M.E.

From a client of Rick Minnery, Lancaster, U.K. (Published in ‘Bowen Hands’ magazine)

Following perpetual infections and viruses my childhood involved frequent doctor visits. Typical of many M.E. sufferers, I always pushed myself and aimed at ever higher goals. At age 21 I became an outdoor pursuits instructor but a year later my health rapidly deteriorated.  Bronchitis and other infections finally took their physical toll and the exhaustion and joint pain became unbearable. After scarcely tolerating symptoms for several months I finally visited a doctor , depression was  the diagnosis. The cure? “Come back in a few months if things are no better”!

Months later I was too ill to work and returned home to my family doctor who diagnosed M.E. A sympathetic attempt was made to alleviate the symptoms but two years later there was little improvement. I decided to risk my health and go to university.
Exhaustion had become a stable part of my life, as had the pain. Although fearful of yet more condescending attitudes, after the suffering became intolerable, I was forced to visit a new doctor. A brief mention was made of Bowen therapy and a phone number provided. I had no idea of what to expect and hesitantly made the call.

Like anything new my first visit was a nervous one. The therapy was explained in a very reassuring way and soon I felt at ease. Being honest, I didn’t fully understand terms like “energy flow” and did find the whole thing a little bit weird.  But, seeing I was there I figured I might as well stay!
Being accustomed to a life of  conventional drug therapies I persistently tried to rationalise how Bowen could possibly help, especially after nothing else had worked. That following week I remained sceptical but, knowing I should not judge effectiveness by a single visit I decided to return. Admittedly, it was to my surprise that within only a few days I did feel different. My pains were still present but in a strange way I seemed capable of doing more.  I was by no means bursting with energy but there was certainly a change. As sceptical as ever I decided to put this down to coincidence but would continue with the therapy, just in case.

Over the next few weeks I began regular walks and, without noticing it, slowly developed less reliance on painkillers. In a sneaky way the discomfort kept returning but would improve within a few days of further treatment. Gradually the time between visits grew longer. It is now months since my last treatment and I still do not understand the whole process but what does that matter? When have I ever understood the workings of conventional medicine?! All I know is that, without the ‘aid’ of yet more prescriptions, I am gradually beginning to climb again and slowly regain much of the life I had lost for so long.