Sonia Barton

My name is Sonia Barton and I trained in the Bowen Technique with the European College of Bowen Studies in 2001. In 2003 I qualified in NST (Neurostructural Integration Technique). I ran my own therapy clinic in Oxford for three years offering Bowen Technique (or Bowen Therapy), NST, Massage, Reflexology and Reiki healing. I now live on the Northern Beaches in Sydney and operate my clinic from Dee Why. I am a member of the Bowen Therapists Federation of Australia (BTFA).

Although I have extensive background with various physical therapies and hands-on modalities, the Bowen Technique and NST have radically influenced my therapeutic approach and together they are the major therapeutic tool that I use in my clinic.

I recently qualified in the Emmett Technique, which blends in perfectly with Bowen or can be used as a therapy in itself. It is a gentle physical release of muscle groups whilst using a verbal approach to create attitude change. The sequence of muscle activation points can unlock muscle memory. The results can be dramatic even for first time clients.

I specialise in helping people who suffer with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease. I use a protocol called Return to Stillness as used by John Coleman, a naturopath and Bowen therapist who recovered from Parkinson's Disease.

My first encounter with the Bowen Technique was having three sessions after a car accident which created a bad whiplash injury and back pain and misaligned pelvis. I have to admit that I couldn't understand how doing so little structural work could have such a deep impact on my body. It impressed me so much that it made me decide to train as a practitioner. You will probably find that most practitioners are people who have recovered from injury after receiving Bowen therapy.

What to expect during a treatment

When you go to your first session put your expectations aside. You will be disappointed if you expect chiropractic adjustments, deep tissue manoeuvres, or a massage, as it is not any of these things. You will be delighted by the deep relaxation, energy responses and easing of symptoms that will occur.

A Bowen session takes approximately 45 minutes and most of the work can be performed through light clothing or preferably directly onto the skin. Three to four treatments, at weekly intervals, are often sufficient to achieve lasting relief from even long standing pain, although further treatments may sometimes be required.

To receive maximum benefit it is recommended that other physical therapies are not mixed with Bowen therapy, such as massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, and so on, as the energetic effect of Bowen in your body can last up to 7 days.

After treatment you will be given a list of things to do: including drinking plenty of fresh water to flush toxins from your body and prevent you from being dehydrated; walk 20 minutes a day; and 'listen to your body' for any reactions you are experiencing. You may experience reactions ranging from hot and cold flushes, emotional releases, headaches and body aches but these reactions are a positive sign that the body's healing process is working.

Regular maintenance after recovery

The consequences of an imbalance in one area is unlikely to be localised to that area, one imbalance winds its way throughout your whole structure. This imbalance can affect your organs, your chemistry, the integrity of your muscles, and can lead to pain, emotional distress and disease.

In my experience most people will have good recovery having between four to six treatments. Long term chronic cases such as Parkinson's Disease or Muscular Sclerosis respond really well to having a regular treatment, say every two to three weeks.

After your recovery back to health I would recommend you see your therapist for maintenance treatments, 4 to 5 times a year. It is rather like having your car serviced - you don't wait for your car to break down before you have it repaired. Once your body is in harmony and pain free try it is in your best interest to try and keep it that way as your body is constantly changing and you can cause all kinds of injury to it on a daily basis, emotionally and physically.

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My qualifications include:

• Certificate in The Bowen Technique
• Certificate in Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST)
• Emmett Technique - Professional Practitioner
• Diploma in Body Massage - IIHHT
• Reflexology - ITEC
• Certificate in Sports Massage - IIST
• Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology - IIHHT
• Reiki Healing
• Thermo-Auricular Therapy - Hopi Ear Candles
• I am also a member of the Bowen Therapists Federation of Australia.