Living with fear

Living with fear

What fear actually is, how it affects our little bodies and hearts and all my tips to support you little treasures in living with fear.

We’re swimming in it at the moment, it’s coming out of the news like hot cakes, on the headlines, in the paper, in the guidelines. Of course I understand some of the guidelines are to support us, but the media really have an lot to answer for, this ability to whip us up into a frenzy can be so harmful.

We also have every right to read up and listen to as much of the ever changing news as we like, so how do we live with all this fear around us?

Solutions have to come from within, finding your own way to process the triggers felt, mixed messaging and pressure coming from a place of fear. 

Fear, otherwise known as False, Evidence, Appearing Real, this is a good analogy if you are like me and scared of the dark, as soon as the lights go off, I can imagine a monster is going to come and gruesomely devour me! I also can’t watch those sorts of movies, you know the ones that leave you terrified before going to bed, they hang around and haunt me for ages. This fear analogy could also be used for some of the hype and media BS that we are being fed, false evidence appearing real?! Ooooo Emily, put your claws away!

Another saying I hear, is feel the fear and do it anyway, well in the current situation, I feel its more, feel the fear and simply batten down the hatches. However there is some truth in this saying, there are ways to push through fear if there is something you really want to do, you can tap into that courage and hunger, I share more about solutions for this below in the therapy section.

If your like me and agitated and triggered easily by the next scary monster around the corner, you might find my tips below useful on dealing with hype and fear that we are currently facing. 

Fear tips below

Focusing on my loves/passions/what I like to do

I always harp on about this but if you are sat there re-watching or obsessing over the news, you will be fed with more worry. I am not staying don’t keep yourself up to date, but focusing your time being poured into your loves, perhaps its creative writing, longboarding, dancing, gardening, baking, reading, whatever tickles your heart, go do it! It’s an act of kindness and nourishing self care. 

Exercise, that you enjoy

I love weight training and I am lucky to have an awesome PT, who really makes me giggle, so I get a double hit giggles, endorphins released and yeah my biceps are getting  bigger 😉 nothing wrong with small biceps either 🙂 

Fresh air

Walking, getting in that fresh air, Vitamin D from the sun and connecting with your buddies and nature in the physical is so important. It provides that time out, to gain a fresher perspective, literally, you are breathing in a different environment and gives an opportunity to gain the bigger perspective on things. Whenever I see the sea, not only does it calm me, but it makes me realise my problems/fears seems a bit small when facing a vast energy that’s always changing, the sea! 

Having a morning routine that isn’t harmful

being a human is full on enough, mornings can be full on enough for us non morning people, so starting with your stretches, cup of tea, music, just be super gentle on yourself, you don’t need to launch straight into the drama, but then again perhaps you need that to get you going?! Not my cup of tea, though, literally.

Knowing where my support is

Following, staying close to speakers, social media accounts, that I feel resonate, comfort and support me. It might be someone, something that makes you laugh, or speaks up when you feel you can’t, or simply makes you feel relaxed. I am lucky enough to have the presence of a guru in my life, which isn’t for everyone, for some its their football community or going to church, or listening to a podcast, whatever it is, make sure it supports you.

Preparing before I read the news

Reading the news to keep up to date, but preparing before I look, it’s 99% going to be something in the headlines, that I don’t agree with or will push my irritation buttons, so I ask myself, is now the best time to read this, do I want to do this to myself? If you feel strong and ready, then go right ahead. But its a good one to take a step back before going in, think of it like going into the fire pit and its a good time to check in with yourself.

Fear, what does it do to us?

What does it do to our bodies? It stimulates the hormone cortisol to be released from our adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys, providing our nervous system with the stimulated fight or flight response. Are we preparing to fight and speak up, or are we retreating or freezing? Of course some fear is perfectly natural and beneficial, as we are wild creatures adapting to change, but too much and its going to agitate our nervous system and deplete our immune system.

What does fear do to our emotions? Fear elicits a response from our gut brain, (we have 3 brains our head, heart and gut) which often negates the heart brain, so yes, our hearts our closing off and we might not be as compassionate and our rational mind is gone off for a vacation.

If your struggling after trying self care tips at home, then check out the below therapy solutions

Reiki – the most relaxing, gentle treatment there is, opening up the heart chakra, soothing your nervous system and providing insight and clarity tailored just for you precious beings. Most people share they feel more refreshed, clearer and connected after a treatment. Check out zen Ted below, getting his chakras aligned.

Reiki practitioner Bristol

Mbit coaching – connecting in with your three brains (head, heart and gut) and most importantly listening to your heart, opening it up and engaging again with your heart felt values. A guided coaching session to help you feel more connected to your self.

Fear is felt in the front of the gut and courage is felt in the back of the gut, which can help push through the fear, once the nervous system is balanced and we are clear on what we want to achieve and what our blocks are.

Listen to your gut

Bowen – another lush treatment to soothe your nervous system, small rolling moves made over specific points on fascia, (a web network surrounding our muscles, joints, ligaments and nerves), to unravel, unwind and soothe, mind, body and emotions. Trauma and tissue tension is released, providing deep relaxation. 

Bowen technique back care

Arnica – a beautiful homeopathic remedy from the arnica flower, below, that is gentle and incredibly potent at bringing you back into your heart, soothing from stress, shock, trauma, injury and also blood clots. It’s a heart remedy for the physical and emotional. 

arnica flower

Hopefully that provided some useful tools and techniques in dealing with fear. Be in touch here if I can support further.

Bowen Technique Bristol – Top 8 Injury Tips

Top 8 Injury Tips

How to speed up muscle strain recovery and care for your injury.

Emergency Bowen Appointment

To save time being in pain, or not earning money at work, or ruining your holiday/weekend activities, go and book an alignment appointment, as soon as possible. Bowen is what I love and practice so that is what I will share about here and is my go-to, when I have an injury. Yes it can be used immediately on an injury, think of me as an emergency musculoskeletal support.

Bowen is the perfect treatment to calm the nervous system immediately after an accident/injury and it removes the shock/trauma from the body, instantly relaxing you and prepping the body for restoration.

Bowen supports to align fascia, surrounding all muscles, joints and nerves, therefore benefits are pain reduction, more range of movement and quicker recover time.

