Testimonials

Fibromyalgia

I started seeing Anne a couple of years ago for symptoms of fibromyalgia. For anyone who suffers from this they know that the symptoms can be frustrating and debilitating and seem to occur without rhyme or reason. Even though I didn't really understand how the Bowen worked I was open-minded to anything that could help. My most annoying symptoms are dizziness, ringing in the ear and chronic headache.

After one session with Anne I noticed this subsided and if things were really bad it might take two but at last I had found a backup plan for when my medications had temporarily stopped working.

I use to panic that I would be stuck in this cycle of pain and not knowing how long it would be before I felt normal and fully functioning again but now I know I have the Bowen to fall back on it is a great relief. It is hard for anyone to turn up to someone with a list of ailments and moans a mile long but Anne is a wonderfully non-judgemental person and is passionate about people having the best quality of life, even with a chronic illness.

The Bowen will always be a part of keeping myself well and even when I'm feeling my worst I always look forward to seeing Anne to keep my spirits up.

JT, Dunedin

Lupus SLE

I went to see Anne to receive Bowen Therapy for joint swelling and stiffness due to Lupus SLE.

I found Anne to be extremely approachable and professional in her treatment of my condition and after 3 or 4 sessions I noticed a major improvement. After my condition improved Anne suggested we cut back the treatments and only start again if I noticed the swelling and inflammation getting worse again. This worked well for me and I only required "top up's" every six to eight weeks. Anne was always interested in my condition and would even offer me alternative therapies if she thought I would get some benefit from them.

Anne is a fantastic Bowen Therapist and the reason she is and will continue to be so successful is that she is interested in you as a person not just another client through her door. She really does go the extra mile and I would have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone.

Jo, Dunedin

Stress

Bowen was a godsend for me! At a time when I felt like an alien to myself and my husband it took away my stress and gave me clarity which helped me to achieve a healthier balanced lifestyle ...... and a happier husband!

Thanks heaps Anne!

JK, Dunedin

Reflux

Leo suffered from silent reflux from day 2 of his life. Our mid wife originally told us that Leo had wind, and to use gripe water.

This was the start of a long list of remedies for both Leo and mum including homeopathy and cranial-sacral therapy. Leo was also referred to a paediatrician and reluctantly we agreed to put him on Losec.

By three months old, Leo was still in a lot of pain and would scream for most of the day and by night time was so exhausted that he would sleep for lengthy periods. We were fortunate enough to hear through a family member, about a friend who could do the Bowen technique.

After the first session with Anne, Leo's body seemed to relax and he had a miracle 5 days. He was a new baby, happy, smiling and full of giggles. Everybody was stunned. Over the next few weeks we continued the Bowen Technique sessions with Anne and Leo would be great for a short time and then start screaming again with what seemed to be wind. The reflux was gone but it seemed the Losec was giving him wind and he was constipated. I weaned him over 7 days. His screaming quickly stopped and the story ends with a happy giggling baby.

My family and I firmly believe the Bowen Technique saved Leo from many more months of pain and suffering.

SK, Dunedin

Reflux

We had suspected that our newborn baby had a bit of reflux but it didn't seem to bother her overly until she was about three months old. She would scream and scream and often scared us by bringing up and choking on thick mucous. Her breathing was also often quite congested and bubbly sounding.

We tried so many things to help her but nothing seemed to work and we were at the end of our tether. A friend recommended Bowen Therapy as it had helped her little baby with severe reflux and although we had never heard about it before or really understood how it could work we were willing to give anything a go.

The first session with Anne was surprisingly stress-free. Anne was very considerate of the baby's needs and made us feel confident in her ability and in her sincere desire to help us. At the end of the session we lay her flat on the bed to fix her nappy and were amazed that she lay so calmly; usually she would either scream or be kicking furiously. She was obviously deeply relaxed.

After the second session we noticed a definite improvement in her symptoms. The third session went very smoothly, the baby didn't mind being touched anywhere on her back and slept soundly for an hour afterwards (unusual for a baby who only takes 40 min naps during the day if that). As soon as she woke she brought up a large amount of thick clear mucous and gave us huge smiles!

Since then there has been very little fussing during feeding, spills are now infrequent and don't upset her the way they used to. We are able to leave her laying flat to play and know that she won't work up into a screaming frenzy with pain nor will she lose half the lunch I worked so hard to get into her! Gone is the screeching monster that was hard to be around; now we live with a happy, gorgeous little baby that charms everyone with her smiles. Thank you Anne!

