Case Study - Dysmenorrhea
By Maree Kendall

In my practice I have found that Bush Flower Essences and Bowen Technique are a powerful combination for balancing the body and releasing the emotions. Recently a 31 year old female visited my clinic. She had experienced painful periods since puberty, highly strung and not sleeping. Her periods were irregular, anything from 17 to 70 days in-between and always very painful, heavy and lasting at least 7 days. She had to resort to 4 hourly Nurafen for pain relief, hot water bottles and needed to take time off work.

Further investigation revealed that she was diagnosed with Endometriosis and was told she would need a hysterectomy eventually. Her lifestyle was quite stressful and she had a childhood with many emotional challenges, which made her a high achiever and perfectionist. Due to heavy work commitments, the client was unable to attend weekly visits, but as close as possible and not more that 2 or 3 weeks apart.

TREATMENT PLAN

First Visit: We commenced weekly Bowen treatments and Bush Flower Essence therapy. The first treatment was simply to balance the body and clear emotional stress using Bowen Technique (Respiratory and Kidney procedures).
Bush Essences chosen were: Dog Rose (anxiety), Dog Rose of Wild Forces (fear of 'losing it'), Macrocarpa (support for overtaxed adrenal glands)
Following this treatment, a release of stress and grief ensued for the following week. The client was very emotional during that first week, but I reassured her that this was a normal release following a Bowen treatment and congratulated her on allowing the emotions to be released.

Second Visit: The second visit was 10 days later which allowed the Bush Essences to relax the adrenals and anxiety levels. Bowen Therapy was performed, which included the Respiratory and Coccyx procedures. Bush Essences were changed to: She Oak (hydrating ovaries), Peach flowered tea-tree (regulating the periods), Illawarra Flame Tree (emotional support & confidence in new treatment).

Third Visit: The third visit was 1 week later and the client was more relaxed and sleep had improved. We continued with Bowen Therapy repeating the Respiratory and Coccyx procedures. She continued with the Bush Essences.

Fourth Visit: It was 4 weeks until the next visit. During that time her period arrived (exactly 4 weeks following the first visit). It was PAIN FREE and lasted only 4 days. Following this she came down with influenza which delayed her next appointment.. Bowen Therapy was continued using the Respiratory, Coccyx and the addition of the TMJ procedure to assist with drainage of congestion following the flu. Bush essences were changed to: She Oak, Peach flowered tea-tree, Pink Flannel Flower & Bluebell (activates Heart Chakra which is connected to ovaries energetically), Bush Fuchsia, Dagger Hakea (liver support).

Fifth Visit: The next visit was 10 days later. All areas of the clients life seemed to have improved and despite a stressful week, she was still sleeping well and coping more with any stressors. Bowen Therapy was continued using Kidney, Coccyx and Pelvic procedures. Bush Flower essences from previous visit continued.

Sixth Visit: There was a 5 week break until the next visit and her period was 3 weeks overdue. Bowen Therapy was continued as per the last visit. Bush Essences were changed to: Peach flowered tea-tree (regulates cycle), Macrocarpa (adrenal support), She Oak, Stuart Desert Pea (releases past grief), Wisteria (female/sexual confidence), Flannel Flower (brings gentleness to the nature).

Due to work commitments, this client has not followed up her sessions for 6 months, but has informed me that: "Since our treatments I'm doing fairly well - my periods are definitely shorter and not as painful. I'm back to being irregular again but this time they're usually only 4-5 days late, which is a definite improvement. Otherwise I'm doing well heath wise." Often clients will cease treatment when they get a certain amount of relief to their symptoms. I'm confident that if we continue the above protocol, a regular pain-free cycle will result. Following that, a maintenance of plan of Bowen treatments every 3-6 months, or as needed would be advisable.

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