The sooner the better, benefits felt from 1 treatment, but typically 4 are recommended, 1 week apart, however frozen shoulders may take up to 8 treatments.

In my own experience and my clients, recovery is quicker with Bowen and you can get back on with your life again. Find out more about Bowen therapy here.

Reflect & Protect

It is good to take note of what happened, so symptoms you feel and taking stock of what has been happening over the last few months to potentially weaken things or contribute to the injury. You could consider emotional stress, posture, repeated moves, walking/carrying yourself.

An injury is a perfect time to stop and check in on how to therefore take the best care of you. If you are not sure how to do this, I can support you in this process. 

I aim to get you back to your working self asap and then together, we can plan ways to support injury prevention.

Self-care

When are your symptoms worse or better? Use your own natural intelligence to work out what you see you need to do to support yourself, for most people, it is better for moving, such as walking and worse for sitting still.

Arnica capsules, used in homeopathy, 30c strength, are great at settling and aiding repair in the body. You can purchase these from health shops, or even better use a homeopathic pharmacy, like Buxton and Grant are in Bristol, or Helios are an online store. Ideally you would seek support from a homeopath, but these are a great first aid remedy and can be taken 15 mins either side of food or drinks other than water and re-taken when you feel the symptoms returning.

A maximum 10-minute ice pack can help if there is swelling and tumeric capsules can help with reducing inflammation.

Keeping an area warm for example wearing a scarf around your neck, or using a hot water bottle can soothe too.

Pain Relief

It is fine to take pain relief, such as ibuprofen or CBD drops, or your chosen support to help relax and ease things. Yes it won’t treat the cause but it might soothe things in the short term. 

Bow to Epsom Salts

There is a reason why athletes and dancers use these, they work! An Epsom salt bath can sooth aching muscles, relax you and provide yummy magnesium to soothe the body. Take extra care as they can make things slippy, also not longer than 20 minutes in the bath.

If there is inflammation and you would prefer to not use ice (for example we don’t usually suggest icing an area soon after a Bowen treatment as it can interfere with the fascia work we have done) you can put a spoonful of Epsom salts in a tissue and wrap them around the affected area.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of water, it will help aid your body to be hydrated and flush out toxins and support the body to do its job best.

Movement

Stretches aren’t always helpful, as they can exacerbate symptoms for some people, but for others it can soothe things, just start with a few gentle moves, here is an example. 

Start by lying flat on your back with your knees supported by something comfy.

Back care stretch injury care

Back care injury tips Bristol

Schedule Adjustment

Yes you may need to slow down and that can be tricky for some, but also there are benefits to relaxing back into your body and lifestyle. Re-consider your schedule, that includes training schedule.

Do something to support relaxation and being present in your body. I can support you here if you are unsure how to fully relax.

Book an Injury Treatment

Shoulder pain relief

Shoulder pain relief

It’s time to look at those shoulders and receive shoulder pain relief. Apparently shoulders are our doing centres.

I share how are shoulders can feel pain and receive an injury, how I take care of them to make them feel better, so you can continue on with your life and shoulders.

Aw poor shoulders they are an area of the body that need some love. The shoulder joint is apparently the most mobile in the body, but with that it can be injured quite easily.

Due to the structure, frozen shoulders can often be lengthy to heal, bowen technique has a reputation for being the quickest solution for frozen shoulders and can still take some work too. I would suggest at least 8 treatments from my experience of treating others, with results seen usually in the first session.

How do shoulders get hurty?

I always love to remind people that we can physically injury our shoulders, or a build up from repeated movements over time and poor posture can cause irritation, this can often be from handbags! (My nemesis alongside those awful ballet pump shoes which offer zero support for our feet, but feet are for another time). However we also have emotional stress that leads to tension, pain and restriction. The expression ‘shouldering emotions’ can be true, is there something that you are not speaking up about? Do you feel burdened by the weight of the world and your responsibilities? Are you receiving coldness from someone else? Leading to a frozen shoulder. 

Now obvs we all get a bit of tension in the body and that’s normal, like your car tyres need pumping up from wear and tear, we are the same, its not to make you worry that you need to be always levitating on a cushion as then you wont have any pain, life is life and are little vehicles (bodies) need TLC from time to time.

Shoulder support is at hand

I love to support you to uncover why you might have an injury/pain/restriction, to get you back to your working self in the quickest time possible, offering my squidgy care and relaxation, but also to prevent any further pain.

Shoulder pain relief Bristol

That’s why I am here, your shoulder godmother to take the best care of them and support you to understand a bit more about taking care of your shoulders.

Whether its through massage, bowen, reflexology or reiki, I will relax your shoulders and let me them smile again.

How Bowen can help

If you have an injury, pain or muscular restriction i.e. you can’t lift your shoulder up to a certain height, then Bowen is what I would suggest. 4 sessions to sort that out, but if it is a frozen shoulder then 8 sessions are suggested.

Did you know Bowen helps to unravel restrictions and tension in a relaxing way, it also supports posture to be straighter and removes stress and tension from the body whooo, now that’s something to be cheery about.

Due to the wonderful connectedness of the body, I will be checking your lower back, pelvis and knees in particular, as often if one of these areas are grumbly it can impact the shoulders.

Be in touch here if you need any shoulder care.

Bowen Technique Bristol – How do you heal a pulled hamstring fast?

How to heal a pulled hamstring fast

How do you heal a pulled hamstring fast?

Oooo the mighty and powerful hamstrings, (on the back of your things in case you didnt know) 3 muscles, all involved in hopping, skipping, running and jumping, there is no surprise that many athletes and those that train pull this baby.

Hamstring muscle injuries are the most common sports injury according to this trusted source. These injuries often have long recovery times booo and can return if not treated fully. However don’t be down my cherubs as I have good news for you, as the recovery doesn’t have to be long when you receive a relaxing Bowen Technique. Many sports players have used the hamstring procedure as a release and it can be used mid-match to support the on-going athlete to continue, but for sure a good month of healing is suggested for full repair.

In Bowen there is an amazing hamstring move, it not only releases tight hamstrings, but also tension running through the whole of the back line, which is a fascial line shown below. This line runs from your feet to your head, so any ailments in these areas, will also be supported. This alone can often ease headaches. In case you didnt know what fascia is, its a beautiful web of connective type tissue that envelops cells, muscles, joins and nerves. Of course the gluts and lower back will be tight with a pulled hamstring, as the other muscle groups are compensating for walking differently from the pain you might be feeling. 

