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  When I was 17, I was in a car accident that left me in the hospital for over a week with a broken pelvic bone and a lot of trauma. Ten years later, perhaps as an aftermath of many gymnastic falls, and the above accident, a tug by my dog led to intense pain in my neck and numbness in my arm and hand. An MRI determined a herniated disc at the C5-C6 level, and a pending neck surgery. I chose to postpone surgery and cortisone shots, and instead sought a less invasive approach. It took a year, but with the help of some wonderful body workers, rest, and the right pillow, I was able to resume a healthy life. Two years after feeling great, I was drying my hair when I felt intense pain. I could hardly turn my head, my arm and hand were numb again, and I was completely full of fear that I was going to have to either face surgery or another long haul of therapies. A friend of mine, studying Bowenwork at the time, asked if she could try to help. In two sessions, a week apart, my symptoms were gone, with no recurring symptoms since. That was in 2006. The very gentle, minimal moves that she did on me triggered powerful results and healing responses in my body. These cumulative experiences led me to study bodywork. I started my career in massage therapy, and currently specialize in Bowenwork as an accredited practitioner.
Each person has their own injury and trauma history, mental and physical, leading to individual compensation patterns. Pain can be incredibly debilitating and depressing. Different modalities work for different people, or at different points in life. May you find inspiration in knowing that there are alternatives out there. Bowenwork starts when others have given up.
Sincerely, Allison May
 "I
suffered chronic back pain from years of playing hockey and a serious car
accident. I sought relief through various hands on therapies. Throughout all of this I experienced some pain relief, but it would always return. The results began to plateau, and I anticipated spending
the rest of my life with this chronic pain. Then I tried Bowenwork with Allison. I was
willing to try anything that might help, but I did not expect too much. I was
skeptical during the session because of how minor the touch. After each of my three sessions I felt relaxed and
uplifted. My level of pain decreased dramatically with each session. After the
third session, my chronic back pain was significantly reduced. I continue to make Bowenwork with Allison a
part of my regular mind and body maintenance practice."T.G., Burlington, VT
"As an artist working in clay and glass, there's a lot of stress on my
neck and back. Other hands on therapies have relieved the pain in the past,
but it continually returned. I was excited to try Allie's work in the Bowen Technique because "resetting cellular memory patterns" implied that this addressed more than muscular tightness. I have long believed that our bodies want to feel well. The touch is so gentle that it's easy to think nothing is
happening, but after each session, subtle changes began to occur. In
the midst of working I would realize that my neck was not painful. Days
later I would rub my shoulders and not find knots. I love this
technique because it is so relaxing and has been so beneficial. It's
very nice to be without pain." K.R., Milton, VT
"I've always carried my stress in my neck and shoulders. This tension
and resulting pain became worse after an accident I had in the surf.
Over the years, different therapies have helped, leaving me feeling pain free, but
the relief was usually temporary. By the end of the day, tightness in
my muscles would begin creeping in again, followed by chronic pain. For whatever reason, this does not happen with Bowenwork, and it is soooo
relaxing! I even find it more relaxing than massage. But the best part
of Bowenwork for me is that the effects on my body, especially my neck,
last so long. I can go for weeks without the recurring neck pain."
J.H., Milton, VT
 I had been seeing Allison for
massage for a couple of years, and I was very intrigued by Bowenwork. I must admit
that I had a healthy dose of skepticism that something with such a light touch
would do much. I’ve dealt with hip and leg problems for years, and although
deep tissue massage helped, it was never what you would call ‘lasting’. After my first Bowenwork session, I
walked on clouds! I had never felt more relaxed, centered, or elated. I felt
like I was glowing from the inside out! My next session focused on my range of motion with my hip, and I had results immediately. Other sessions have involved pain
relief. After a particularly grueling run over the weekend, I was in agony. I
started out on a pain level 8, and after a session, I gradually subsided down
to a 3, and this was without any pain medications or anti-inflammatories. Bowenwork sessions have also helped me
with my energy levels. During stressful weeks, when I’ve not had enough sleep,
or I’m feeling overworked, a Bowenwork session has helped me find the energy to
keep going. Sure, I was still tired, but my mind was clearer and not as foggy. Over time, I’ve also noticed mental and emotional changes that have started since I’ve been getting Bowenwork. Overall, my self confidence is higher, I have less anxiety,
and I feel generally more centered and able to cope with life’s challenges. R.T., Essex Junction, VT
My baby had reflux issues and was very uncomfortable at
times. He couldn’t sleep unless he was held
upright on my chest. At times he would
arch his back and cry out in pain. His
pediatrician prescribed Pepcid up to three times a day. There was some improvement, but he was still
in pain and having trouble sleeping. On a friend’s suggestion, I had Allison do Bowenwork on my
son. Being a first time mother I am very
cautious about what is given or done to my son.
I was happy it was a very simple and gentle therapy. But, I was also skeptical it would work. Amazingly, that night he slept very
peacefully and seemed to be in a very good mood the next few days. Allison worked on him a second time, a week
later. What’s really amazing is that he
no longer needs the Pepcid and is doing great! E.R., Burlington, VT
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