Bowen Therapy Treatment
About Bowen Therapy
As a Bowen Therapy Practitioner, very few people know about or understand what Bowen Therapy is. Although. it is starting to become more known I feel there still needs to be lots more education and awareness (both to other health practitioners and the public) before it becomes well known like remedial massage, acupuncture, and other health modalities.
When I am asked what I do for work, if I answer with “I am a remedial massage therapist” the conversation keeps flowing, because we all know (or a majority of us know, what a remedial massage is). However, if I’m asked, and I say “I’m a Bowen Therapist”, I will 90% of the time get a response, “What is that?”
Bowen Therapy is a relatively new modality (developed in the 1950’s by an Australian, Tom Bowen), and the technique started being taught in 1986, and is unlike any other treatment I have come across.
Both Bowen Therapy and Remedial Massage are very relaxing but some of the key differences include:
- Bowen Therapy addresses the ENTIRE BODY, rather than focusing on a single complaint.
- Your body is doing what it needs to do to heal itself in a Bowen Treatment.
- Bowen Therapy involves one or more ‘procedures’ each consisting of several sets of ‘moves’. Between each set of moves, the practitioner pauses for a couple of minutes for the client’s body to respond (this is when the client may feel sensations). Once the body has responded, the next moves are done.
- Bowen Therapy works on the following mechanisms: stretch reflex, joint proprioception, fascia, acupuncture points and meridians, lymphatics, detoxification, and harmonic vibration.
- No oil is used in Bowen Therapy sessions, and light clothing may be worn.
- Bowen Therapy is very GENTLE. It makes a great treatment for babies and elderly, as it requires minimal pressure and minimal intervention.
- Bowen Therapy is subtle and very calming. Your body may continue to process and respond to treatment for up to 10 days following a session.
- There are very few contraindications with Bowen therapy.
- Treatment lasts between 45-60mins.
- From first-hand experience, Bowen therapy can unravel past traumas associated with the body and works really well with the mind body.
- Bowen Therapy may be able to correct a problem after 3 treatments.
Treatment
A treatment usually lasts from 45mins to an hour to an hour and frequently results in a deep sense of overall relaxation.
Treatment is carried out through light clothing whilst the client lies on a bed, although treatment can be carried out just as effectively if the client is in a chair or standing. Bowen does not use force or manipulation and there is no pain involved which makes it ideal for clients suffering from conditions such as fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, and is perfect for use with all ages from babies to the elderly.
It is recommended that the client starts with a course of 3-4 treatments with a break of 5-10 days in-between treatments and then top-up as and when required.
Bowen Therapy is a complimentary therapy. A practitioner will not try to diagnose or treat a specific condition and will not prescribe or suggest altering any medication. That is your doctor’s job and what he/she is trained to do. If a practitioner feels you may require specific exercises to help strengthen muscles in a particular area, they will refer you to a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor.
