What is Bowen therapy?
Bowen Therapy (also known as the Bowen Technique) involves a series of gentle moves (usually a rolling-type motion) over certain points of our muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and joints. This sends signals through our body via the fascia, which is the soft connective tissue that joins our bones, muscles, tendons and nerves and which also serves to encase our organs, holding them in place.
So how does it work?
There are a number of ways of explaining how Bowen therapy can be so effective in treating a wide variety of conditions. As everyone is different, we all learn in different ways – and so you’re encouraged to find the explanation that best speaks to you.
How can Bowen therapy help?
Because the fascial (connective tissue) system interacts with the muscoskeletal, vascular, nervous and lymphatic systems, Bowen therapy can help with a wide variety of conditions. By focusing on treating the fascia, all these systems will potentially be self-regulating and restored by returning the body’s fascia to its original length, strength and function.
Bowen therapy is safe for all – from babies to the elderly and everyone in between, including pregnant women. Because of its holistic nature, Bowen can help with a broad range of conditions, such as (but not limited to):
sports injuries
musculoskeletal problems (such as back pain, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, etc.)
respiratory concerns (such as asthma and allergies such as hay fever, etc.)
chronic conditions
digestive issues
headaches and migraine
insomnia
stress
depression and anxiety
fertility concerns
hormonal imbalances
pre and post-operative treatment
baby colic
bedwetting
…and the list goes on (and on)! Please feel free to contact me for a confidential chat about how Bowen therapy can help you.
What to expect?
The client’s history is recorded at the initial treatment. Depending on the concerns expressed by the client, a few pre-treatment assessments (to determine range of movement and detect imbalances in the body, for instance) may be performed so that the Bowen therapist can get a better sense of the nature of the issues at hand. Bowen therapy is generally performed lying down, although in instances where lying is problematic due to pain or mobility issues, it can also be performed seated (or even standing!) The moves are performed through light clothing over certain muscles or tendons and are very gentle. Between each move is a ‘wait’ of a couple of minutes to allow the effects of the move to integrate into the body. During this time, the Bowen therapist usually leaves the room so that the client can relax in their own space.
A quiet environment is essential to allow the body and mind into a deeper (less superficial) sense of relaxation, devoid of any external stimulus that could be a distraction for the nervous system during treatment. Most people report feeling relaxed during a session and falling asleep is not uncommon. Generally speaking, many clients may see an improvement within one to three sessions, although more treatments may be required to help with more complex and/or longer-standing conditions.
How much will it cost?
Adult treatment: $90
School aged children: $70
Babies and toddlers: $40
Adult treatments usually last a little over an hour. Older children’s treatments are up to an hour and babies and toddlers are 15-30 minutes’ duration. If you wish to make an appointment for your child, please contact me directly.
Please note that people and animals are treated in separate rooms and at separate times of the day, and access the clinic via separate entrances.
