THERE is a lot of news going around in the complementary therapy world about the vagus nerve and vagal tone, which reflects our own experience in many cases.
It comes after a Parliamentary report which concluded that complementary therapists are well placed to identify medical issues before they become a serious problem.
As an example, one of our Bowtech therapists told us about a client case which supports this conclusion and could potentially have avoided a very serious heart problem.
Using her therapeutic skills, Sarah Court (pictured) applied the vagus nerve procedure on one of her regular clients, provoking a reaction that subsequently highlighted an unidentified health issue.
The client went to his GP and ended up having a pacemaker fitted due to an irregular heartbeat, not surprising perhaps as the vagus nerve plays an important role in a wide range of bodily functions including heart rate, digestion and immune response.
Sarah, a Bowen Technique practitioner for almost 20 years, told us: “I first treated this gentleman for back problems, improving his posture and mobility. He was struggling with balance and co-ordination and after one of the Bowtech ‘pauses’ I felt instinctively the vagus nerve procedure was needed. His voice was a little croaky which can be a vagal symptom.”
While Sarah is rightly cautious to claim credit for what happened next, it does appear on this occasion the Bowen Technique session picked up an underlying problem and she was thrilled he received medical intervention so promptly. His GP had found a worryingly irregular heartbeat and called an ambulance immediately.
So, we ask ourselves, was it just a coincidence? Or did Bowen play a critical part in highlighting a potentially serious problem?
The vagus nerve has been described as having extensive influence especially on the nervous and immune systems. It plays a pivotal role in regulating heart rate and rhythm; damage can cause the heart to beat too slowly or too fast while stimulating the vagus nerve can help reduce stress, improve mood and boost the immune system.
Bowtech therapists learn more about the vagus nerve in advanced Modules 11 and 12, also known as Special Bowen Procedures II (SBP-2) giving therapists a greater understanding of this critical part of the body which can be valuable to clients with chronic problems that have not responded to previous sessions. Please check our course dates for SBP-2 CPD courses. Bowen therapists need to be a member of Bowen Association UK to be able to enrol on Modules 8 upwards.
NOTE: A key principle of these modules is that any client who presents with chest pain must be referred to a doctor immediately. While Sarah’s client did not have chest pains, the outcome was timely and very much appreciated by her client who at time of writing, remains in good health.