It’s a Holistic Vets Life. By Dr Phoebe Davies BVSc MRCVS cert WVHM CVA

Author: Phoebe Davies at peninsulabowentherapy.com

About me

I have been a practicing veterinary surgeon for 24 years in both the UK and abroad. During the last 12 years I have also become qualified in veterinary acupuncture and veterinary herbal medicine and practice this regularly alongside my conventional clinical work. I have been lucky enough to work within the veterinary world as a true mixed general practitioner, regularly seeing a huge range of species both large and small, delivering both medical and surgical treatments. Throughout my career I have always had an interest in the management of chronic pain.

 In 2021 I found Bowen. It was an accidental discovery really, but an incredibly fortuitous one. Despite me initially trotting up my case studies and being alarmed at times by the lack of hair on my clients, I have since qualified in both human and canine Bowen therapy. I now run a growing, successful Bowen practice, alongside a veterinary holistic one. These are complementing my conventional veterinary work well and help to keep me sane! I have found my comparative anatomy skills to be hugely useful and have also experienced the role of paraprofessionals from both perspectives.

BMUS (British Medical Ultrasound Society)

On 5th December 2023, I spent an enjoyable day at BMUS in York alongside Richard Baverstock, Jo Wortley and Yvette Best. I have attended many similar symposiums as a delegate, so it was interesting to switch roles and be part of the exhibiting team.  

What struck me (alongside the similar presentations of the delegates with a dropped shoulder, RSI, shoulder/wrist/neck pain and headaches being a frequent complaint) was not only how few delegates had heard of Bowen therapy but also how many of them improved following a 10 -15 minute Bowen session. In the vast majority of cases the medics were actively looking for therapists near them and were positively keen to investigate Bowen further.

It isn’t the first time I have considered that, as Bowen therapists, we have a potentially significant role within a healthcare setting, both for the practitioners themselves and their patients.

During the day we took the opportunity to research some of the new ultrasonography machines available and were lucky enough to trial one of the mobile units. This gave us an insight into the impact of Bowen techniques on the living body, particularly where some of the key organs and their associated blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics lie in relation to some of the powerful fascia moves that we make.

For example, it was fascinating to visualise in real time, the impact on the fascia in various places along the erector spinae musculature in response to the hamstring procedure.

 

Scanning Kidney and Lymph Nodes

We scanned the kidney architecture and could clearly see how closely and how integrally these structures moved in relation to the kidney procedure.

We were able to observe the cross-sectional diameter differences and reduction in fluid inside intrathecal spaces within the submandibular lymph nodes after only 10 minutes, following the TMJ procedure, when comparing before and after images.

These are not double-blind clinical trials and can not possibly be considered as conclusive scientific evidence. However, they did serve to raise real interest in both the ultrasonographers and medics present. It got us all thinking about some of the moves we regularly make as practitioners and how they might relate to the live anatomy and interact with the fascial planes that we could visualise just beneath the skin. It was also a lot of fun.

Can Bowen Work in a Clinical Setting?

With my clinical hat on what do I consider when approached by a paraprofessional who wishes to treat an animal in my care? Primarily; Is this safe? Is there any element that might do harm or cause any risk or worsening of the condition? Is it likely to be of therapeutic benefit? Is the clinical history safe and will it be kept secure and handled sensitively? I would also add that I do consider whether I can trust that my current clinical treatment (either conventional or holistic) is going to be challenged or changed without my consultation. If I am in any doubt whatsoever then I tend to lean away from paraprofessional involvement, as I would prefer there to be no risk to my patient.

If we extrapolate this to Bowen therapists and how we wish to be perceived in a clinical setting; Are we seen to be clinically safe? Are we aware of the potential limitations of what we do? Are we prepared to refer to the relevant professional or paraprofessional when a case requires more input or experience in another area? Are we current in our knowledge of red flags and do we know what to do when we see one? Are we aware of our liabilities and is appropriate insurance in place? Are we behaving in an ethically responsible manner when it comes to client history and confidentiality (GDPR)? Do we know how to respond to situations where we are concerned about the mental health of a client, or we feel there is a safeguarding issue? Are we taking and documenting complete and comprehensive client histories? Are we being open and transparent about how we work?

As Bowen therapists we are not regulated in quite the same way as some of the professions we work alongside, and this can mean we are taken less seriously as a result. It is reassuring to see both BTPA and CNHC are moving decisively to encourage therapists to establish a scheme of voluntary self-regulation. I see this as a very positive move. If the only way to be a regulated Bowen therapist is to be on the register of therapies held by the regulatory body CNHC, then the therapist must meet the necessary standards for the protection of the public.

In my opinion The College of Bowen Studies (CBS) is leading the way in the UK, as a primary teacher of Bowen therapy, whilst also incorporating into their teaching modules the concept of a complete therapist approach. I spoke to Jo Wortley, director of CBS whilst at BMUS who confirmed that CBS have just completed an up-to-date Red Flags module, written and delivered by medical professionals and are working on both Counselling and Ethics modules, which will all be included within their training framework. This is exciting and necessary given that we are all increasingly being presented with red flags. More clients struggle to access healthcare provision and consider choosing alternatives rather than face substantial delays and potential healthcare complications. By teaching Bowen therapy in this way, CBS enables practitioners to qualify with both a fully rounded knowledge in the art of Bowen therapy but also with the ability to handle practical situations as and when they arise. This imbues the trainee with the necessary confidence to work alongside other professionals and paraprofessionals alike, equipping them with all the tools needed to approach the job professionally no matter what comes through the door.

For me, both in animal and human treatment settings, the ideal scenario would be that sweet spot where a mutually respectful balance exists between conventional and holistic medicine, both elements being a vital part of the conversation, with a mutual recognition of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This would undoubtedly work to benefit the patient. If we can start to have these conversations locally and find this balance within our medical communities, it will open doors for Bowen to gain respect for the huge benefits it can bring to so many people. Ultimately, this would make Bowen more accessible through traditional healthcare settings and bring its benefits to a wider audience.

 

I would personally like to thank my Bowen colleagues for their help and involvement, and huge appreciation for Alistair Wood from GE Healthcare, who was so generous with his time and expertise, but sadly wouldn’t let me half inch the beautiful toys!

Phoebe is based in Heswall, Wirral. She owns Peninsula Bowen Therapy peninsulabowentherapy.com and Wirral Veterinary Holistics clinic wirralveterinaryholistics,com  in the Northwest of England.