Testimonials
Back Pain
I would like to thank Kim Holmes for helping me with my back problem, I suffered whiplash in my back for four years due to three car accidents.
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I visited Kim who gave me three Bowen sessions in Wetherby, my whiplash has now gone. This treatment is so gentle and therapeutic, Kim has achieved what the doctors were unable to with prescriptions.
The Treatment centre in Wetherby is also a lovely place and very calming. I would recommend Kim Holmes to anyone and will be returning for a top up treatment very soon.
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Kazia Knight, Wetherby
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Back pain, ovary pain, painful bladder syndrome
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
PBS – a lot of normal day things like travelling. BP – being comfortable sat down
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
Mainly fully back pain has completely gone, ovary pain is rare! PBS has improved!
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Testimonial of my Bowen Therapy experience (how have I benefited from my Bowen treatment?
When I first heard of Bowen I was rather sceptical as to if it would work for me. I am so glad I tried it! I used to go for massages regular but only saw the benefits for a few hours after, with Bowen it has changed my life! Massages are no longer in my vocabulary! Bowen is so gentle yet the benefits are unbelievable!
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Kim is great and makes you feel so at ease! I was very comfortable around her within minutes of meeting & now look forward to seeing Kim as well as having the Bowen! I would recommend this treatment to everyone I have met who have tried & tried to get rid of problems to no avail.
I no longer suffer like I use to & at every appointment I see things improving!
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Hannah, Leeds
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Bad lower back pain & tension
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
I had to stop running & exercising and found even sitting down painful
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
The pain has virtually disappeared with just an occasional twinge and I’m back to running & exercising fully again which is great.
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Testimonial of my Bowen Therapy experience (How have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?)
Kim has not only helped me with the problems in my lower back which she has magically erased, she has also helped with tension headaches & overall stress.
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I find the experience of Bowen really relaxing, Kim made me feel completely at ease & the fact she managed to not only get rid of the initial issue but improve other areas of my health and wellbeing was a great bonus. Couldn’t recommend her highly enough!
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Naomi Kent, Leeds
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Back Pain
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
Most things that involved lifting
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
Yes – just about fully
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How have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?
Having struggled for longer than I can remember + having other types of therapy ie deep sports massage, I thought back pain was something I would have to get used to. Not the case now. Bowen was suggested to me by a work mate. It had worked for him, so I thought it was worth a go …. best thing I did. I’ve had approx 6 sessions with each one becoming further away (timescale) than the last. The difference is huge, so much more confidence in doing day to day things.
I would highly recommend the therapy + also the lady who practices it on me Kim Holmes … the nicest person you will meet, making you feel at ease from the minute you meet.
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BW, Bradford
Trapped nerve sacro-iliac area, very painful (brought me for Bowen treatment) prevented standing upright and walking properly.
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Relief and mobility was almost instantaneous. I’ve since been having successful treatment for a variety of ailments.
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I have had muscular-skeletal problems intermittently for more than 40 years and have tried a variety of therapies whenever I have ‘stiffened up’, including NHS physiotherapy. I worked as an SRN SCM in hospitals around the country mostly with the elderly infirm before modern lifting equipment became available, my job was very ‘hands on’, manual lifting was part and parcel of the job. I’ve also been an active person (gym and swim) and never let my disabilities stop me from working. Just wish the Bowen treatment had been available when I first started with muscular-skeletal troubles.
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MH, Leeds
Fibromyalgia/Chronic fatigue/ME
I would like to thank Kim Holmes for helping me with my back problem, I suffered whiplash in my back for four years due to three car accidents.
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I visited Kim who gave me three Bowen sessions in Wetherby, my whiplash has now gone. This treatment is so gentle and therapeutic, Kim has achieved what the doctors were unable to with prescriptions.
The Treatment centre in Wetherby is also a lovely place and very calming. I would recommend Kim Holmes to anyone and will be returning for a top up treatment very soon.
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Kazia Knight, Wetherby
I came to see Kim for the treatment of the symptoms I was experiencing with fibromyalgia, and the chronic foot pain that I have been suffering with for a number of years. Following several treatments I find that I now have much more energy and stamina to do the things I need to do, and more get up and go to do more of the things I would like to do as well. My foot pain has lessened considerably – which is absolutely great.
