KEY PERSONNEL

Milt with wife, Deni

Milton Joseph Albrecht

By Deni Larimore Albrecht

Born on November 12, 1948, Milton was a lifelong resident of Auburn, California. He had already established a career as a highly regarded automotive machinist, when he and I married in April, 1985. Milton and I were first briefly introduced when I was around 13, but had no connection for the next 15 years. When we met again in September, 1984, I was confined to a wheelchair due to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, 11 years earlier. Synchronicity?

On a solo trip to visit my parents in Sydney, Australia, in January, 1989, I had my first two Bowen treatments from Ossie Rentch (a student of Tom Bowen). Ossie and his wife Elaine were sheep ranchers in Victoria, who had known my folks for years, and Mother & Dad felt sure he could help me. A few months later, Ossie flew to San Francisco to organize his first North American Bowen training seminars, and Milton met him at the airport. Spending the first night at our house, Ossie briefly taught Milton the fundamentals of Bowen, because I had been noticing improvements from those first treatments in January.

September 10-12, 1989, Milton and I sponsored and enrolled in the first Bowen seminar held outside of Australia/New Zealand, and Milton earned the first Bowen therapy diploma in North America. Although he took the class primarily to help me, the Rentsch's were so impressed with his natural talent and abilities, they suggested Milton become a full-time Bowen therapist. Already quite enthusiastic, Milton embarked on a career that would change not only his life, but the lives of thousands of others. We were then also asked to coordinate Ossie's organization, Bowtech, here in North America, and in addition, began the first weekly student practice sessions, which we continued in our home for many years.

Milton worked very hard to promote Bowen, and treated everyone he could, friends and family alike. To add state legitimacy, he quickly enrolled in a general massage course, to earn a certificate in massage therapy (CMT). The instructors raved about his bodywork ability, but Milton continually promoted Bowen, and demonstrated it at every juncture possible . He even secretly used Bowen during the final practical exam, and his instructor proclaimed it the best "massage" he had ever experienced.

Because of his mechanical background, Milton recognized that the body worked like a machine, and applied this understanding to each client he worked with. His grand-daughter was born with a severe clubfoot, which after one Bowen session began correcting itself! Although doctors were astounded, as she had been scheduled for corrective surgery, today that baby is a 17-year-old flyer on her high school cheerleading team. In another example, one of Milton's uncles was experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing, and Milton used Bowen to bring about immediate relief. A few years later, this procedure (Bowen therapists call these "moves" ) came to the attention of renowned cardiologists in San Francisco, who contacted Milton about the drastic improvements they were noticing in mutual patients. (Students came to know this as the "Uncle Frank" move.)

Milton's passion for Bowen constantly overflowed, and he simply couldn't wait to show Ossie his new developments. Ossie would always remark, "well, is it Bowen?", and of course the answer was always "yes". At that time, Bowtech had only two courses, beginning and certification, and the Rentch's traveled to North America once or twice a year to conduct courses in several regions of the US and Canada. In September, 1992, for an article about Tom Bowen, Ossie was interviewed by Massage Magazine, but couldn't make the photo shoot. So, the sidebar included pictures of Milton using Bowen with a very willing, and obviously impressed, reporter. (I was asked to write the description.)

Due to Milton's popularity, Auburn classes were always full. Realizing even further Milton's genius, in 1994 Ossie asked Milton to teach beginning Bowtech classes. As Milton became the first Bowen instructor not taught directly by Tom Bowen, delighted clients flocked to learn this amazing therapy. In addition, Milton traveled throughout the US with the Rentschs, and at seminar venues, alternative medical conventions, and even the prestigious HeartMath at Stanford, Milton demonstrated the effectiveness of Bowen therapy, as Ossie lectured. In one particular case, Milton used Bowen therapy to turn a breach baby in the womb. (To everyone's surprise except Milton's, the baby was later delivered without complications!).

By this time, Milton's clientele was huge, with 60% new, each day! As was the case with Tom Bowen, Milton never advertised, and even though he saw 25 people a day, six days a week, Milton's reputation grew strictly by word of mouth. He would usually see 4 people each hour, and with 2-10 minute waiting periods in-between the moves, Milton could go from client to client. He often asked the client's family or friends to observe the session, so he could explain not only what he was doing, but how they could help themselves in the future.