Hamstring release tips bowen technique bristol

I felt a ping go one day, I had been over training at the gym and it was my left hamstring, probably my more weaker side. Two Bowen sessions later, it had fully resolved in terms of the pain and the mobility. Of course I took care to then strengthen and re-consider my training habits to one which is more long standing and preventative, after it was healed and my body was aligned.

Injury care with a pulled or painful hamstring

Get to me or another Bowen therapist as soon as you can, for an Hamstring injury treatment it is safe to treat immediately with an injury, because the treatment is so relaxing. I hear you, your worried it wont work if its that soft and fluffy, well in my direct experience of receiving and delivering Bowen, it does. It also releases powerful healing and settles emotions connected to your hamstring. Often stressors are stored in your hammies to protect the vital organs, it is a common area that we clench without meaning to and driving can also cause them to tighten. In a nutshell, they deal with a lot, it could be safe to say they are on the front line of supporting with stress.

Pulled hamstring pain relief

Often people experience an energising feeling with the hamstring release too, yeay for releasing those hamstrings.

Hamstring release with bowen

To conclude honour your body and all the amazing things it does without us asking for permission. Take good care to make time to relax and soothe stress, not over train, but a balance of exercise with rest and maintaining supportive postures can all support preventing injury.

Book a hamstring release treatment

If you would like to know more on injury tips, you can read my top injury tips here.

Fascia Release Technique – What is Fascia and How it Impacts Your Health

Fascia Release Technique – What is Fascia and How it Impacts Your Health

Fascia release technique, otherwise known as Bowen Therapy.

Every cell in our body has its own electromagnetic field and each field pulses at different vibrations. Each cellular structure is surrounded by fascia. Fascia is like a web that wraps around all our cells, organs, bones, muscles, tendons, tissues, vessels. It acts like a telephone with many lines that are constantly transmitting and receiving. It is predominantly collagen, which has a characteristic of toughening when under stress.

Every bit of you is encased in it. You are protected by fascia, connected by fascia and kept in taut human shape by fascia.

Fascia is messy stuff, its hard to study, its so expansive and intertwined it resists the medical standard of being cut up and named for textbook illustrations, its more subtle that that of the other body systems.

Fascia is what composes over 80% of what we consider muscle tissue. Trauma, daily life and repetitive motions or positions can create fascial restrictions in your body. Imagine the amount of time per day we spend badly sitting at our desks or driving, over time this compensation takes hold.

Lack of activity will cement the once supple fibres into place. Chronic stress causes the fibers to thicken in an attempt to protect the underlying muscle. Poor posture and lack of flexibility and repetitive movements pull the fascia into ingrained patterns.

The picture below is taken from the book Anatomy Trains, by Thomas W. Myers. It is a beautiful illustration showing the different colours of fascial lines. You can see that the jaw has a close link to the pelvis and also runs through the digestive meridian. You can also see the knees are connected to the shoulders. This demonstrates why we sometimes have pain, restriction in one area, but it shows in another area. our body is a beautiful connected fascia web.

How to take care of your fascia

♥Move! Sticky adhesions form between fascial surfaces that are not regularly moved and over time these adhesions get strong enough to inhibit range of motion.

♥Drink plenty of water, it is made up of water and is happier when wet, if dehydrated, this will dehydrate. We loose so much water each day through sweat, urine and filtering out toxins.

♥Stretch for 1-3 minutes and relax into the stretch. When muscles are chronically tight, the surrounding fascia tightens along with them. Over time the fascia becomes rigid compressing the muscles and the nerves.

♥Epsom salt baths for up to 20 mins can loosen up tight muscles and fascia.

♥Use a foam roller to help free up tightness, take it slowly and gently.

♥If you are not seeing improvements or have a niggling injury, new or old, then see a therapist that can deliver fascia release technique, like a Bowen therapist, which is what I love to treat with. This will uncoil, relax fascia, soothe pain and provide more mobility. 

Bowen work is a gentle but powerful technique that works by balancing the ANS, which controls more than 80% of our bodily functions.

Bowen technique realises it is also working with our energy systems, not just the central nervous system but our meridians, which are like rivers that dissect our fascia, organs and all body matter.

♥Listen to your body, if you have an injury perhaps best to not push yourself but to do gentle exercise that benefits, rather than harms further.

Contact me here to book a fascia release technique treatment.

 

Back Pain Tips – 10 Ways to Take Care of your Back

 

Back care support caring for you treatments

1 Backpack

Two straps are better than one, can you imagine if everyday you wear a bag on one shoulder, slowly the muscles will adapt to balance out wearing the bag. They may rise up on the bag wearing side and to counter act this, the mid back may tilt for balance, the neck will tilt to counteract the change and then the pelvis will tilt up. It only takes 30 days for the muscles to adapt a new posture.  See direct example below.

So in a nutshell both straps for a happy back.

2. Footwear

Yeay for taking care of our feet. They carry us around, they put up with wearing all sorts of shoe shapes & heel heights, they provide stability, posture support, they carry natural waste (uric acid & calcium deposits) products in the form of crystals, there are loads of nerve endings here, they need care, put them in shoes that support all aspects of your foot. Pumps are death to feet. If you wear flip flops a lot, consider how much harder your muscles in the feet are gripping hold. I love Ecco & Hotter shoes, which are both UK companies & sandals that have straps so my feet are happy, secure & supported.

3 Posture awareness

How often do you bring the focus back internally, to how you are sat, are you relaxed? You can try this be isolating an area, tensing it then relaxing it, hunch your shoulders to your ears, then relax them down and back, tighten up your face muscles then relax them, especially the eye area. If you repeat this naturally when you remember, you will have greater awareness of your posture & can sense when you are sat in a way that doesn’t support you. Here is a simple beginners guide to this exercise.

4 Alignment treatments

Do you feel a bit wonky? Do you notice some areas have a restricted range of motion? Alignment treatments can prevent injury, soothe pain/injury, increase range of movement, improve posture & relaxation.

