Research Study – Joan Derrick
Diploma of Specialised Bowen Therapy 2160VIC
An investigation into the use of Bowen Therapy and the Australian Bush Flower
Essences in the relief of the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. Both
Bowen Therapy and Flower Essences have been referred to as “Energy Medicine”.
Introduction Page 1 – Box 1 (1) Energy Medicine in Therapeutics and Human
Performance. Butterworth/Heinmann 2003. James Oschman PhD
The following qoutoes from Dr Oschman gives some clues to how the energy
medicine works in the body.
“One trend is increasing awareness in the biomedical community that electrical and
magnetic fields, as well as light and sound, affect cellular processes and can be used
to stimulate healing in various tissues.”
Introduction Page 1 Energy Medicine in Therapeutics and Human Performance.
Butterworth/Heinmann 2003. James Oschman PhD
“The well accepted concept of the connective tissue system throughout the animal
body applies equally to the ground substance matrix, which forms a finer reticulum
within the intervals between the connective tissue fibers, and forms the links across
the cell surface to the cytoplasmic and nuclear matrices.” “The living matrix is, in
fact, a living matrix”. “ When an injury, attitude, memory, stress or other factor limits
human performance, the problem is to be found within the living matrix system”.
Chapter 8- pages 70-71-79. Energy Medicine in Therapeutics and Human
Performance. Butterworth/Heinmann 2003. James Oschman PhD
“Modern biophysical research is revealing a wide range of properties that enable the
body to use sound, light, electricity, magnetic fields, heat, elasticity, and other forms
of vibrations as signals for integrating and coordinating diverse physiological
activities, including those involved in tissue repair”.
Chapeter 23- Soft tissue holography- Page 282. 1 Energy Medicine in Therapeutics
and Human Performance. Butterworth/Heinmann 2003. James Oschman PhD
The function of the bush essences is:
To raise our vibrations and open up channels for the reception of our spiritual self, to
flood our natures with the particular virtues and to wash out from us the faults which
were causing them. They are able, like beautiful music or any gloriously uplifting
thing which gives us inspiration, to raise our very natures and bring us nearer to
ourselves, and by that very act to bring us peace and relieve our suffering. They cure
not by attacking disease, but by flooding our bodies with beautiful vibrations of our
higher nature in the presence of which disease melts as snow in the sunshine.
Chapter 2- How Bush Essences Work: Page 6 .Quote form Dr Bach.- Founder of
Bach Flower Essences 1886-1936. Australian Bush Flower Essences Findhorn
Press 1991. Ian White.
The physical effect of the bush essences is: When an essences is ingested or absorbed
through the skin, it is initially assimilated into the blood stream. The unit settles
midway between the circulatory system and the nervous systems. There an
electromagnetic current is created by the polarity of the two systems. The essences
then moves directly into the meridians, which are vital mechanisms of interface
between the subtle bodies and the physical body. From the meridians, the life force of
the flower essence is amplified out to the charkas and various subtle bodies and then
back again to the physical body. The essence reaches the imbalanced part of the body
faster and in a stable form, bringing balance back to the affected part.
Chapter 2- How Bush Essences Work: Page 8.Australian Bush Flower Essences
Findhorn Press 1991. Ian White.
The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of Bowen Therapy
and the Australian Bush Flower Essences and to compare the perception of these
energy medicines by the client’s - pre and post therapy.
Brief review of medical literature available:
(2) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)is the common name for a group of significantly
debilitating medical conditions characterized by persistent fatigue and other specific
symptoms that last for a minimum of 6 months. The fatigue is not due to exertion and
is not relieved by rest, and is not caused by other medical conditions.
http://en.wickipedia.org/wiki/Chronic _Fatigue
(2) ME/CFS is a severe ,complex, acquired illness with numerous symptoms
related mainly to the dysfunction of the brain, gastro-intestinal, immune,
endocrine and cardiac systems.
“Newly Diagnosed with ME/CFS” ME/CFS Australia
www.mecfs.org.au
(3) A study conducted by DePaul University Chicago in June 2012 on Understanding
long –term outcomes of chronic fatigue syndrome, concluded that over time many
individuals will not maintain a CFS diagnosis but will not return to premorbid level of
functioning.
