The Bowen Technique National Asthma Study

Nikke Ariff in collaboration with B.T.E.R., December 2002 to March 2004

The National Research program was launched to determine the efficacy of The Bowen Technique in the treatment of the Asthma condition. The research was aiming to record any changes in their pattern Volunteer’s symptoms in terms of: 1) frequency 2) severity of attacks 3) and reliance on medication, over a period of 12 months whilst receiving Bowen treatments.

The Volunteer Group parameters set were as follows:

• the volunteers had to be over 16 years of age
• they must not have been hospitalised for their condition
• they must have been diagnosed as an Asthma sufferer by a Gp or hospital specialist
• Asthma must be their main health concern

Of the 24 Volunteers: 16 women, 8 men: Length of time diagnosed as an Asthma sufferer: 1 to 5 yrs : 2 (8%) volunteers, 5 to 10 yrs : 8 (33%) volunteers, 10 to 15 yrs: 3 (13%) volunteers, 15 yrs plus : 11 (46%) volunteers.

was carried out over a 12-month period. No treatment protocol was set for the Bowen therapist to follow. This is because Bowen is a holistic therapy and it was felt that the Bowen therapist should not be compromised in having to treat according to a set protocol as opposed to treating the Volunteer as a unique individual. The Asthma Volunteer kept a weekly diary throughout the 12 month period additionally, a diary was completed for every Asthma attack experienced during the Research Period.

Of the 24 participants who completed the 12 month program: all 24 volunteers reported that Bowen had made a positive difference to their asthma condition, 7 registered “My asthma has improved dramatically”, 14 reported “ My asthma has improved substantially”, 3 reported “ My asthma has improved slightly”, 20 (83%) reported a reduction in the frequency of their asthma attacks, 18 (75%) reported a reduction in the severity of their attacks, 18 (75%) reported they were now using less medication than before starting the Bowen Research project, 14 (58%) reported they were responding better to their medication, 17 (71%) volunteers reported their sensitivity to triggers had reduced.  Although only 15 of the 24 volunteers used Peak Flow meters at home, all 15 (100%) of them reported their readings had improved.

Volunteers rated their asthma condition on a scale of 0 to 10:

Before Bowen treatments were received: Mild : 3 (12.5%), Moderate : 12 (50%), Severe : 9 (37.5%), After 12 months on the Research Program:  Mild : 18 (75%), Moderate : 6 (25%)

The total number of Asthma attacks reported showed a dramatic improvement in the second 6 months on the research program: First 6 months : Total of 84 Asthma attacks recorded, Second 6 months: Total of 26 Asthma attacks recorded. This represents an improvement of 69% in the number of asthma attacks over the first 6 months.

Of the 24 Volunteers who completed the program, 22 reported that secondary health concerns had also improved within the 12-month Research period underlining the holistic nature of the Bowen Technique. These issues included: Positive responses to Back, Neck & Shoulder problems: 15, Knee problems & Other joint problems: 4, Headaches & Migraine: 3, Hayfever: 8, Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Digestion: 4, PMT & Circulation: 2, Insomnia: 4, Anxiety, Stress & Depression: 13, Energy levels: 8

“The improvement to my back and knee problems have been excellent as I’ve not had to take as many painkillers as I have had to in previous years.”

“I have been able to go back to activities which I had almost totally abandoned last year at this time because of illness and fear…………. One of the major benefits for me has been the dramatic reduction in migraine attacks. Attacks are totally debilitating for up to 3 or 4 days. I feel I have more of my life back. “

”Asthma stopped me taking vigorous exercise – I can now.”

“I never expected Bowen to have much effect, being a natural sceptic, but am happy to have been proved wrong! Now feeling extremely positive and I, hopefully, will feel able to leave my inhaler at home in future.”

“Before treatment, my inhaler had to go everywhere with me, even in the house – and I needed a steroid inhaler as well. Now, I ignore the inhaler (bronchodilator) in the house. Also, steroid now not needed.”

“ Regained self-confidence, take less medication and do not rely on medications taken “just in case” or panic if the inhaler is not within reach”.

“This treatment has changed my life. I was constantly having severe attacks and now I hardly ever use my Ventolin Inhaler. “

“ I would not have believed that my asthma could be improved so much by a holistic therapy. I will certainly carry on having treatments.”

“I can now run around after my nephews and nieces, as before I would worry about having an asthma attack.”

“ My overall feeling of well being has greatly improved. Prior to Bowen, I never ever felt 100% – I was operating in a routine below par.”

“My outlook has always been positive, so to be able to get back to a reasonable normality is great.”

Following the results, Nikke Ariff of Mind Body Positive Ltd concluded:

“The Asthma Research is my second project and my thanks and appreciation go to the Volunteer Asthma suffers and the dedicated Bowen Therapists who took part over this 12-month programme. Asthma is a very individual condition, and a holistic therapy such as Bowen is ideally designed to address the individual according to his or her individual health needs.

I am very pleased with the results of the National Research Programme, which has recorded positive results for all 24 of the Asthma Volunteers. I trust that more people will be encouraged to approach complementary therapies with an open mind for the regular maintenance of their health and well being.”

Dr Claire Pickin, Warwickshire GP:

“I am pleased though not surprised to see the patients in this trial benefiting from the Bowen Technique. I use the Bowen Technique frequently in my GP practice, mainly for musculoskeletal problems, but notice that patients’ general health improves as well.

“Asthma is a cause of much morbidity and sadly, still mortality, in this country. Its incidence has increased by 250% in the last 20 years and the latest figures show 1 child in 8 is being treated for asthma. The fact that such a simple, gentle, non-invasive technique can reduce the distressing symptoms of asthma deserves attention. The results of the trial are impressive.

“Asthma can be life-threatening, so it is important that medication is not stopped suddenly. Bowen Therapists European Register code of practice states that the therapist will never advise patients to alter prescribed medication without first consulting with their doctor. A doctor will be happy to reduce medication gradually as symptoms improve in the long term.”

The results are very positive, evidenced also by the fact that every Volunteer replied they would recommend the Bowen Technique to fellow Asthma sufferers. Bowen addresses the individual as an integrated biodynamic system as opposed to his or her isolated ailment. The Asthma condition has a myriad of triggers ranging from emotional trauma, stress levels of the individual, exercise, food and environmental allergens. These factors are so varied, that a holistic therapy like Bowen should be considered as a valid option for the health of an Asthma sufferer.