Bowen is what I love & practice, so it is my go-to, when I have an injury. Yes it can be used immediately on an injury, think of me as an emergency musculoskeletal support. Bowen is the perfect treatment to calm the nervous system immediately after an accident/injury and it removes the shock/trauma from the body, instantly relaxing you & prepping the body for restoration. Bowen supports to align fascia, surrounding all muscles, joints and nerves, therefore benefits are pain reduction, more range of movement and quicker recover time. The sooner the better, benefits felt from 1 treatment,  but typically 3 are recommended, 1 week apart. In my own experience and my clients, recovery is quicker with Bowen & you can get back on with your life again.

5 Sitting position

Getting clear on how we sit at work, when watching the TV or driving. then imagine how many hours a week, a month, a year do we spend doing the same actions repeatedly? A lot! So check how you are sitting & reflect if it matches where you might have back pain, Below is a suggested desk height posture for at work, I use a portable adjustable laptop stand, but there are fixed stands available too. You can also get an iPad stand & a phone stand to save holding the item, its way more relaxing just try it! An ergonomic mouse really supports my wrists & a good chair is a great help too, here are some supportive chair options.

Self care correct posture working at desk

 

6 Engaging your core with exercise

I always love Pilates for strengthening & posture support, but its important to find some exercise you enjoy, if you are not sure, try it! Backs typically prefer movement to being still.

7 Relaxation

Relaxation is our natural state, as seen more obviously in nature, for example the trees aren’t sweating that they don’t know what the future look likes, nor the flowers quivering due to fearing lack of money, or the bees worrying about their bumbly round body image, they are just doing their thing in complete relaxation.

Relaxation supports all of our body systems & mind to work at their best. A regular form of relaxation is a great way to provide self care & it can be whatever works & provides support to you. I love to take short moments of mind & body relaxation, also called strong mind, which can be carried out anytime, anywhere, with nothing else needed, it is so easeful & the results are very quick & profound. It supports stability of mind no matter the worries, fears of uncertainty, we never know what is around the corner, so to simply focus on each moment is very refreshing. This doesn’t mean that we can’t plan or prepare for the future, but for me, it has meant I can live a happier life where I feel contented, no matter the thoughts or emotions I have.

It is an ancient Tibetan practice that has been developed for the modern day. This practice has ultimately supported me to see the best way to take care of the self, how to make decisions & have clarity on how I would like to live my life. See here for more info https://www.bright.how/ also books can be found here.

8 Good mattress and pillow

We spend a vast amount of time in bed over our lifetime, please invest in a good quality pillow & mattress that will support to keep your spine aligned. Also how do you wind down for bed? A few stretches? A bath? what pillow do you use? Is it supportive? Is it providing benefit to your neck & spine? It is so important to upgrade your mattress & pillow to support preventing injuries & providing care for you. When you book in a treatment not only do I provide freedom from pain & injury but also look at your

posture at work & play so you can continue on injury free 💜

9 Lifting 

What the toddler did, we can learn a lot from small beings on the natural way to lift items.

10 Emotional care

Can you see when you are getting overwhelmed and stressed? We all know a bit of short term stress has benefits, as in getting our shit done, but if we are sitting around for a long time overwhelmed by a state of emotion, then it’s time to reach out for support. Emotions can sometimes manifest into physical ailments, so often backs I see need some relaxation from an emotional stress, rather than a physical injury. Fresh air & relaxation is always my first go to, also connecting with those important people in our lives, that truly wish for us to flourish and be well. We all and I mean ALL experience a continued variety of emotional thoughts and on some level it is just particles and energy, like fireworks in space.

Shifting our focus from a singular being of suffering, is a concept, yes, but actually there is part of us that is connected to many other beings, feeling the same thought or emotion at the same time. Whether it is your church, community, family, guru, pet, professional help, whatever it is that works for you, please always be brave and reach out, as just that alone can be a great relief.

Happy backs to you all 🙂 unhappy backs can make contact here.

Back Pain Therapist Case Studies

Read case studies and results from Emily, a back pain therapist in Bristol

Bowen technique back care

1 Symptoms and prevented activity

49 year old mum had recurrent episodes of her back seizing up and feeling out of place, she was prevented from doing anything when this happened, including working and especially working and gardening and she loved gardening.

Treatment and results

She had 4 Bowen sessions and the pain was resolved, the client wasn’t expecting it to work, but she couldn’t believe the quick and long lasting effect it had. She is now able to do so much more in the garden and has since had no further episodes of her back pain. Client now returns, for a luxury facial to feel relaxed and pampered.

2 Symptoms and prevented activity

34 year old counsellor was presenting with shoulder tension and pain, which was affecting her daily life, low self confidence and dissatisfaction and emotional stress from her work. 

Treatment and results

The client loved receiving treatments in Bowen, Reiki and Reflexology, so she often chose a different treatment depending on how she felt and had also asked what I saw would be best too. Results were complete relaxation, stress reduction, release of shoulder tension, increase in wellbeing, increase in confidence and encouragement to focus on her passions in the workplace, which led to a change in job.

3 Symptoms and prevented activity

24 year old student was presenting with back pain, after a fall to the coccyx, that had been untreated. Every few months her back would feel out of place and that would mean missing work, she was also suffering with migraines. She previously had found the chiropractor too aggressive for her preference and it created a bad pain in her neck.

Treatment and results

She began with a hot stone massage and she couldn’t believe how much this alone eased her symptoms, she then went on to have 4 sessions of bowen which completely resolved her migraines, back and neck pain and meant she was no longer taking days off work as her back wasn’t coming out of place. She now comes as and when for a top up either in bowen or hot stone massage.

 Quote taken from Kim from Google reviews

“I have been visiting Emily since April receiving marvellous treatments to help with aches and pains, specifically an injury on my lower back and neck. I first had a hot stone massage which made me feel as though i was in heaven and freed up a lot of aches in my body the warmth of the stones is very soothing. Emily made me feel at home straight away and really listens to what you are saying to ensure her treatments are personalised for you as an individual. Having spoken to Emily about the Bowen therapy I have since had a course of 3 treatments which completely fixed and reset my neck and back and helped me get back to my old more active self. I now just top up my treatments with a massage or bowen to keep the pain at bay…and just because I feel so damn lovely after a treatment!! couldn’t recommend Emily any higher – she is fab. Thankyou :)”

4 Symptoms and prevented activity

48 year old nurse suffering from stress, migraines and insomnia. This affected her work and social life with tiredness and needing to rest when migraines were present.