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During the initial treatment period I also sprained my ankle. This caused me much distress as any injury I have had in the past has lingered and been difficult to get rid of because of my condition. The Bowen treatments with Kim have meant that I have recovered from the sprain to the extent that now, a few weeks later, I no longer remember that the injury was there. Kim’s treatments are very gentle, which is good to know if you are suffering from pain and are wary about people touching you!
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LC, Leeds
I went to see Kim for Bowen treatments mainly to help boost my energy as I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I had a list of symptoms I experience due to this condition. I noticed an increase in my energy straight away. I found the treatment extremely relaxing. Kim is very professional and understanding.
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I would 100% recommend to anyone to have Bowen treatments with Kim
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LA, Leeds
What constant symptoms brought me for a Bowen treatment?
Mainly long-standing (many years) of chronic fatigue with associated pain and other symptoms such as headaches, muscle stiffness, and neuralgia type of pain. Everything I tried to do was more trouble than it was worth so I tended to give up.
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What did my symptoms prevent me doing?
My chronic fatigue prevented me from doing physical activities that help my well being, such as swimming, going for walks and gardening and also enjoying many kinds of social interaction. Most things apart from going to work were neglected including my home.
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Have I been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen Therapy?
I recently took up swimming again regularly and am doing more and more household tasks, going out more with friends/family, and contemplating my garden with less dread.
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Testimonial of my Bowen Therapy experience (how have I benefited from my Bowen treatment?
Because of an increase in my energy levels, I look forward to a more fulfilled future. My confidence has increased as a result of my treatment and my life is beginning to feel as though there could be more to it than thinking about and trying to cope with symptoms all the time. I tried other natural therapies (homeopathy and acupuncture) and also went down the NHS route, but nothing helped much or for long and my GP couldn’t get rid of me fast enough because in his words – ‘There’s a lot we don’t understand about CF’, (!!!).
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I have reduced my intake of pain medication because I can manage without more and more. There is still room for improvement but I am so relieved to have discovered Bowen Therapy and Kim Holmes, my therapist.
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Just completing my testimonial ….
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Excruciating heartburn for many years every day which was getting worse and worse….. My heartburn is much less noticeable since receiving Bowen treatment, even when I eat things that used to make it worse such as bread, cakes, pastries etc (though most foods used to trigger it). It used to start mid to late morning. Nowadays I am just noticing some discomfort in the late evening.
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Monica Bottomley, Bradford
MS
Being of the older generation and wheelchair bound for 17 years due to Multiple Sclerosis for 25 years, I was recommended to try the Bowen Therapy treatment after meeting a fellow sufferer at a pain management class. He said his back pain had been eased very quickly by the Bowen Practitioner (Kim). His recommendation of her “miracle touch” was impelling enough for me to try (having tried various treatments that didn’t really work).
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I have found her treatment over the past year or so very beneficial. From the very 1st session Kim has managed to open up my left hand, which has been clenched in a fist (due to the MS) for several years, having tried exercises and splints etc to no avail (This is truly amazing, as if the hand has been woken up!), as now I have slight movement back in the hand, where previously I had given up hope of ever straightening it out again!!
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The relaxation break between the treatments has a calming effect which in itself is also beneficial. My posture is so much better, as are the other areas she concentrates on,
Kim has been so appreciative of my problems and has eased them in a most kind and reassuring way.
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I hope this recommendation will help others to find some relief too.
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JL, Leeds
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Multiple Sclerosis
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
Balance Issues, muscle weakness and ability to walk far
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
Walk downstairs easier, weakness in arms not as noticeable
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Testimonial of my Bowen Therapy experience (how have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?
I wasn’t sure what to expect with the treatment but I find it very relaxing, improvement to my posture and walking is immediate and always leave the treatment room invigorated. Really enjoy Kim’s enthusiasm for the therapy. She is a brilliant advocate
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BW, Leeds
Hip/Leg/knee pain/problems
I have a lot of pain in my legs and knees and it was suggested that I see Kim and have some Bowen.
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As I shuffled into the room every step I took was painful. I thought it would be like having a massage but it was far more gentle and with a few minutes break between moves. I didn’t think it could possibly help, but, after taking my second step after the treatment the pain and tightness in my legs had gone, I was shocked and so was Kim when I gave out a cry of disbelief!
I also found that getting out of the chair I no longer had to stand for a minute or two before taking a painful step. After a further session of Bowen I was getting out of the chair with ease and going up and down stairs was also easier.
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I am constantly singing Kim’s praises and the benefits of Bowen and telling everyone whatever their problem to go and see her.
I am now finding that if I have one treatment a month it keeps away the pain.