Understanding long-term outcomes of chronic fatigue syndrome” Brown MM. Bell
DS. Jason LA. Christos.C. Bell DE
http://wwwncbi.nih.gov/pubmed22753044
(4) Fibromyalgia is characterised by chronic widespread pain and a heightened and
painful response to pressure, which differentiates it from Chronic Fatigue, although
the 2 diseases often co-occur, and some researchers suggest Fibronyalgia and CFS are
related.
“Fibromyalgia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibromyalgia
(5) Orthostatic Imbalance (OI) defined as “the development of symptoms during
upright standing relieved by recumbency” Up to 97% of people suffering CFS have
been shown in studies to have some form of OI.
Page 1 (5)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthostatic_intolerance
Research will be qualitative, based on the subjects point of view, which will allow
the expression of caring and being cared for, pre and post treatment. It is not
possible to do a quantative based research, as there is no characteristic laboratory
abnormalities to diagnose Chronic Fatigue- only tests to rule out other possible
causes of the symptoms eg . current/active major depression,
schizophrenia,anorexia nervosa, bulimia, bipolar disorder, alcohol or other
substance abuse, morbid obesity and active medical disease. There is no known
cause or cure at this point in time.
http://en.wickipedia.org/wiki/Chronic _Fatigue
Page 3. Diagnosis
1.
The study ended up with 5 participants from the Monto /Eidsvold district. I
was able to have an interview with the Doctor at the /Family Practice in
Eidsvold and was able to establish a good professional relationship with him,
however I did not receive any participants from his practice. I was unable to
get an interview with the Monto Doctors at the Family Practice who have no
wish to meet with any of the complimentary therapists in the district, as stated
by their clinic manager. I had been treating 4 clients prior to the study who
have agreed to be a part of the study group.1 new client came specifically to
join the study. She had been seeking help form many sources, both natural
and medical for the past 19 years with little relief and no lasting results.
2. Method of Data Collection was a formal questionnaire for each subject, which
investigated the areas which may have contributed to the onset of the
condition. The areas covered were; medical history, lifestyle - work/leisure
time, diet – alkaline/ acid balance, smoking, alcohol consumption, mental
attitude, emotions and perception of the therapies offered. Treatment consisted
of 3 Bowen Therapy treatments within 3 weeks with a follow up treatment
every 2 weeks for 1 month, and a minimum of 2 courses of Australian Bush
Flower Essences. At every treatment, there was an evaluation of the subjects
perception of the symptoms of their condition for the previous week or
fortnight.
3. Data Analysis identified that having viral infections from Ross River Fever,
Glandular Fever and Epstein-Barr Syndrome were suffered by all participants
prior to developing Chronic Fatigue. A common comment was that by the
time tests proved that they had a virus, the Chronic Fatigue was established.
Pushing through the symptoms of the virus, because they thought it was just
influenza, appears to have had a big contributing factor to developing CF.
4. 3 of the 5 had also had life situations that had caused a lot of stress which
seems to have contributed to the severity of the condition.
5. Ethical considerations – All subjects were fully informed of the reason for the
study and all signed a consent form. All will be informed of the results and a
copy of the study given to each one.
6.
Costs involved were minimal.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
(1) Energy Medicine in Therapeutics and Human Performance.
Butterworth/Heinmann 2003. James Oschman PhD
Electronic sources:
(2) “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”
http://en.wickipedia.org/wiki/Chronic _Fatigue
“Newly Diagnosed with ME/CFS”
ME/CFS Australia
www.mecfs.org.au
(3)“Understanding long-term outcomes of chronic fatigue syndrome”
Brown MM. Bell DS. Jason LA. Christos.C. Bell DE
http://wwwncbi.nih.gov/pubmed22753044
(4)“Fibromyalgia”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibromyalgia
“Fibromyalgia,Diagnosis, Symptoms,Treatment,Pain Management,Exercise”
http://wwwarthritisvic.org.au/Conditions -and-Symptoms/Fibromyalgia
(5)
Page 1 (5)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthostatic_intolerance
Subjects used for the Study
Only one new person came forward to participate in the study, so that I have collected
data from the 4 clients whom I have treated over the last 9 month period. Ages were
Client 1– 41yrs; Client 2- 42 yrs Client 3- 41 yrs Client 4 -16 yrs; and Client 5-74yrs.
Duration of the symptoms of CF ranged from a few months to 19 yrs. Client 4 had
been brought in for treatment by his mother client 3, as he had Glandular Fever twice
within 18 months and the last time was just 6 weeks ago; he was showing signs of
early stages of CF as per her own experience.