Treatment and results

After 1 bowen session her migraines had completely resolved and she had the best night sleep for a long time. She went on to have 2 more bowen sessions to relieve tension in her hamstrings, provide a balance to the body and aid relaxation and stress reduction.

5 Symptoms and prevented activity

34 year old fitness coach presenting with back pain after a coccyx injury, which affected her when exercising and she was experiencing difficulty in conceiving.

Treatment and results

Client received 9 sessions of a mixture of reflexology and bowen. After 4 sessions her back pain had completely resolved, after 4 more sessions she informed me that she was pregnant, this was a very heart warming moment to have supported someone along their journey of a wish to conceive a baby.

6 Symptoms and prevented activity

 34 year old female that books in monthly hot stone massages, overall improvements are.

“I have experienced so many positive changes. I came to you initially as a gift to myself because I had recognised I was suffering from stress. You’ve always been so kind, gentle and nurturing and have listened and responded to what I’ve told you. When a reoccurring back issue flared up you suggested Bowen Technique might be helpful, and after only two treatments I am no longer suffering from any back pain. This is remarkable for me as the pain has been there in the background for some time. I cannot thank you enough.

The other thing you have done so well is give me gentle guidance around how I can improve my wellbeing. You’ve always done so in such a brilliant way…it’s never felt like you are preaching to me or trying to tell me how to live my life. That sort of approach would’ve completely turned me off but you’ve been so brilliant…it’s enabled me to make good choices and change some of my less healthy habits. I have replaced my endless cups of tea throughout the day with water and have been allowing myself to snack when I’m hungry. The latter might seem like nothing, but for me, with my seemingly endless issues around food, it is a major step forward. I am so very grateful for the impact you’ve had on my life.

It was such a big step for me to invest in myself in this way and commit to a regular session with you. But I’m so glad I have. It’s making a huge difference to my life.”

7 Symptoms and prevented activity

56 year old musician who loves playing the violin but experienced constant pain in her shoulder, neck and back with stiffness and limited range of movement. This also affected her sleep as the pain was so bad.

Treatment and results

Bowen treatments improved her sleep, she now no longer has pain in her shoulders, neck and back. She has more energy and has began exercising more, which is benefitting her too. She still comes for preventative treatments as she is continually using her muscles a lot when playing her violin and bowen supports with overall health and freeing up stiffness. She says how much she looks forward to coming for a treatment and finds it so relaxing.

8 Symptoms and prevented activity

28 year old marketing manager was suffering from constant back pain, which she felt at work, when driving and when sitting on the sofa, this was seriously impacting her daily life and preventing her from feeling comfortable, on top of that she wasnt sleeping well.

Treatment and results

4 bowen treatments later, her back pain had completely resolved and she was sleeping much better, she could sit on the sofa without any discomfort. She chooses to comes back monthly for top ups as preventative care, which is her preference to support herself, after years of back complaints.

Taken from Felicity from Treatwell

“Emily has really helped me over the past few months. I had never tried Bowen therapy before but the results have been fantastic. Emily is really lovely too and her treatment room is so calming and relaxing.”

 9 Symptoms and prevented activity

65 year old housewife presenting with a slipped disc, from a previous injury, so she had a lot of back pain, sciatica, (shooting pain down the side of her leg) she was unable to walk and sit, without feeling some sort of pain. 

Treatment and benefits

6 bowen treatments have been received and she felt relief from day 1, such as being able to walk straighter, freer and the pain had reduced. The slipped disc has completely resolved and the client comes back monthly to support with overall health.

Taken from anonymous on Treatwell

Emily is very good at explaining the treatment. Very relaxed quiet atmosphere. I have benefitted from reduced pain and better posture from my damaged spine

 

10 Symptoms and prevented activity

27 year old sports lover had a ski injury with cartilage damage to the sternum, she experienced a lot of pain in her shoulders, arms, ribs and back when breathing and moving, she was unable to lift objects at work, the pain was seriously impacting her everyday life.

Treatment and results

After only 3 bowen sessions all symptoms had resolved, except minor pain when breathing due to cartilage damage to the sternum, which will take a little longer to heal. She told me she had another skiing trip booked after the first session and I said lets take it easy as you might not be able to ski and then she successfully managed to ski! Also enjoy her holiday as she quickly sought help for her injury. She is now way more relaxed and had the trauma/stress from the injury removed from her body. 

Taken from Jess from Google reviews 

“Emily helped me massively over 3 sessions! I was in some serious pain when I first came to see her, and a couple of days after my first session I had already gained back the majority of my movement that I had lost due to an injury.

She is very kind, provides a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere, and is very good at what she does. I highly recommend Emily and will definitely be going back for a visit when needed!

You do not need to put up with back, neck or shoulder pain, bowen technique can provide a quick long lasting support.”

Jujitsu student had ‘crunched’ her neck doing a backwards roll, which led to serious limited neck movements and a lot pain and discomfort in moving.

Treatment and results

She came to see me right after the injury for an emergency appointment, she didnt realise that Bowen is safe enough to treat right after an injury, she felt relaxed, the shock was taken out of her body and the body could begin to repair. Her neck movement returned shortly after the treatment and then had a follow up session a week later and was able to get back to training the following week. 

Taken from Indi google reviews 

“I badly injured my neck during jujitsu training and had to immediately stop. I was shaky and in shock. I called Emily as she had completely cured my RSI with 2 sessions of Bowen previously and so I wanted to see how quick she could see me now for this. She was pleased I called so quickly because Bowen can be used immediately on injuries as it’s non invasive and can really help the healing process right from the start. Treating acute injuries is another area she’s specialised in and she wished more people contacted her when they had just injured themselves, rather then days or weeks later.

I used to be physiotherapist for 10 years and I never touched a patient who had literally just injured themselves (especially on the neck!) and would recommend rest and ice or heat etc for the initial period. It was such a relief to find there was something I could actually do immediately to specifically help my injury directly. Within the hour I was on the treatment bed in the incredibly relaxing environment and in the safe hands of Emily. I was made comfortable as my neck had seized and my muscles in spasm. I felt my body immediately able to relax at a time of such pain and shock.

