Universal Serenity Complimentary Therapist

What a wonderful way to start the new academic year by sharing a new piece of research: a randomised controlled trial by Chen et al. (2025) exploring the effectiveness of Bowen Therapy for fibromyalgia.

The objective was to determine whether Bowen therapy can help alleviate pain, enhance functional capacity, reduce sleep and mood disturbances, and improve overall quality of life.

The study followed 78 participants split into two groups: one receiving eight sessions of Bowen therapy over 12 weeks alongside conventional care, and a control group continuing conventional care alone.

Positive Highlights & Percentage Changes
Lower Limb Endurance: An approximate 66.7% increase in successful stands from a baseline mean of 6 to 10 post-treatment, with benefits sustained for 12 weeks.

Dominant Arm Endurance: An approximate 54.5% increase in successful arm curls from a baseline mean of 11 to 17 post-treatment.

Non-Dominant Arm Endurance: An approximate 40.0% increase in successful curls from a baseline mean of 10 to 14 post-treatment.

Reduced Activity Interference: An approximate 17.5% reduction on the Brief Pain Inventory interference scale, dropping from a baseline mean of 5.7 to 4.7.

Mental Health-Related Quality of Life: An approximate 15.9% improvement in SF-36 Mental Component Summary scores, rising from a baseline mean of 33.3 to 38.6.

Safety: No serious adverse events or safety concerns were reported.

It is encouraging to see greater insight into how bodywork supports those navigating chronic conditions. We would love to hear from you if this was relevant for you.

To read the study in full, you can visit the research page on the BTPA website: https://www.bowentherapy.org.uk/evidence-for-bowen-therapy.php

💧 Is Your Fascia Thirsty?

Did you know that fascia is made up of around 70% water? That makes hydration one of the simplest things you can do for your body every single day.

When fascia is well hydrated, it stays supple, pliable and able to glide smoothly. But when dehydrated, fascia becomes sticky, thick and less elastic, leaving you feeling stiff, achy or tired.

Research has shown that when fascia becomes dehydrated, fascial planes can adhere together, preventing fluidity of movement and causing symptoms such as stiffness and pain.

And here's the important part drinking water alone isn't enough. We also have to get that water out to the tissues through movement.

Gentle, whole-body movements help stimulate the flow of interstitial fluid, ensuring the fascial system stays supple and responsive.

This is one of the reasons we always encourage clients to drink plenty of water after a Bowen session and to keep gently moving throughout the day. 💙

Small habits. Big difference.

👇 How much water do YOU drink each day? Let us know in the comments! 💧 💧 💧

World IBS Day 🌿

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can have a real impact on daily life - from discomfort and bloating to ongoing stress and fatigue.

The Bowen Technique offers a gentle, whole-body approach that may help support those living with IBS. By working through the fascia and encouraging relaxation of the nervous system, Bowen aims to help reduce overall tension in the body - something that can play a role in digestive health.

While not a treatment or cure for IBS, Bowen can be a supportive therapy, helping the body find balance and encouraging a sense of calm.