Teresa Peterson is a practitioner of Bowenwork, a healing path which integrates the whole body and restores balance. Peterson has a diverse professional background.
She believes in giving back as an essential part of running a business and does this in several ways. She told Flagstaff Business News about the rewarding career she created for herself in Northern Arizona.
FBN: Why did you decide to open this type of a business?
Peterson: I decided to open this type of business because I learned over the years that you should choose a career or occupation you love to do. My love and interest in the healing arts and belief in living a holistic healthy life has been with me for more than 40 years. After 35 years of experience as a business professional at the university, not-for-profit and entrepreneurial level, I moved to Flagstaff and after a bit of investigation started my final career. Now I am living my dream and sharing the joy of hope with clients as an Accredited Bowenwork Practitioner.
Twenty-five years ago my medical challenges, including a diagnosis of fiber cystic breast disease and structural issues from sitting at computers for many hours, led to research into holistic health solutions. No one had the answers to relieve the symptoms I suffered, and after 18 years the thought of developing breast cancer via the cysts loomed heavy. Through faith, research and persistence I discovered the truth about the imbalances of my body and implemented several holistic approaches making my recovery a reality.
Finally, after 25 years and my first normal mammogram, I found Bowenwork is my first choice for overall bodily balance and wellness.
Bowenwork is a dynamic system of muscle and connective tissue therapy that was developed by the late Tom Bowen in Geelong, Australia. Sometimes called the “homeopathy of bodywork, ” it utilizes subtle inputs to the body (known as “moves”), stimulating the body to heal itself, often profoundly. It can provide relief for many types of injuries and other health problems, both acute and chronic, and it does so holistically, via the body’s innate healing mechanisms.
FBN: What is your business philosophy?
Peterson: My philosophy is to help people achieve a better quality of life through my use of the original Bowenwork Techniques in their purest form. Also, I believe to be truly successful you should give back to the community. That is what prompted me to develop discounts to students and Medicaid cardholders and at least 4 sessions at no charge to Veterans with PTSD as part of a research project. Other discounts include the subsidies provided to members of the Arizona Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association. My time is also spent as a hospice & CERTS volunteer as well as working with pre-hospice clients through Further Shore.
What advice would you give to a person for better self care?
Peterson: I tell all my clients that, “your body is a new research project” and I believe you should try everything that seems reasonable that may lead you to recovery. Most folks come to see me after they have tried other modalities. So, I repeat what Dr. John Coleman said in his book Stop Parkin’ and Start Livin’ regarding his recovery from Parkinson’s. He says no matter whether it is Parkinson’s or any other malady it is important to look at the whole picture which includes nutrition, exercise, proper hydration, emotional therapy (if necessary), meditation, Bowenwork or whatever you feel your body needs to recover. Dr. Coleman says he will keep these up to maintain his body and hopefully prevent not getting something else. I feel learning about what it takes to be healthy and putting it into action, as he did, just about says it all for what a reasonable person might do for self-care.
For more information: http://www.bowenworkstherapy.com www.bowenworkstherapy.com ; Tel: 928-380-5168; located at The Flagstaff Holistic Group, 2104 N. Third St., Flagstaff, AZ 86004
