the increase in stress hormones.

Bowen Therapy helps by relaxing the nerves and muscles of the patient. Those with Parkinson’s can benefit from Bowen Therapy because it not only helps with muscle tension but relaxes the mind as well. This is beneficial for anxiety and depression. Patients who have Parkinson’s disease face problems with hand tremors, bad posture, poor balance, insomnia and fatigue; all these symptoms can be reduced through the Bowen technique.

Bowen Therapy is not a cure nor an alternative to medicine. In fact, it is a complementary method that helps by reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Want to learn more? We have these Blogs that may also interest you. Click HERE or HERE or HERE