Rachael, Dunedin

Stroke

12 years ago I had a stroke which left me with a partial paralysis on my left hand side. Two years later I developed thalamic pain, a nerve pain that is now affects me 24 hours a day and makes activities like movies, meetings, and dinner parties very difficult. Although I am still lead an active life and I had resigned myself to a daily dose of painkillers to control this affliction.

Then I noticed an advertisement for Bowen therapy so after looking at the Web, I decided to try it. I should add I am a retired scientist so I look at things analytically and I am sceptical of anything that appears to be a bit far-fetched or make extravagant claims. After the first two sessions (one a week) I was quite amazed at the improvement I was feeling, and two more sessions left me firmly convinced that it is a very effective treatment for some bodily aches and pains.

The treatment is quite gentle and is frequently accompanied by a feeling of well-being. Although some former injuries may be temporarily livened up, they soon subside to a more comfortable state than they were previously. My balance is much better and many of the regular exercises I do such as looking over alternate shoulders are now easier and freer and my whole body feels loosened up. As a measure of pain relief my consumption of Panadol has dropped from a usual of six a day to none on occasions.

Anne herself is a careful, considerate, and thoughtful person. She doesn't make extreme claims and is careful not to overdue various therapeutic actions. Although other people may have different reactions to the therapy, I would have no hesitation in recommending her for assisting with the amelioration long-term pain, bearing in mind that she can't do everything, and the individual has to put in a bit of effort as well.

GB, Dunedin

Back Problems

I have had long-standing back problems for as long as I can remember; even as a small child. It has inhibited me from doing a lot of things over the years. I had to give up running which was always a big passion for me. I found it hard to do some activities with my children. Not to mention all the medications I have had to take over the years.

I have had all kinds of treatment over the years, physio, massage, tens, acupuncture and chiropractor. I was very dubious about trying Bowen Therapy, thinking it was just something else to try that most likely wasn't going to work. At the early stages of the treatment I felt like I was getting worse instead of better. For the next few days after each treatment I would be really sore, and if it hadn’t been for the fact that I was committed to seeing it through, I could have easily stopped.

There came a point after about 4 sessions where the pain and my body in general seem to get to a turning point where it wasn't so sore, with each following treatment it seemed to get better and better. I had more freedom; my head was clearer and importantly, I went off all my medications!! It has been a life changing experience for my family and me. I don't know the intricate details of how this therapy works (actually, I don’t know how lots of things work), all I know is that somehow it does.

I would absolutely without question recommend this treatment to anyone. It is a very long time since I have felt so great and alive!! I feel like a different person these days. It is the best thing that I have ever done for myself, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity!!

NB, Dunedin

Migraine

I had suffered from migraine attacks connected with my menstrual cycle for many years and had tried numerous different medications to alleviate the pain. Since undergoing a course of Bowen therapy I have had almost no trouble with these headaches and the shoulder tension that preceded them. It's such a joy to be able to live life without the threat of a monthly migraine hanging over me.

TG, Dunedin

Headaches and Stiff Neck

Over recent years I have been a frequent sufferer of headaches and stiff necks. I visited a physiotherapist who gave me neck manipulation and neck exercises to try. This gave me only temporary relief. Becoming concerned about the number of painkillers I was taking for my pain I attended Bowen Therapy sessions.

Like many people I was dubious with this form of therapy, but soon learned after a few sessions that my stiff necks and related headaches began disappearing. Before long my headaches and stiff necks had gone. This form of therapy was so effective for me that I would recommend it to anyone to try.

Anne provided a great service giving clear instructions on what the therapy involved and how to go about the rehabilitation. Her cherry personality and professionalism made me feel at ease during the sessions. For me, the whole experience was painless and stress free.

BB, Dunedin

Sore Neck and Shoulder Pain

Two years ago I was in Tasmania and had a very sore neck and shoulder pain and was advised to visit a Bowen Therapist by a family member who had back pain in the past and had found Bowen therapy a great success.

I went in to his Bowen therapist in Hobart and had excellent relief for my shoulders and neck, and after two visits was pain free, in contrast with alternative treatments I have tried in the past.

On returning home I was delighted to find I could, and I have received the same excellent treatment and relief from Bowen Therapist Anne Gilbert here in Dunedin, and can live without pain and can enjoy every day doing all the things I love!

Max, Dunedin