Milt (as I called him) was interviewed several times by Cary Nosler (Captain Carrot) on his healthy living radio program, and also demonstrated Bowen to the San Francisco 49er football team head trainer. Back in Australia 40 years earlier, Tom Bowen had been quite interested in sports medicine, and was known to help rugby or Aussie Rules football teams alike. Unfortunately, the 49er's representative was concerned that there was a lack of research pertaining to Bowen, and so passed on sending any therapists to the classes, & therefore essentially missing out on a secret weapon stronger than any type of drug he could find. However the effectiveness was not lost on the athletes Milton treated, as pro and soon college athletes, began Bowen sessions in secret. During that time, NCAA & NFL athletes were contractually barred from receiving alternative healing.

People were flying in from all over the country for treatments, and because Milton grasped Bowen therapy so completely, they either wanted to take the seminar, or recommended a colleague. In every situation, he communicated his thorough understanding, and clients from several American cities pleaded with him to teach a class in their area. So with Ossie's willing approval, Milton also taught beginning classes throughout the country. Traveling down to meet me in Queensland, Australia, in 1995, Milton assisted Ossie in classes and demonstrations on the Sunshine Coast, and taught one on his own in Eagle Heights, the town where my family resided.

1997 was eight years after Milton first learned Bowen, and he thoroughly understood each of the 12 beginning lessons. In addition, Milt had also developed a great many new moves, all from basic Bowen procedures. The Rentch's were always eager to see Milton's discoveries, and early in the year, asked him to write down all that he could remember (because he had such a large client base, Milton had no time to write down all the moves he came up with). Outlining a total of 14 pages of advanced discoveries, Milton faxed them down to Australia. But little did we realize that in six months, Ossie and Elaine would ask Milton and I (as well as several other international coordinators) to leave Bowtech. They even cut ties with some very capable medical professionals who were beginning Bowen research.

Although we were initially quite stunned, there had actually been been clues for months. Even as the Rentch's offered no rational reasons for this breakup, Milton warned Ossie that he would continue practicing and teaching what had become the great love of his life (next to me, of course…). Milt had a great many students throughout the country, and although our understanding of Ossie's actions were minimal, we wrote a letter to each student announcing the separation, and detailing our intended course of action.

In July, 1997, Bowen Therapy International was born. The goals were to develop and promote Milton's interpretation of Tom Bowen's theories, as well as establish and enforce instruction, and quality control of these theories. Another goal of BTI was to promote research, in particular, Dr. JoAnne Whitaker's innovative studies (Dr. Whitaker had also been unceremoniously dropped).

Naturally, Milton's students and family were shocked that he was being treated with such disrespect, and they implored him to develop an advanced class quickly, to first introduce his more accomplished and comprehensive version. For this reason, Milton's first BTI class was an advanced level (Level IV), containing 14 innovative lessons. Believing that a good instructor was only effective when they continued doing Bowen on a daily basis, Milton enlisted advanced students who could instruct his work in other parts of the country. In addition, we traveled to Australia, where we researched Tom Bowen (and visited students and family). Milton's skillful mastery of Bowen therapy, as well as his quick witted approach attracted people from many differing professions, and made his classes highly sought-after. We heard from pupils of all ages, that Bowen therapy classes with Milton Albrecht were truly mountaintop experiences... for both students and instructor.

The first Level I-II (beginning) class for Bowen Therapy International was held in June, 1999. Because the practice was booked up about three weeks in advance (and because Milton was a perfectionist), writing the manual had been gradual. Using colorfully I'll go on detailed anatomical computer graphics, Milt enlisted the help of Doug Musso, a dentist friend who could advise him on human anatomy. One page of the manual was devoted entirely to an explanation of Tom Bowen's philosophy (something that had not been done before). Milton also sprinkled his own theories throughout the lessons, always careful to define which thoughts were his own. He did not change Bowen's basic 12 beginning lessons, but developed easier, more accurate ways they could be learned and used. Neither Milton nor Tom Bowen had time to write down actual moves, and it was Milton's belief that Bowen often used differing procedures for similar ailments, depending on the client. He also felt that Bowen passed on very little of what he actually used, to the six men he taught. Because they all had different professions, each had interpreted Bowen's philosophies according to their own background.

Now through BTI, Milton continued to introduce Bowen to numerous health organizations, and was interviewed on local radio several times. In October, 1997, Milton and Dr.Whitaker traveled to San Diego for a presentation to the Academy of Environmental Medicine, the first traditional medical journal to recognize and publish empirical research on Bowen therapy. Milton's demonstration was such a hit, the next presenter was moved forward, and Milton was inundated by interested physicians. Several months later, my sister, Lois Larimore, who had created and produced a TV show about alternative healing methods, flew Milton to Toronto in November, 1999, for an interview. The show is called, "the Age of e", and the episode is called East Meets West. Selected episodes may be purchased on Amazon.