Client 1: Client treated between 27/11/2012 – 21/05/13.
Female DOB 13/03/1971 – Presented with Chronic Fatigue
/Fibromyalgia/Depression. Blood tests positive for Ross River Fever and Glandular
Fever. Drank 1-2 Litre of Coke Cola daily and Smoked 10-20 commercial cigarettes
daily and continues to smoke the same daily. Left partner of 15 years after mental
and emotional abuse, and continues to try to negotiate a settlement from this
relationship.
Presented on 27/11/2012 with Dizziness, Ear ache, Depression, Insomnia pain to
bicep’s, across shoulders and down the full length of her spine. She had extreme
acidosis of the body. She commenced a treatment every week for 4 weeks with very
good progress, with less pain and stomach discomfort- felt good and over did it. Had a
break of 3 weeks and came back extremely exhausted since Boxing Day. Treatment
commenced weekly again with good results. Had her best day in 2 years after the 2nd
treatment. Commenced Australian Bush Flower Essences on 5th Feb13. Progress
continued slowly with decrease in nightmares and improved self esteem. Sinus and
ear infections are remaining a problem. Overall her condition has improved
considerably, although not resolved.
21/05/13 to 24/07/13- A 2 month break in treatment while she was in Ipswich with
her parents, when she was able to receive an invalid pension, which will ease some of
her financial worries. Upon return was back to where she started and has
recommenced treatment with changes to her diet, habits and lifestyle.
Client 2: DOB 26/06/1977. Client treated between18/03/13- 13/05/13
Presented with vertigo, dizziness, sore neck and shoulders. Diagnosed with
Chronic Fatigue, Hypotension, Depression and a Racing Heart. 4yr old child
stated,” Mummy sleeps all the time”.
Client 3: DOB -14/06/1972 Client treated between 15/04/13 –13/05/13 and
again 23/7/13- 11/9/13
Presented with a fall onto concrete injuring her R side – gluteal, upper arm and
neck. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia-? Chronic Fatigue-IBS-Endometriosis-
Lactose intolerance- Ovarian Cysts – Sinusitis- Prolapsed disc L5-S1 from a fall
17 years ago Stated, “ I am a wreck”. To have major operation in July 13.
Client 4: DOB -25/06/1996. Client treated between 13/05/13- 28/05/13
Son of Client 3. She asked if I would treat him as he had Glandular Fever twice,
most recently 8 weeks ago. He is showing signs of Chronic Fatigue with extreme
tiredness that is affecting his schooling.
13/05/13 Presented with fatigue, sleeping a lot and no energy. Had intravenous
antibiotics for his last bout of Glandular Fever.
Client 5:
DOB –24/01/1939
Client came forward to participate in the study.
Client treated between 23/05/13 –10/07/13
23/05/13 Presented with chronic aches and pains, mostly to hips and shoulders.
Has trouble sleeping. Chronic Fatigue for 19 years, after stress of a Duodenal
Ulcer, severe Menopause problems with 10 years of HRT with no noticeable
improvement, and Ross River Fever in 1994
Results of the Pre Chronic Fatigue Survey
1. Question: Have you suffered from any viral infection, such as Glandular
Fever; Ross River Fever: Epstein –Barr Syndrome: Other All had at least one
and in most cases 2 bouts of a viral infection.
2. How long have you had Chronic Fatigue: Ranged from a couple of months for
one, (whose mother was one of the very severe cases of CF who decided to try
to ‘nip in the bud ‘ the possibility of CF after her son had 2 bouts of Glandular
Fever in 18 months and was showing the early signs of CF) to 19 years..
3. What medical treatment have you received for the condition: All had
consulted doctors and had no relief of their symptoms or any change in their
condition and 4 were on constant pain relief and anti-depressants
4. Have you had any blood tests and if so what were the results: All had blood
test that proved they had suffered a viral infection.
5. Do you have any theories as to why you are suffering this condition: All felt
the virus infection had contributed to them getting the condition.
6. Did you suffer any trauma, either physically, mentally or emotionally prior to
developing this condition: 3 had suffered stress emotionally, physically and
mentally; the other 2 were normal lives. One, the young Mum with 3 children
under 10, working part-time and busy with sporting activities with the
children. The other was a teenage boy in high school with the usual growth
spurts and changes that are normal for a teenage boy.