Emily carried out the treatment and I have no idea what she does or how Bowen works but after the treatment the shock in my body and mind had gone – I was no longer shaking! I felt more aligned, calmer and the pain had certainly decreased. I knew with this type of injury I wasn’t going to be pain free and have full range of movement for a while, but I knew I had significantly helped the healing process already and as Bowen continues to work over several days, and with Emily’s post treatment advice too, I was so confident that a more rapid healing would continue and that I was taking the best care.

I went back to see Emily about week later a lot better for the severity of the injury and very pleased with the progress, I was quite amazed actually as with the loud crunch of my neck I thought it would be weeks,  maybe even months, before I was back to normal again. So not surprisingly, I still had some decreased range of movement, pain at the end of range and most annoyingly, I still kept waking several times at night with discomfort. Immediately after the session, I literally couldn’t believe it; I had complete range of movement and no pain at the end of range at all – such immediate results! Not only that, but that night I slept like a baby, and have done every night since! Very happy 🙂

In all my time as a physio I have never seen or experienced such dramatic results for such an acute and significant injury. Neither for my clients or that of any of my colleagues. A few days later and I’m back to training again. I have no understanding of how Emily does it but she is just completely brilliant and magic as far as I’m concerned. I simply can’t recommend her enough: If you have any injuries or pain at all anywhere, do yourself a massive favour and just get to her as quick as you can!!”

12 Symptoms and Prevented activity

Anne was presenting with hip pain, lower back pain and knee pain, which was noticed after sitting for too long and driving

Treatment and results

Anne had already received Bowen from another therapist who relocated so she knew the potency of the results and although her symptoms were relatively minor, they were still problematic to her. After 2 sessions all symptoms had resolved and she now returns for maintenance treatments as and when.

Taken from Anne from google reviews

“Believe in Bowen! Bowen therapy with Emily is to be highly recommended. It is a remarkable treatment which realigns your body and miraculously eases any aches and pains you may have.

Some years ago I was convinced I needed a hip replacement after suffering with a painful hip for months. After x-rays showed there was no issue with the joint, I chose to go for Bowen treatments following a friend’s recommendation who has also experienced its benefits. The pain went within 2 or 3 treatments and has never returned. More recently, Emily has freed my other hip of pain as well as my knee. General every-day living such as driving, lifting, working at a computer, carrying uneven loads, sitting awkwardly etc. can, over time, put the body out-of-kilter. I cannot recommend Bowen therapy enough as a means to reverse these strains.

My elderly neighbour who was suffering with such a bad back that she wasn’t able to walk up stairs can now, after 2 treatments with Emily, do so easily – she is both amazed and delighted. I would urge anyone, whatever their age, who is suffering from any aches and pains to try Bowen therapy. Be amazed and believe in Bowen!”

13 Symptoms and Prevented activity

50 year old fireman struggling with lower back pain, sciatica and right shoulder pain which he could only raise up the side to a certain point, so it was restricting his range of movement. He also had a sore wrist and felt general concern and motivation to take better care of his body. 

Treatment and results

After 2 sessions the shoulder pain and sciatica had resolved, however the left shoulder now felt pain, most likely due to compensation patterns 

14 Symptoms and Prevented activity 

23 year old marketing executive with recurring kidney infections and lower back pain.

Treatment and results

After 1 session the thirst and urgency to urinate became slightly exacerbated for 24 hours then completely resolved, which usually lasts for up to a week. The follow up 3 sessions were able to align her pelvis which resolved her lower back pain and meant she had less recurring kidney infections.

15 Symptoms and Prevented activity 

66 year old retired teacher and grandmother had slept ‘funny’ her neck was seriously restricted and she couldn’t move her head to the right, she was in a lot of pain.

Treatment and results

After 1 session of Bowen she regained full movement in her neck and was amazed at how improved she felt with only 1 session,

16 Symptoms and Prevented activity

67 year old man with what he suspected was tennis elbow in his right elbow, this was causing him pain, it was swollen and felt warm to touch.

After 1 session of Bowen, the swelling had reduced, the pain had reduced and there was considerable improvement, after a second session the pain had reduced further and there was more movement to the elbow joint and shoulder.

Contact me here to book a treatment.

Bowen Therapy for Sciatica

Sciatica Relief

Bowen Therapy for Sciatica

What is it?

Sciatica literally means inflammation of the sciatic nerve, presenting as pain radiating down the leg, often felt around the lower back and glut area too. Ow!

How does Bowen help?

Bowen works to relax the nervous system as well as tense muscles, tendons, and ligaments, thereby allowing the pinched sciatic nerve to be released.

Not only is Bowen Therapy superb in addressing sciatica, but is it also very effective for other issues originating in the lumbar/pelvic region including lower back pain, hip pain, hip flexor issues, and sacroiliac pain.

Is your sciatica pain preventing you from your exercise, sport, or daily life? Ask yourself what makes it better or worse and use your body’s natural intelligence to support the healing here. It’s also fine if you don’t know as I can support you.

Usually, sciatica is resolved in a few sessions so it isn’t something you need to put up with and there is often a quick easy solution. 

As we treat the whole person in Bowen, I won’t just look at the localised sciatica area, but checking and address alignment across the whole body, as it is all connected. 

A brilliant side effect of this is an improvement in posture, more relaxation, more awareness of your body and the ability to get with your life pain-free hooray!

Get in touch here to see how I can support you further, or book in a 4 part treatment programme here to resolve sciatica pain now.

 

Sciatica pain relief

I just want to be taken care of

How do I care for you?

Yep, you’ve guessed it, I love caring and I would love to break down all the ways I care for you during a treatment with me.

Aroma diffuser – I always hand pick an essential oil to create a relaxing, amazing smelling therapy space for you.

The music I play is super relaxing as it is created by a pianist for relaxing treatments, but the pianist is meditating whilst playing, so that carries a soothing relaxing power, yeah.

I have an extra wide comfy high grade couch for you to recline on or zzzzzz on.  Often people say, “I could just fall asleep already”

The therapy room has a chilled ambience carefully created to be super cosy and relaxing.

Eco friendly treatment space

I ask direct and clear questions in the consultation to look together whats needed to fully support you.

I have an understanding of many therapies, which means I can bring all different skills to the table.