Certainly Milton enjoyed teaching and engaging in powerful discussion with inquisitive students, but his first love was always the one on one experience with his clients. There were very few cases he couldn't help, and most were healed within one session. He would always ask family members to watch while he worked, explaining how they could help themselves in the future. Milton had bridged the gap between traditional and alternative medicine: hospitals asked him to consult, and local medical doctors referred to him. In between clients, he could be found on the phone, describing a simple procedure the caller could use, nearly always with positive results.

Many times, Milton told me he believed he was "born to do Bowen", and awoke each morning excited about what new ailments and maladies would come through the door. Milton understood the body is it's own best physician, and although the therapist's intent plays a role, it is important to not let the ego get in the way. Considering Milton's bodywork virtuosity, his humility was astonishing, his confidence supreme, yet subtle. He often remarked that the therapist should remember to get out of the way, "so nerves and muscles could remember their job descriptions."

Unfortunately, Milton's body sometimes had a difficult time remembering it's own job description, and by the year 2000, he was beginning to grow weary. Nicotine, stress, and poor diet (not that I didn't try... , but Milton was a "white bread kinda guy") had gradually taken their toll, and even though he quit drinking in the early 1990s, the combination was taking its toll on a cardiac system that was weak to begin with. (Although it's been written otherwise, Milton never drank while working on clients, or teaching classes.) One of Milton's cardiac moves had improved heart rhythms, and because he experimented on himself whenever possible, Milton discovered firsthand the remarkable effects of this move on his own arrhythmic difficulties. But the worn down system had difficulty eliminating fluid, and he developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by 2002. On January 14, 2003, Milton made his passage to the next life, and although the cause of death was technically COPD, Milton's heart, and time, just gave out.

However, his heart goes on through every person who gives and receives Bowen in North America. Because of Milton's energetic, passionate promotion, Bowen continues on the continent today. The best legacy, of course, is direct continuation of his work, and Bowen Therapy International gives instruction in California, and in Florida.

Sharing those years with Milt was a whirlwind experience, and I'm still here long past my original prognosis, because I have continued to receive Bowen Therapy from 1989 to the present. Tom Bowen and Milton Albrecht were both extraordinary men, and it has been an honor to have played a small role in helping to introduce such a miraculous healing modality as Bowen Therapy.

Like her husband, Milton, Deni was born in Auburn, California 5 1/2 years later. She attended local schools and was active in music, sports and student government. Deni holds bachelor's degrees from UC Berkeley and a master's degree in social work obtained at California State University, Sacramento.

Deni began playing trumpet and guitar at the age of 9. She was performing solo and with small groups within four years, also teaching private and classroom guitar. Music, and related pursuits, was clearly Deni's greatest love as she branched out into composing, arranging and choral direction. Many other interests occupied her time; she coached the Sierra Foothill League springboard diving team, enjoyed playing golf and snow skiing, and created a portfolio of portrait, landscape and wildlife photography.

After almost a year of experiencing sensory problems, Deni was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1973. Diagnostic tools were somewhat limited, and within three years, she had consulted ten specialists, all with varying degrees of agreement. Throughout this time, Deni continued to be active, even being selected as one of the first women to march in the University of California Marching Band.

Unable to continue in music, Deni participated in local hospice and food bank programs, as she pursued her master's degree. She held positions in hospital social services, county mental health and disability services case work, until she could no longer work a regular schedule. Wishing to remain active in her community, Deni was a member of the Auburn General Plan committee and volunteered with local and state wildlife conservation groups.

Her symptoms were unusual when compared with most ms cases; she experienced no fatigue, cognitive or visual problems. Because the only symptom Deni experienced was muscle spasticity which progressed slowly up her body, she could, for some time, continue with many of the activities she loved. However, progressive disability continued, and participation in an experimental study at Wayne State University revealed a dual diagnosis of Lyme disease in 1996.

During a trip to Australia to attend her sister's wedding in 1989, Deni was introduced to the Australian hands-on alternative healing therapy known as the Bowen Technique. Several months later, the Albrechts sponsored the first Bowen Seminar held in North America and Deni became the Bowtech North American Coordinator from its inception until 1997.

Bowen Therapy has had extremely positive results in Deni's condition and she is committed to Bowen Therapy International, and the education, research and promotion of this amazing alternative healing modality.

INSTRUCTORS

Cheryll Hillier - FL

Former Instructors: Joan Baker - CA: To learn more about Joan, see our History page.