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Linda, Bradford
What constant symptoms brought me for a Bowen treatment?
Shin splints and flexibility issues
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
Being able to train as hard as I wanted to
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
Yes
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Testimonial of my Bowen experience
I found the Bowen treatments to help me with my recovery in between boxing training sessions. It also helped me with flexibility and movement.
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Tom, Leeds
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Carpal tunnel in wrists and pain in my hips
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
I am a beauty therapist so my symptoms prevented me from doing my job (massage etc).
Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
I have been able to resume (doing them) fully.
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Testimonial of my Bowen experience (how have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?)
I have tried other treatments for my wrists which have not worked. Bowen was very effective even though I was very sceptical. My wrists now give me no problems for a few months and then if I feel any tingles I have a Bowen treatment to sort it out. Thank you so much Kim.
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CP, Bradford
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Back and hip pain related to previous childbirth issues
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
Walking pain free, moving with ease
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
Yes-it was immediate
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Testimonial of my Bowen experience (How have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?)
Straight away I could walk pain free and the tension had gone. This is a condition that reoccurs for me and Bowen never fails to rid me of pain. I am amazed at how quickly this happens.
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KMcG, Leeds
After a weekend away, doing more walking than usual, all while lugging around a really heavy bag, my legs were sore and aching. Far worse, I could feel my old problem with my sacro-iliac joint starting up again. Kim assessed me, and then gave me the most amazing fast-fix, first aid, brief Bowen treatment.
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My leg and sacro-iliac joint pain were reduced to nothing, immediately. I felt totally back to normal. Four days later I am still good. Bowen is amazing.
Thank you, Kim!
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Anon
Neck/shoulder pain
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Neck and shoulder pain
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
Sleeping, turning head
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
Yes – sleep returned to normal and neck/shoulder pain reduced and mobility improved
Testimonial of my Bowen Therapy experience. (How have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?)
The main purpose of seeking treatment was to relieve my painful, stiff neck and shoulder blade. The pain had almost completely gone after a couple of treatments, mobility increased and I had no need for painkillers or heat pads.
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Incidentally, Bowen Therapy also cleared my headaches caused by sinusitis and has helped reduce the symptoms of PMT. I am really pleased (and surprised) by the results of the Bowen Therapy & have recommended it to others to try.
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AD, Leeds
Arm/elbow/wrist pain and problems
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Pain all down right arm
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
Sleeping, putting anything with sleeves on
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
Yes
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Testimonial of my Bowen Therapy experience. (How have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?)
I tried physio, chiro, acupuncture, massage and exercise none of which touched it. It took 3 sessions of Bowen before a decent result. I can now sleep on my side whereas I just couldn’t sleep at all due to the pain running up and down my arm. I’m having ongoing Bowen treatment as I’m still not 100%, however after each session I get that little bit better.
Bowen has also helped me in other areas. My monthly pains are just about non-existent and easier to manage. I sleep better generally and cramps I used to get in my feet have stopped.
Kim my therapist is a genuinely caring person, fantastic at what she does and sincerely wants to help you get better.
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Joanne Greenwood, Leeds
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Painful elbows, painful hips (during and after running)
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
I couldn’t pick up a cup of coffee and struggled with my running
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
My elbows no longer hurt, still slightly stiff. My hips don’t hurt as much and recovery is faster
Testimonial of my Bowen Therapy experience. (How have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?)
The pain in my elbows and hips kept me awake. I struggled to lift things, even holding a coffee cup hurt. After a few sessions I realised that the pain had gone. Also by having Bowen for my hips/legs I am able to continue with my running.
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CW, Leeds
Bladder problems
Bowen Treatment
The presenting symptom was that I needed to go to the lavatory up to 9 times per night.
I was referred to see a consultant who measured my urine flow rate, and prescribed a drug designed to increase the flow. After a period of 1 month, as there was no change in the symptoms, I decided to stop taking the medication.
I then approached a Bowen Therapist, Kim, and had a series of 5 sessions. Towards the end, and continuingly, my nightly visits to the lavatory decreased to around 3-5 visits a night.
For a variety of reasons I was unable to see the consultant again for 3 months after my initial visit. I was again tested on the flow meter, and was informed that the flow rate had increased to such an extent that, had I still been taking the medication, he would have contacted the drug company with the good news.
Since then, apart from a short period over Christmas, the number of my nightly visits to the lavatory has decreased to between 3 and (last night) 1.
