What is the Bowen Technique ?
Bowen Therapy is a soft tissue therapy that does not require adjustment or manipulation to gain results. It is unlike massage. Instead, it targets certain points on the body with gentle rolling movements to help it balance, repair and reset itself. It is usually performed through light clothing. Clients frequently experience an increase in energy, a reduction in pain and an improvement of function. Bowen is gentle, subtle and relaxing
What happens during a treatment?
After an initial consultation you will usually lie on a couch, or sit on a chair where this is more appropriate. I will then apply short sequences of rolling moves across specific muscle groups, tendons and ligaments using gentle, but measured pressure. After each sequence there will be short breaks where you will be left to rest allowing your body to respond to the moves that have been made. This rest period is an important part of the treatment and allows your body to respond and restore its own natural balance. After treatment tailored aftercare advice will be given in order to gain the most benefit. The length of a treatment will vary depending on the individual requirements but typically lasts between 45 minutes to an hour.
Who can be treated ?
The simplicity and effectiveness of Bowen Therapy makes it suitable for all ages including babies, the very elderly and can be used throughout pregnancy.
How many treatments will I need ?
Although everyone will respond differently to treatment, on average most people experience improvement after three to four sessions. Exceptions where people may require more treatments are those with a longstanding condition. Many people continue to visit their Bowen therapist on a regular basis every few months in order to maintain good health.
What can Bowen Therapy help ?
Although we treat the whole body, listed below are some conditions that respond well to the Bowen
- Back Pain/Sciatica
- General aches and pains
- Asthma / childhood Asthma
- Baby Colic
- Sports Injuries
- Stress/Tension/Anxiety/Depression
- Neck/Shoulder Problems/whiplash
- Frozen Shoulder/Tennis Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / RSI
- Hay Fever/Sinusitis
- Migraine/Headaches/Sinus
- Fatigue/ME
- Digestive System Problems/lBS
- Restless leg syndrome
- High Blood Pressure
- MS
- ADHD
Bowen for Babies and Children
Bowen therapy is safe and suitable for children and babies, even newborn babies.
Bowen movements are very gentle yet can relieve the discomfort babies experience from teething, colic or restless sleeping. All babies are different and the number of treatments required will vary. Usually after 1-3 treatments colic is likely to significantly decrease and baby becomes more relaxed, feeds better, has more frequent bowel movements and has a more restful sleep.
A typical session lasts no more than 30 minutes and these simple moves may be performed while the child is in your arms or just playing. Older children may be asked to lie on the treatment couch, and often enjoy this.
Bowen is effective in treating a range of sources of discomfort in babies and children.
Conditions that may respond favourably to Bowen for your child are:
Colic
Disrupted sleep
Impaired digestion or reflux
Bloated stomach, wind or constipation
Teething
Bedwetting
Asthma and respiratory problems
Colds, congestion or sinusitis
Postural imbalance or pelvic misalignment
Ear problems