I have a natural healing gift – (received from my nan)

I aim to reply to you within 24 hours

From the moment you walk through the door, throughout the treatment and after you leave, I am totally present and focused on supporting your health with all of my skills. (kind and caring are my big strengths)

I practice an ancient mind relaxation technique from a guru, so I hold a stable mind and presence and can see things clearly and that helps others to relax too.

Happy being with guru

I take time to care for myself to be the best therapist – (reading up, evaluating, upgrading, spas, pilates, fresh air, dancing, sleeping, good food, hydrated, receiving treatments myself)

I only offer bespoke treatments just for you.

I love caring and treating people.

I do all that I can to support someone, yet I encourage self care empowerment. 

I am very in tune with people’s bodies (feedback from clients)

I’m happy to share that I treat in an eco-friendly home, see my green policy here.

I have amazing listening skills, and I truly love to meet you where you are at, understand and support you.

Caring for you listening

I have a BSc Health Sciences degree in Complementary Therapies (hons) now I’m just showing off, but this is more for you to understand, how much I value my work and would love to support you. 

I love working with clients who are:

  • tired, stressed out, in need of some pampering and relaxation.
  • have back, neck or shoulder pain/injury/restriction and need some realignment.
  • struggling with menopausal symptoms and would like some hormonal balancing.

Contact me here for more information or to book a treatment.

What does being healthy look like?

What Does Being Healthy Look Like?

Are you trying to be healthy and hold that in place?

Why not relax, enjoy and focus on being well, just as you are.

I share my tips below on what does being healthy actually look like?

Healthy dosen’t look like sitting on a cushion meditating, skinny, sun tanned, eating a lettuce leaf and never farting.

Valentines Day Love GIF by Salih! - Find & Share on GIPHY

Our we confusing wellness with an idea of what being healthy looks like? We might never reach this ‘healthy state’ and then feel like a failure.

I suggest we all step off the treadmill and focus on what we enjoy, what’s practical, fits into our life and budget.

Lets look at how we naturally take care of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Here are some areas to consider and support you.

Foods

What is it to be healthy bristol

I would encourage all of you to look at your own body, you have lived in that shell for longer than anyone, so become aware of what supports it and what doesnt. You might choose a high fats diet, with breakfast looking like a butter coffee! 

I love carbs, plenty of veg and some yum protein, that is best for my blood type and lifestyle. Obvs this includes cake! I know this can change, dependent on different circumstances and adapting to what’s best.

A food diary is a good place to start if you are not sure of what supports you, or simply testing out safely what nourishes you. I reached out for support and received  bio-resonance testing to clearly see what foods were best for me, here are the details. We are all tots unique don’t forget, so there isnt one way to eat, you might have an intolerance to broccoli?!

Exercise

How do you love to exercise? Walking with your pooch? Cycling? Gym? 7 minute workout? Paddleboarding? So many activities to choose from. Life is so short, make sure its something you enjoy and even better take a buddy with you. 

Emotional Support

Can you see when you are getting overwhelmed and stressed? We all know a bit of short term stress has benefits, as in getting our shit done, but if we are sitting around for a long time overwhelmed by a state of emotion, then it’s time to reach out for support.

Fresh air and relaxation is always my first go to, also connecting with those important people in our lives, that truly wish for us to flourish and be well.

We all and I mean ALL experience a continued variety of emotional thoughts and on some level it is just particles and energy, like fireworks in space. 

Shifting our focus from a singular being of suffering, is a concept, yes, but actually there is part of us that is connected to many other beings, feeling the same thought or emotion at the same time.

Whether it is your church, community, family, guru, pet, professional help, whatever it is that works for you, please always be brave and reach out, as just that alone can be a great relief. 

Spiritual 

I have seen people dying and there is a part of them that is totally well and completely stable, despite the physical body degrading & dying (arent we all degrading, dying, re-growing all the time?)

It may be you pray to a god or to other beings or to the greater wisdom in the universe or planet. Or you might be rocking it out on the dancefloor, which you might call your church.

Professional Support

Nothing would make me happier than knowing people are testing out what best supports them and learning and realising our innate intelligence which is able to guide us.

If you are ever unsure, what support you need, there are counsellors, naturopaths, GPs, nurses, nutritionists, bodyworkers, wellness coaches, holistic practitioners and many more that can advise you accordingly. Choose something you feel interested in or perhaps what has worked for people you know.

Caring For You Support

I am always here to take care of you and I love to support stressed out females that might have overdone it all, have muscular, joint aches and pains and want some realignment, restoration and relaxation, the three r’s! Contact me here should you wish to reach out for any support.

Ultimately and definitely, you be you, however you choose to take care.

Bowen Technique Bristol – What is Bowen Technique

What is Bowen Technique?

Bowen Technique is a soft tissue technique where the therapist makes a rolling move over precise points of the body, working over muscles, fascia, ligaments and nerves. This sends neurological impulses to the brain, creating a vibrational pattern that re-aligns the muscular-skeletal system, improving muscle flexibility, movement and posture.

Bowen can relax and relieve stress, as it works mainly via the autonomic nervous system, therefore producing good results by penetrating to a deep cellular level. It is also balancing to all the systems of the body.

rolling move over precise point

What to expect from a Bowen treatment?

A Bowen treatment can give immediate relief and you will experience benefits over a very short course of treatments, as little as 1 to 3 sessions.

Practitioners will treat you over thin clothes or underwear and you will be covered using towel techniques similar to traditional massage at all times. There is NO forceful manipulation. 

Pauses are inserted between sets of rolling moves to give the brain time to integrate and process the treatment. This is when Bowen ‘asks’ the body to recognise and make the changes it requires. Each pause allows the body to hold the adjustments for longer, ‘the body prefers a whisper to a shout’ and in the week after your treatment, the body continues to respond and re-adjust safely according to its needs.

During the pauses, your therapist may stay or choose to leave the room to reduce interference with the healing process. It is a relaxing experience and unique for each person. You may encounter a number of sensations and reactions during your treatment such as changes in pain, movement of pain, feeling a change in symptoms or change in temperature

Relaxing treatment for health care

How does it work?

Bowen influences the body through the connective tissue known as fascia. Fascia plays a major role in muscle coordination, postural alignment, and overall structural and functional integrity.

