Bowen Therapy for Humans
Bowen Therapy is a soft tissue physical therapy that addresses the body’s fascia.
Bowen Therapy is a holistic body technique based on the work of Tom Bowen. Tom developed Bowen in the 1960’s through his own study and practice and had his own clinic where he would treat up to sixty people per day.
Fascia is the connective tissue that forms a continuous 3-D sheath throughout the entire body. It literally holds us together and is woven around and throughout muscles, ligaments, bone, nerves, veins, lymph and organs. The Bowen move is a hands on form of bodywork. It is both gentle and non-invasive. A series of moves are selectively placed at various junctions on the body to stimulate the fascia. This helps to release adhesion’s, balance and restore equilibrium and results in overall improved levels of health. Bowen’s essence and strength is that it is an holistic therapy that addresses the whole body.
Bowen calms the nervous system by stimulating the proprioceptors (nerve receptors) and prompts the body to shift from the sympathetic ”fight or flight” mode, to parasympathetic “rest and repair” mode .
The gentle application of Bowen means it is suited for all ages from babies and children to the elderly.
“My husband and I have both received Bowen treatment for our backs and have found this very satisfying Jacquie is very knowledgeable with the procedure and has done a lot of research.“
~ Lynn
What conditions can Bowen Therapy help you with?
NEUROLOGICAL
Headaches
Migraines
Parkinsons / PSP
Multiple Sclerosis
Ataxia
Vertigo
Bell’s Palsy
Concussions
Stroke Rehabilitation
MENTAL HEALTH
ADD/ ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep Disorders/ Insomnia
Stress
MUSCULOSKELETAL
Arthritis / Joint Pain
Back and Neck Pain
Frozen Shoulder
Knee Pain
Plantar Fasciitis / Bunions
Sprains and Strains
Jaw Problems / TMJ Misalignment
Pelvic Tilt / Leg Length / Hip Imbalance
Postural Issues / Lordosis / Kyphosis / Scoliosis
Repetitive Strain Injury
Tennis / Golfer’s Elbow
Sports Injuries
Sciatica
Rehabilitation Post Surgery
Stiffness / Poor Mobility
Achilles Tendonitis
Whiplash
REPRODUCTIVE / PREGNANCY / BABIES
Menstrual Pain
Infertility
Back and Pelvic Pain during Pregnancy
PMS / Hot Flushes
Mastitis
Colic / Reflux in Babies
Infant Unsettledness
OTHER CONDITIONS
Allergies
Bedwetting
Digestive issues
Constipation
Incontinence
Respiratory Issues / Asthma / Hayfever
Sinus
Chronic Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Lymphatic Conditions
Tinnitus
Please download the form, fill it out and take it with you to your first appointment, or simply get in touch if you have any questions.
How does Bowen's Soft Tissue Physical Therapy differ to regular Massage Therapy?
Bowen's soft tissue physical therapy addresses the entire body's fascia, rather than a single issue - the fascial system provides the body with functional structure and runs from your head to your toes. There are no oils used and light clothing may be worn.
Bowen therapy involves pauses or "waits" for a couple of minutes to allow your body time to respond to the moves.
Because it is very gentle and requires minimal pressure, it is suitable for babies and the elderly.
Bowen Therapy addresses the nervous system and uses the body's innate sense to heal itself so after a treatment your body can go on responding and processing changes for seven to ten days.
To find our more you can contact Jacqui at Bowen Central
“I have had a long standing groin injury for five years that has continued to be re-aggravated with further accidents and had become a chronic pain condition with inflammation around the tendon. I had long standing physio treatments with temporary relief, I then heard about Bowen Therapy and decided to give it a go. I have had four treatments so far and can say after the third treatment, I found a marked improvement. My limp is now very occasional and usually only after sitting for a period of time. My pain is declining after each treatment and I am close to being pain free. I am now getting back into activities that I haven’t been able to do comfortably for some time. It is fantastic that Jacqui comes to your home and she makes you feel so comfortable and relaxed. For me, I can say Bowen is a positive experience and I am going to continue to have maintenance treatments with the goal to be totally pain free in the near future.”
~ Sue
The Bowen Central Process
BEFORE TREATMENT
Think about your expectations from the treatment. What are you hoping to gain? Increased mobility and range of motion, reduced pain?
I encourage my clients to drink water more frequently before a treatment. This is to hydrate the fascia and help the body flush away any metabolic waste. Wear loose fitting clothing to your treatment. Please consider what you wear to a treatment so you can be comfortable and the moves can be effective.
Allow 60-90 minutes for your first treatment as you will fill in a client information form and history. Subsequent treatments will generally last 45-60 minutes.
Please download and fill in the New Client Intake Form and bring it with you to your first appointment.
TREATMENT
Your first session will include a comprehensive assessment and consultation to identify any areas of concern.
Treatments are performed lying down on a massage table but can also be applied in a seat or standing. A series of specifically placed moves are applied.
Between these moves the body is given time to rest for two minute breaks so it can process the information its received and move into a deeper relaxation before the next series of moves. These waits are essential to the treatment. Falling asleep during a treatment is common and encouraged.
POST TREATMENT
Avoid long hot showers/baths or wheat bag applications to your problem area for 24 hours after your treatment. Try and rest as much as possible in the 24 hours after your first treatment, although sitting for long periods of time should be avoided – move around every 20 minutes.
Drink plenty of water. Although Bowen is gentle, reactions after treatment can be extremely variable. Some people, if dehydrated can feel achy, tired and some muscle discomfort, whereas others will feel great with more energy and reduced pain. Both these reactions are quite normal and your body will be responding over the next week to the signals it has been given.
How often should you have treatment?
Generally most conditions require 2-3 treatment sessions spaced a week apart. Acute conditions may need treatments every 2-3 days where as chronic conditions will generally require more treatments spaced a week apart in the beginning, then as progress is made, the duration span of treatments can be spaced further apart. Preventative or maintenance treatments are of great benefit to keep the body injury free and in a state of optimal balance.