Bowen Therapy
Bowen is a light touch (non-manipulative) holistic therapy which facilitates the body to heal itself.
Tom Bowen (1916-1982), of Geelong, Victoria, Australia was a family man who worked as a general hand in a cement works. He also spent time running the Salvation Army Boy’s club helping coach youngsters in sports. His healing work evolved over time through his observation of the body, working with chiropractors/osteopaths and his knowledge gained from books. He developed his own intuitive way of working. His methods are now being taught in many countries with growing success.
WHAT CAN BOWEN BE USED FOR?
Some of the many problems known to have responded to Bowen:
- Musculoskeletal problems/ sports injuries/ RSI/ Whiplash
- Tension headaches/ Migraines/ TMJ problems
- Frozen shoulder/ tennis elbow
- Back problems/ Sciatica/ Body misalignment
- Hamstring/ Knee/ Achilles/ Ankle problems
- Pain management
- Asthma
- Hay fever
- Digestive problems
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Infant colic
- PMT
- Low mood
Bowen is suitable for all ages.
Therapists do not diagnose, alter your medication or claim to ‘cure’ you.
BOWEN THERAPY IS NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR IF IN DOUBT.
ABOUT TREATMENT
Treatment is usually done lying on a treatment bed/ couch but can be done sitting or standing. It usually lasts about 30–60 minutes and is best done through lightweight clothing or directly on skin. Client comfort and modesty is of prime importance. Occasionally it might be necessary to examine your musculoskeletal structure without some of your clothing but you would never be asked to remove underwear or expected to remove any clothing unless you are comfortable doing so. During treatment you will be covered with a towel or blanket. All treatments are individually tailored based on how you have been in between treatments and on what the therapist assesses your body to need at that time.
A series of gentle rolling movements in precise areas are done on muscles and soft tissue with short breaks between (when the therapist will leave the room in order to let your body respond to 'The Bowen Moves'). You will always have the opportunity for feedback and discussion.
It is recommended to have a course of at least three treatments initially; this is in order to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. If there is no change or improvement during that time then the therapist and client will discuss how best to proceed. Many clients like to have periodic well–being or maintenance therapy once they have experienced the benefits of Bowen.
It is advised that clients are not receiving other remedial therapies such as massage or acupuncture whilst receiving Bowen. This is because too many different therapies can be difficult for the body to cope with and it makes it difficult to determine which therapy is helping.