A Bowen treatment aims to help the body as a whole – helping bring the body back into balance, while also addressing the injury/pain site.

Posture and compensatory patterns are also assessed, to ensure the problem has a higher chance of staying resolved.

An example below of side effects when the pelvis is out of alignment.

Pelvis misalignment bowen


What can it help?

This treatment is perfect for those that have musculoskeletal discomfort, misalignments, exercise/sports injury, a previous injury that never fully resolved, tension, want some support with your posture and in need of some relaxation too! 

  • Back pain & Sciatica

  • Neck & Shoulder Restrictions, including Frozen Shoulder

  • Migraines & Headaches

  • Pelvic Tilt/misalignment, uneven Foot Length

  • Knee, Ankle & Foot complaints

  • Hormonal Imbalances/Fertility complaints

  • Pre & Postoperative Recovery

  • RSI, Carpal Tunnel & Tennis Elbow

  • Sports injuries & Accident Injuries (can support realignment after accidents and falls)

  • Stress Reducing & Emotional Release from tissues & cells

  • TMJ & Jaw complaints

  • General wellness maintenance (Like for your car, you can do the same for your health and wellbeing)

Booking details found here.

See also my back pain case studies blog too.

Self Care Tips

Self Care Routine Ideas

Simple and effective self care tips, to take the best care of you! These aim to be responsive to your preferences and lifestyle.

Relaxation – find inner peace in each moment

Relaxation is our natural state, like in nature, everything already is as it is and relaxation supports all of our body systems & mind to work at their best. A regular form of relaxation is a great way to provide self care and it can be whatever works and provides support to you. I love to take short moments of mind and body relaxation, which can be carried out anytime, anywhere, with nothing else needed, it is so easeful and the results are very quick and profound. It supports stability of mind no matter what we might think or feel. It is an ancient practice that has been developed for the modern day. This practice has ultimately supported me to see the best way to take care of the self. This is a pic of me below on a relaxation retreat, ahhhh super relaxed. See here for more info https://www.bright.how/

Exercise You Enjoy

Do something you actually enjoy, working out doesn’t need to look like pain and misery e.g. running for hours on the treadmill, do what is practical and will fit into your life, maybe a 7 minute workout each morning would work for you, or a Pilates class? There are many around and I personally love Sean Vigue pilates, he is on YouTube, so you just need a mat. I also love weight training with dumbbells to strengthen my muscles, I do a lot of massage so this helps to keep me strong & prevents injury. What about swimming, Kundalini Yoga or Hula Hooping!?

Food To Nourish You

Food can nourish body, mind & soul and different foods can support you at different times depending on what your body needs. There seems to be great awareness about the importance of eating for nutrients, it makes sense that each meal is full of goodies your body needs to heal & repair. I always say go with what you see you need to eat, if you listen to your body it will tell you. If you are like me and get hungry quickly, I do like to prepare a little with meal plans and snacks as this can support blood sugar levels. If you notice some foods don’t agree with you, test it out by not eating them for a few weeks and see how you respond, even better go and get some intolerance testing done here is a great lady I know which can help with that.

I love juicing, my favourite is apple, carrot & ginger, I also love raw choccie occasionally, here is my fav, yum yum!

Self care chocolate includedCarrot orange ginger juice

Office/Work Posture

How many hours a week, a month, a year do we spend doing the same actions repeatedly at work? If you are used to staring at a screen, give yourself little eye breaks every so often, by looking away into the distance, hopefully there will be something nice to look at too! Below is a suggested desk height posture, I use a portable adjustable laptop stand, but there are fixed stands available too. You can also get an iPad stand & a phone stand to save holding the item, its way more relaxing just try it! An ergonomic mouse really supports my wrists and a good chair is a great help too, here are some supportive chair options.

Self care correct posture working at desk

Earthing Mat & Electromagnetic Chips

I love Wifi and the benefits of the internet & I am often seen with at least two devices! Yet I also give myself down time away from the screen, this can look like doing something else that you love, maybe going for a walk by the sea. There is this idea that Wifi rays can not be so good for us and we do not really know the long term side effects of living with Wifi. The truth is I am not sure what to believe, but what I do know is I love to take care and it feels supportive for me to sleep on an earthing mat and I buy earthing chips which can be stuck on all your devices too. I do not need to intellectually understand how this works but it feels a supportive thing to do and I share it here so you can read more and go for it if you would like to.

Fresh Air

Weather countryside, forest, sea air or just a walk away from your work at lunchtime, it really supports you in all ways to take time out. Sometimes it can be tempting to feel too busy to stop, but ultimately time away restores and provides clarity so you might even come back with more ooomp to finish off the task you started. Also the extra O2 and exercise will support circulation.

Blue sky fresh air self care

Saunas

Yippee for saunas, sweating out toxins, easing up joint ache, limbering up muscles, flushing toxins, cleansing the skin, helping to support the immune system and a good recovery post workout. I also heard it can make your hair shinier by allowing the sebaceous glands on the scalp to secrete! Wahoo. I also sneak in Eucalyptus or Peppermint oil to add even more of a kick, breathing in all the antibacterial goodness. See below some benefits of Eucalyptus oil. 

Health benefits eucalyptus self care tips

Bed Time!

We spent a vast amount of time in bed over our lifetime, please invest in a good quality pillow and mattress that will support to keep your spine aligned. Also how do you wind down for bed? I love to relax in short moments which supports me to feel calm and when I remember, I naturally reflect on the day and all the things I enjoyed. It is when we are asleep that the body gets a chance to reset, so do take care of yourself here. 

Comfortable sleeping position self care

Relaxing Treatments

We all need an MOT, like our cars, to prevent and maintain good health there are so many amazing treatments to support you! I offer treatments in Bowen Technique, which is great for healing injuries new or old, it realigns fascia, which is an amazing sticky tissue surrounding all our joints, muscles, ligaments and nerves. I find after a Bowen treatment, I train better at the gym, as my posture is straighter and I have better movement of my muscles and joints. Aromatherapy massage and Reflexology are also great for supporting tense muscles too, using bespoke essential oils to match your health needs. 

Relaxing treatment self care tips

To reach out to ask a question, or to know more about the treatments I offer, please click here. Thanks for reading, please take care of yourself you little precious beings.

Emily xx