Bowen Technique
Bowen Technique is an Australian bodywork technique developed by the late Mr Tom Bowen. It is different to traditional massage since it does not require oil, can be done through clothing, and works across the fibre of the muscle and not with it. Where traditional massage is flowing and substantial and can be quite deep, Bowen is more superficial and can seem disjointed due to breaks between the sets of moves.
During a session the therapist will move several fascial points and then leave you to rest for 2-3 mins, this will be repeated many times throughout the session. If you feel the urge to sleep don’t fight it, you may even get more out of your treatment session. Having completed the session some people feel that very little has been achieved, and compared to other forms of massage that is understandable. Some people feel a release taking place immediately, however the full effect of the treatment will take a few days to work. A couple of follow up visits is usually all that is necessary.
The technique is very valuable in sporting injuries and general accidents. It assists a wide range of muscle and skeletal disorders, and also assists many internal imbalances of the body’s systems.
The following are just a few of the bodily disorders that have responded well to Bowen therapy.
• Back and neck injuries
• Shoulder arm and hip injuries
• Fatigue
• Nervous stress
• Digestive disorders
• Respiratory difficulties
• Menstrual disorders
After your Bowen treatment
1) Immediately following your visit it is important not to be sitting around too long (no more than an hour at a time). If travelling by car bus or train, be sure to break your journey, or walk around every hour.
2) During the first two days after you treatment the body is going through a re-alignment process. Symptoms can sometimes increase during that time, while the inflammation is shifting. It is important to ride this out until the body has completed this change. Do not use muscle liniments or heat or hot baths. Avoid ice packs and only use cold packs if necessary to ease any pain.
3) No massage, trigger point therapy, Shiatsu or other muscle traumatising treatment should be undertaken while you are having your course of Bowen therapy.
4) Drink 2 litres of water daily
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