Carla in touch with soothing therapy

A PRACTICE in an Australian technique for treating pain called Bowen therapy has been established in Townsville.

Editor and marketing professional Carla Hutchinson- Reade has made the transition to become a practitioner, launching Radiant Bowen Therapy at the new Core Movement rehabilitation hub in Mundingburra.

Ms Hutchinson- Reade said it had been the recommendation of an osteopath which led her to seek training in the technique, sometimes called touch therapy or vibrational healing.

“A back injury found me visiting an osteopath who, while I lamented my interest in learning something completely new for my career, recommended I look into Bowen therapy,” Ms Hutchinson- Reade said.

“She suggested Bowen therapy would suit my calm personality. I enrolled that month to study the therapy and now three years later I am thrilled to make my skills available.”

The therapy has its doubters, including the US- based Quackwatch group which lists it as “questionable”, but Ms Hutchinson- Reade is in no doubt about its benefits.

She has helped many people in Townsville during the 100 hours of practice partly required for her to gain certification with Bowen Training Australia.

“It’s been a terrific buzz to see how effective the treatment is for people to be able to live with better health,” Ms Hutchinson- Reade said.

She said the therapy was covered under private health insurance and training included the study of physiology and anatomy but that changes to federal health laws sought to remove it and other alternative therapies such as yoga and pilates from insurance.

“It definitely should be recognised ( for insurance purposes),” Ms Hutchinson- Reade said.

Ms Hutchinson- Reade has lived in Townsville for many years and previously has worked in publishing, including writing and editing for magazines and speech writing for former mayor Les Tyrell.

She has a Masters in Communications from RMIT and is the founder of the Townsville Writers Centre.

When plans to form a publishing company could not be sustained, she turned to Bowen therapy.

“I look forward to adding to the variety of pain relief and quick recovery services in Townsville,” she said.