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JAM, Leeds
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Diagnosed with painful bladder syndrome
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
Everything in day to day life
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
Def! My symptoms eased after the first few treatments
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Testimonial of my Bowen Therapy experience (how have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?)
Bowen therapy has been an amazing part of my treatment programme. I trust Kim completely and feel as though I can open up fully to her! The Bowen is extremely relaxing and calming-helps me take time out for myself. I am so grateful to Kim for her support!
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Anon, Leeds
Sports Injury/Flexibility
Thanks to Bowen and aromatherapy massages Kim has helped me recover from injury (dislocated shoulder & torn rotator cuffs) as well as deal with after effects of heavy physical training. She truly has healing hands! Thanks.
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Amaya H, Kirkstall
Respiratory problems
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
General lack of energy + well being due to ongoing complaints such as COPD causing breathlessness: diverticulitis: low back pain
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
Reduced my ability to bend, lift, breathe, walk more than short distances.
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
A big improvement in many things and v. helpful in movement and breathing.
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Testimonial of my Bowen therapy experience (How have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?)
As one who expected v little improvement because of old age and natural ‘wearing out’ I was amazed that I was so quickly improved. I will use the services of Kim Holmes in Horsforth whenever I need help in the future
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Dennis C, Horsforth
Post-natal Depression
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Post-natal depression
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Testimonial of my Bowen Therapy experience (How have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?)
I went for Bowen Therapy to help with post-natal depression. After a very helpful + easy chat with Kim, she also established my problem periods (very painful) + problems with me grinding my teeth. After just 1 session I felt a lot better in myself + how I dealt with everyday home life. My period pain was non-existent (which has never happened in over 10 years) and according to my partner I stopped grinding my teeth. I have had 3 sessions and everything seems to continue improving.
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SW, Leeds
Bowen for Babies/Children
My son Alex has suffered with weak leg bones from an early age and we have visited almost all relevant departments at hospital over a period of 2 years, with no improvement. He had not been able to walk without pain, couldn’t climb stairs or join in with friends activities for any longer than 5 minutes before he needed a rest. This had a massive impact on his life and it really affected his confidence in making friends and joining in. It broke my heart to see him struggle so much, no-one wants to see their child in pain.
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I met Kim through #Wetherbyhour on Twitter and after numerous conversations got talking about Alex. Kim suggested that we gave her a try and see whether she would be able to help through Bowen. We have never looked back!
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We saw improvements after just one session and after a couple more, we couldn’t believe the difference in him. Alex can now do all the things any normal child of 4 gets up to. His confidence is through the roof and will have a go at everything. He even took part in sports day at his nursery, jumping hurdles and running. This is something we didn’t think we would ever see.
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We can’t thank Kim enough for the help she has given, and continues to give Alex through top up sessions.
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I would fully recommend Kim to anyone, she was very honest with us from the offset. The help she has given our son is priceless and I will owe her forever. Alex took to Kim instantly and even calls her ‘magic hands’. He gets very excited when he knows he is having a top up session.
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Jo Maltby, Wetherby
What complaint or symptoms brought you for a Bowen treatment?
Baby Grace had colic
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What did your symptoms prevent you from doing?
Grace was in pain during feeds and was very fretful every evening
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Have you been able to resume doing them partially/fully since having Bowen treatment?
Grace can now enjoy her feeds and settles nicely on an evening
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Testimonial of my Bowen Therapy experience. (How have you benefited from your Bowen treatment?)
Grace used to scream in pain, clench her fists, bring her knees to her chest, and become rigid. She would cry every evening from around 8pm until midnight or after. After two sessions of Bowen she became so much more relaxed. The touch involved in Bowen was so gentle, but effective. The therapy has enabled Grace’s personality to shine through the tears. I would recommend Bowen to any parent whose baby is suffering from severe colic!
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SH, Leeds
My baby suffered with crippling colic from 3 weeks old. She cried constantly in the day and was in terrible pain. We tried other well known therapies as well as prescription treatments from the GP but all made very little impact. I was very desperate and finally came across Bowen on the Internet and found the fantastic Kim!
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After the first session we found her symptoms actually got a little worse; Kim assured me this was positive as showed my baby was responding. By the 2nd session (a week later) we had seen a definite improvement in our baby’s colic. At the second session we saw numerous reactions during the treatment which showed my baby was responding.
