body complete

bowen technique

what is bowen therapy™?

The Bowen Technique is gentle but an intentional remedial bodywork that works on the bodies soft and connective tissue. It applies pressure across our muscle fibres to trigger our sensory nerves, the status of the muscle fibre is sent to the brain which in turn initiates a self-correction within the body. This can be variable, releasing muscle tension or re-aligning a joint for example. Depending on the placement of the procedural moves, any of the following structures are receptive to activation or release during a treatment:

  • Muscles
  • Tendons
  • Fascia
  • Ligaments
  • Joint
  • Nerves
  • Bodily organs

The Bowen Technique is a wholistic approach to physical healthcare meaning that the entire body is addressed. The practitioner identifies the source of pain rather than solely treat a symptom by recognising muscle recruitment patterns that have been adopted through stress, injury or trauma to the body.

how does bowen technique work?

Every one of the bodies soft tissue is wrapped in a sheath of fibrous tissue called fascia, our body relies on feedback from our sensory nerves in order for our autonomic nervous system to react and make decisions about how we move and survive. Trauma or stress from an injury or situation can create tension within muscles that places our bodies into imbalance; this in the case of an injury is a natural protective mechanism. With an unbalanced muscle function we inevitably pickup compensatory movement patterns or 'bad habits'. These habits become automatic having created a movement memory and before we know it has become a way of life, just as we do when driving or feeding ourselves, it just happens. 'Touch' is an important process of this healing technique and although it is minimal, it is a catalyst for activating our sensory nerves. During a treatment the body will naturally go into a level of rest, in this state, muscles become relaxed and blood circulation is increased allowing equal tension between left and right, front and back, top to bottom of the body. It creates balance and with balance we are able to retrain our bodies to move structurally correct by using basic movement exercises.

what can be treated with bowen technique?

Because of the versatility Bowen Technique offers, anyone and everyone can benefit. Bowen Therapists will work in conjunction with other allied health therapist to ensure that our clients get the appropriate care for their individual situation.

Below is a list of conditions that are commonly presented during our treatments; however the Bowen Technique is not restricted to just these ailments. We do not claim to FIX, but to aid you through your recovery; majority of cases can be on their way to resolution after 2-3 treatments. There may be situations where you may require more (or less) and in some cases structural trauma may resist continuous improvement.

commonly addressed adult conditions are:

Frozen Shoulder   -    Carpal Tunnel/RSI   -    Rye Neck   -    Sciatica   -    Back Pain   -    Migraines/headaches   -    Jaw Ailment   -    Pregnancy   -    Fatigue/low energy levels   -    Sports & Trauma injuries Joint or muscle pain   -    Respiratory Problems   -    Scoliosis   -    Sinus   -    Plantar fasciitis/shin splints   -    Arthritis   -    Poor Circulation   -    SI Dysfunction/mil-aligned pelvis   -    Postural imbalance   -    Digestive Problems   -    Hormone/menstrual discomfort   -    Tendonitis   -    Sleep apnoea

commonly addressed infant & babies conditions are:

  • Infant Colic
  • Childhood asthma
  • Muscle tension and imbalanced posture
  • Unsettled & distressed babies
  • Feeding issues
  • Hyperactivity
  • Bedwetting

what to expect during a bowen technique treatment

During a treatment session, we ask series of questions to find out common elements to the pain you are experiencing. An initial consultation would involve a number of orthopaedic tests and postural analysis that will identify areas of tension, restriction or pain. Using this feedback, we select a number of bowen Technique procedures. Each procedure has specific positional moves that involve slight pressure followed by short pauses that allow the nervous system time to react to the feedback of the move. A treatment can last between 30-45 minutes and has a continuous lasting effect and influence for up to 10-14days after the initial treatment day. The Bowen Technique can be performed directly on skin or through light clothing which ever allows you to be most comfortable.

It is important to allow the body to act subconsciously; therefore the treatment room will be presented in a manner that minimises any external influences that may confuse the autonomic nervous system. So when appropriate, a treatment room will have dim lighting and minimal conversation and music unless these factors aid the client into relaxation. You will be lying on a traditional massage table but the Bowen Technique can be done standing or sitting when circumstances require it.

With the release of stress or tension within the body, sometimes there is a feeling of emotion or physical discomfort. This can reflect memories that were created by or during these stressed times or trauma to the body, but they are temporary and can be dealt with easily so it is important to communicate this information to your therapist it will help them help you. When a correction has been made in your movement, you begin to use different muscles and that can also create soreness within the muscles while they adapt to being used again, it is a good soreness and will pass as it does with new exercises in the gym! This indicates change, and change is positive when you are in pain or stress, and it tells us that the Bowen Technique work has been effective.

what to do following a bowen technique treatment

Oxygen is what helps aid our bodies during recovery; therefore it is important to keep moving as movement will maintain the oxygen circulating through the body. Initially LIGHT EXERCISE is best, walking, swimming bike riding etc but it is important to recognise movements that irritate your condition and temporarily stop that activity. To continue doing this action would not give the body time to heal and either delay your recovery time or prevent any repair at all. REMEMBER it is better to stop for a short time than risk permanent injury.

Drink lots of WATER, hydrated muscles are relaxed muscles. Water is the best communication tool within our bodies; it eliminates nasty from your body and keeps the matrix of our fibres structurally sound. Water forms 55-80% of our bodies! How can it not be important?

You may initially, and depending on your body, require a few treatments close together, FEEDBACK is important for Bowen Therapists, so if you have concerns on what you are experiencing call them! Or, make a diary note of any changes you are experiencing. Again, it is all relevant and will help direct your treatment in the right direction which is only going to benefit you.

Because the Bowen Technique continues to influence the body for 5-14 days after treatment day it is important not to mix your course of sessions with other (manipulative) therapies.

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