Frequently Asked Questions

How safe are the Body Tuning therapies?

Very safe. In fact they're some of the most extensively researched of all complementary therapies. Unlike many other therapies, they are gentle, non-invasive, non-damaging, non- addictive, use no force, needles or drugs, and are suitable for people of all ages. The only substantial side effects are positive (see below). Rather than simply blocking, or manipulating away, the body's natural pain response, they work with the body to achieve lasting change.

In the case of  Scenar, the treatment itself is constantly modified by the body's responses, such that the body itself is as much in charge of the process as the Scenar therapist and the Scenar device.

None of these are experimental therapies. Scenar is part of mainstream medicine in Russia, as are light therapies in many parts of China. After around 30 years each of daily use by thousands of practitioners, neither therapy has produced reports of unwanted side effects, except for occasional healing reactions.

These reactions usually just mean that for a day or two you have a lack of energy and feel as if you have a cold. They are seen from time to time with most therapies, and especially with chronic conditions, and usually indicate that the body is eliminating old problems and toxins too quickly. They are usually a good sign, and followed by increased energy, better sleep and a sense of well being. To eliminate toxins, it's wise to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of filtered water per day before during courses of treatment.

The one major exclusion (but only with Scenar therapy) is those with cardiac pacemakers or other electrically-controlled implants. I also prefer not to treat those with serious psychological disturbances, or alcohol or drug dependencies.

What are those positive side effects?

Each of these therapies helps to move the nervous system towards parasympathetic ("sleep and heal") mode. So less stress and better sleep are two of the most obvious effects. These can be very beneficial to general health. Negative stress can impact many body functions, and insufficient sleep can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and lowered mental functions. Many also notice positive changes in their skin tone, which is not surprising given that the main therapies work through the skin, substances get released that boost skin circulation and elimination of wastes and toxins.

Should I combine Body Tuning with other therapies?

Body Tunings share various principles with acupuncture, Bowen, chiropractic, osteopathy and reflexology, but their delivery mechanisms are quite different. Unless fully integrated with the BT treatment, using them in the same treatment period can confuse both you and your body, and stop you from knowing which therapy is having which effects. It's better to try one method at a time, intensively and uninterrupted until say the fourth to sixth treatment before assessing whether it's working. If you're not satisfied, try another. Many other treatments will complement Body Tunings, without causing confusion: homeopathy, nutrienergetics (NES), bio resonance, essential oils, lymph drainage, colonic irrigation, and dietary changes. Again, it's best to stagger their onset.

It's preferable that you see your GP (at least for a medical diagnosis of your condition) before making an appointment. Many GP's are becoming more receptive to complementary medicine, so it's up to you, but it's also good if your doctor knows that you are receiving these treatments. As they progress, you may be able to reduce or  stop some medication, and this should be done under your doctor's supervision. 

How many treatments will I need and how often?

This depends on the condition and how long you've had it, your general level of health, and how soon you need to resolve it. One or two sessions are often enough for the most routine back-aches. For more chronic conditions, especially that have been around for many years, it may take several months, although we'd expect a steady improvement during this time. In general, treatment is more frequent at the start when the body needs enough information and momentum to carry on the healing process, and to not slip back to how it was before treatment. This is especially true of acute conditions, such as fresh injuries, burns, and surgical wounds, which are best treated daily at first.

For most other painful conditions, I normally treat every two or three days at first, then weekly. For less urgent conditions, once a week is usually fine. A typical course of treatments is 10 to 15 sessions, although some really chronic and complex cases may need two courses of treatment, breaking for a few weeks in between. Regular or occasional follow-ups may help to prevent a return of the condition, although these are usually much less frequent than with most other therapies.

What happens during a Body Tuning?

After taking a case history and asking questions about your current condition, I will usually ask you to make some movements, or use one of the devices (usually a Scenar which gives numerical readings at each point), to pin down areas most in need of treatment. Scenar only works in contact with skin, but intimate areas of the body will not be exposed, examined or treated. The areas to be treated are usually manifesting an energy blockage of some kind (with the Scenar, a "stickiness" often appears in the skin, making it very difficult to pass the device over the skin until the blockage has been cleared). Treatment will usually be made according to formal protocols for that area or condition, through "correspondence zones" linking to it, or by following your feedback on what happens as for instance an ache moves from one area to another.

Is there anything else I need know, or do?

It's best not to use alcohol or recreational drugs in significant quantities in the 24 hours before treatment -- they block the brain's ability to process information. The same for large meals for two hours before or after. Due to how Scenar works with the skin, it's  best to clean off any make-up or face/body creams, and avoid bathing for two hours before and after. You may also want to factor into your plans that you may sometimes feel tired after treatment, and want to take a nap at some point. It's important that you follow, as much as possible, the advice you're given, particularly on testing your exercise limits as the conditions improves -- a gradual approach is best.

Is it worth it?

Body Tunings cost around the same as most other complementary therapies. I've treated many people who have spent time and money trying other routes, and I regularly hear "I wish I'd known about this ten years ago." Given their overall effectiveness, Body Tunings are at least worth trying, and may turn out to be a wise investment in your current and future mobility and health.