7. What was your lifestyle before you developed this condition: All were very
busy.
8. What is your lifestyle position now: None were able to live the life they
formally did, due to severe fatigue, depression and pain.
9. What constitutes leisure activities for you: Sleeping
10. Has there been any change in your leisure activities: None were able to do as
much as they formally had, so that leisure became a chore.
11. Sleep patterns: All had enjoyed good refreshing sleep.
12. Has your sleep pattern changes and if so, in what way: All had disturbed sleep
due to pain and all woke with pain to various part of the body. All woke
unrefreshed.
13. Diet: One drank up to 2L of Coke-Cola per day. Others normal diet.
14. Has your diet changed in if so, in what ways: The one cut out Coke-cola and
still had a small amount of soft drink but was mostly drinking water.
15. Do you smoke: Only 1 smoked up to 24 per day.
16. Do you still smoke now, and if so, how much per day: This one did not stop
smoking until she had reached a crisis point after many months of BT and
ABFE. She had spent 2 months without BT and ABFE while visiting family
in Brisbane. While away she was seeing solicitors to try to get a settlement
from a failed relationship, which had dragged on for 3 years; she also arranged
to be able to get a disability pension as well. When she finally came back for
treatment she was back to how she was, when she first presented for treatment.
17. Did you have any regular exposure to chemicals in your workplace or home
environment: One had been exposed to Deildrin which is now banned.
18. What medications or recreational drugs did you take regularly: None
19. What fluids did you drink, and how much would you have drank daily: All did
not drink enough water, and one did not drink any water.
20. Has your fluid intake changed and if so, how: All increased their water intake.
21. What was your mental attitude: All had been happy with their lives
22. How did you feel on a daily basis: All were the usual up and down of an
average person.
23. Have these feeling changed and if so how: All suffered depression, with the 3
who had the most stress prior to getting CF, who much worse that the other 2.
24. Did you have any of the following feelings at any time; 2 had suffered
childhood abuse and stress. 1 had guilt about the sudden death of her father
while her Mum was caring for her after an emergency operation.
25. Have your emotions changed, and if so in what way: All have found it hard to
express their emotions.
26. How much work are you able to do each day? 2 were unable to work 2 hours
of work a day at the time of the first treatment.
27. What is your perception of Bowen Therapy. Don’t know anything about it;
Just hope it will work as nothing else seems to be helping.
28. What is you perception of The Australian Bush Flower Essences. Don’t know
anything about them, but hope they will help in some way.
29. What do you hope to gain from participating in this study. I hope I will be
able to live a normal life again.
Results of the Weekly Works Sheets
Week 1: Treatment 1 was a full body balance of BRM1,2 &3 of Bowen Therapy with
Australian Bush Flower Essences; Bottlebrush- Bush Iris- Daggar Hakea- Dog Rose
and Wild Potato Bush to detoxify the body, for 4 of the clients. Client 1 was the first
one treated and the most severe and was started on her treatment long before I studied
the Australian Bush Flower Essences. Client 4 also had Crowea included in the Bush
Essences to help him recover from the after effects of the anitbiotices.
Results of Week 1.
No 1 and No 5 felt no noticeable difference, although they had less severity of
symptoms, fatigue was still an issue.; No 2 and No3 felt better within themselves but
still had symptoms that has only mildly decreased. No 4 felt no difference in fatigue
and did not have any of the symptoms of pain or depression and was the youngest.
Week 2 Bowen Therapy Treatment was varied to suit the clients most pressing
symptoms. UR/TMJ was used for 2 where dizziness was and issue.
Results of Week 2.
4 felt some noticeable difference. No 1 felt really good and went out and did a big
days work and slipped back. No 4 felt some improvement but is along way from
where she would like to be. No3 had a big improvement in her menstrual time. Still
no noticeable difference for No5.
Week3 Treatment varied again to address pressing issues. 2 were given Australian
Bush Flower Essences for the Endocrine system of Bush Iris for Pineal; Bush Fuchsia
for Hypothalamus; Yellow Cowslip Orchis for Pituitary; Old Man Banksia for
thyroid: Hibbertia for Parathyroids; Illawarra Flame Tree for Thymus; Macrocarpa for
Adrenals; Peach Flowered Tea Tree for Pancreas; She Oak for Ovaries. Mother and
son were still taking the De-tox essences and did not wish to take the others. The first
one treated and the most severe, was started long before I studied the Australian Bush
Flower Essences.