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After the 2nd session it was like I’d been handed a different child. My baby was calm, happy and content and (on the whole) in significantly less pain. I genuinely feel like Kim (with the help of Bowen) allowed me to ‘meet’ my baby by helping to significantly reduce the suffering she was experiencing prior to Bowen.
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LR, Leeds
My son Charlie has Regressive Atypical Autism and other complex needs. He finds it hard to stay calm and has poor sleep patterns. Charlie is now 7 years old and his sleep has improved dramatically since he began Bowen.
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KM, Leeds
Canine Bowen Technique
………Along Came Lola
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Lola came into mine and my daughter’s life in February 2015, hand-picked from a litter of 7 other pups, all lucky enough to be Christmas Day babies.
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Lola is a blond Labrador Retriever making her naturally loving with a mischievous edge to her. When she was about 4 months old, impatient to get home, she jumped out of the back of our dog walkers Berlingo van and landed awkward on her front right leg. She developed a limp which went from bad to worse to having to rest her up and take her for short walks rather than the long-grass romps and ball chasing she lived for. Some days were better than others but her limp was clearly hovering in the back ground and caused her discomfort, more often than not. Labradors are renown for elbow and hip dysplasia, and at this point I did start to wonder if Lola had drawn the short straw in that department.
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So, when I took her along to a recently opened vets to have her spayed, I asked them to take a look at her front leg as she still had a slight drop to the side when walking, not as noticeable but enough to worry me. Whilst she was under anaesthetic she had a number of X-rays on all of her legs and in particular the troublesome right leg. The result of those X-rays were very scary, and we were told Lola more than likely had elbow dysplasia which would need an operation along with injections for the rest of her life. Naturally we were both absolutely gutted that our beautiful puppy would have to undergo such a traumatic operation and to have to live with extremely uncomfortable injections for the next however many years.
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I decided to take a second opinion at the vets I normally take all my pets to and once they had hold of the X-rays I was reassured that an X-ray alone could not detect dysplasia and it was ridiculous of the first vets to reach that conclusion without further investigation. I was told to take Lola home, rest her up, and try her with glucosamine tablets – yes, the ones for humans and readily available on the supermarket shelves – and see if that helped with her condition, with a view to starting with injections in a few weeks time.
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………Then Along Came Kim
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Kim has been my Bowen practitioner for about 6 years now, having solved a long-term issue with my right elbow (I feel a theme is forming!!!) and has ‘fixed’ me for all sorts of niggles and pains. I’d actually forgotten that the reason Kim was practicing Bowen was to ultimately aid our furry friends of the world in need of some help. And when I told Kim of my dilemma she immediately offered to practice on Lola as she was going through her training and needed as much live practice as possible. I immediately jumped at the chance, having experienced the wonders of Bowen first hand and I also offered to make another dog called Lucy available who is a rescue dog and hadn’t had much experience of other dogs in her life previously. Lucy spent the first 3 months of her life in her new home cowering behind the soft. I need to mention at this point that my daughter and I went through a traumatic time during 2015 and Lola picked up on this emotion. She was difficult to house train and was still toileting in the house from time to time.
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After the first session of Canine Bowen the transformation of both girls was immediately noticed. Lola and Lucy were so excited when they met Kim, they must have known she was a blessing in disguise. If there was a competition for the wiggliest tail then Lola would have won that day. At first Lucy was a little bit hesitant about being touched as she had been badly mistreated in the past, but Kim was so patient with her. Both dogs were zonked out most of that Saturday and to say that Lola’s limp disappeared literally overnight is a fact. Indeed, by the third session Lucy was offering herself to Kim as soon as Lola moved out of the way long enough to let Lucy in on the act and Lucy even started to run around like a young pup and played tug of war with Lola which has never been seen before. Each session brought about a peace to them both and Lola stopped her toileting in the house, and was far more balanced and well-behaved.
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They both had 4 sessions over a number of weeks. Lola hasn’t had a limp since the very first session and now 12 months on she is by far one of the fastest runners when chasing the ball and is a very well-balanced dog. She has grown into a very intelligent companion and Lucy? Well Lucy is an old girl but has stopped cowering behind the sofa and now thinks the sofa is her bed!
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I had to have sign off from my vet before Kim was allowed to practice on either dog. He was happy to do so, and he is very impressed with the leaps and bounds – literally – Lola has made since having Canine Bowen.
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I honestly can’t praise or thank Kim enough for the wonders she has worked on both dogs, and myself, and can only say you have nothing to lose by giving it a go.
Long may she continue!
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Joanne & Naynah Greenwood