Results of Week 3.
All felt a noticeable difference- No 2 -“ Feeling really good and needing less sleep”;
No 5 -Feeling more positive”; No 3“ Greatly improved”. No1 –still recovering from
doing too much last week. No 4 –needing to sleep much less after school.
Week 4/5 . Bowen Therapy treatment was again tailored to the individual issues
presented. Australian Bush Flower Essences Spinifex to address any residual viral
infection dormant in the body was given to 2. The first one treated and the most
severe, was started long before I studied the Australian Bush Flower Essences.
Results of Week 4/5.
No4 felt good and did not feel need for any more treatment with either Bowen
Therapy or The Australian Bush Flower Essences No3 still had De-tox essences so
was not taking them as recommended, and did not wish to have any more.
No 2 and No5 who were combining the Bowen Therapy with the Australian Bush
Flower Essences were having the greatest improvement. Their comments were, No2
“I have been really good”; and No5 “ I am staying on a even keel; I get tired but am
bouncing back quickly”.
Week 7. Only No 1 and No 5 were continuing regular treatment.
.
No 1 The first one treated, and without the addition of the Australian Bush Flower
Essences felt the need to come back weekly. She tried to have fortnightly treatments
but could not manage without a weekly treatment. It was only when she started to fill
in the data for the study that it revealed severe and still present stress and poor
lifestyle choices.
No 2 The first one to start her Bowen Therapy and Australian Bush Flower Essences
at the same time felt well enough, and back to a normal lifestyle to no longer need any
regular treatment, after a weekly treatment for 3 weeks and others at 5 and 9 weeks.
She returns now only when she re-injures.
No3. After 4 treatments she did not return as she felt well enough to manage, as she
was saving for an operation in July. She had not wished to take the Australian Bush
Flower Essences for her Endocrine Glands or the Spinifex .
She had a major operation in early July and could not recover. She had lost her job
and was unable to her leave her house, spending most of the time resting. I visited her
at home in late July and did only the Bowen moves up her back, leaving her with
Australian Bush Flower Essences Angelsword-Crowea- Fringed Violet-Macrocarpa
and Sundew, to help her recover from the anaesthetic and the antibiotics.. Week 2 she
was able to come to the clinic for a treatment. Week 3 she had another treatment and
was feeling much better. After this treatment she returned to work at 2 part time jobs
which amounted to 1 full time job. Her last treatment was 4 weeks after her last
weekly treatment at week 3. She is looking well and happy.
No4.
The only male and the youngest one felt good and did not feel he needed any more
treatment with either Bowen Therapy or The Australian Bush Flower Essences, after
week 3.
No 5.
The one with the longest duration of CF was feeling so good she decided to go for a
10 day holiday after Week 5, which she has not been able to do for such a long time.
She returned feeling wonderful, happy and positive. She had Bowen Therapy
treatments at week 8, week 10, week 13, week 17 and her last treatment at week 21.
She did not require any more Bush Essences after Week 5. Her comments at week
21, “ I have quality of life. I can do a day’s work now and not wake up tired and
aching . Life is back to normal”. She has been transformed from a lady who was not
game to hope when she first came; who could not smile or feel optimistic, to one who
is now radiant with happiness.
Conclusion:
I am very aware that this research study will be of little value to the wider
community because of the limited scale of it, and the fact that I was only able to
start one person at the beginning and follow her through the treatment with
weekly worksheets. I am very grateful for the opportunity afforded me by my pre
study clients who taught me so much. I am particularly grateful to Client No2
whose case gave me the inspiration with the Australian Bush Flower Essences,
and whose response allowed me to develop a track to run with that proved so
successful with the one person who I was able to follow throughout the study.
The combination of Bowen Therapy an the Australian Bush Flower Essences
appears to be effective, in not only relieving the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue and
its associated problems, but is able to allow most clients to heal and return to
normal lives, within a very short time frame.
The exception seems to be where there is continued stress and lifestyle habits
which create extreme acidity in the body. It appears that the amount of acidity in
the body is a factor in the time it takes for the body to respond to treatment with
both modalities.
I have since had another very seriously affected Chronic Fatigue sufferer come to
my clinic this week, who has agreed to take part in an extension of the study. I
will continue to study all Chronic Fatigue cases that present with the hope that I
can give a more detailed study in the future.
Joan Derrick
BAA 9791.