Bowen Therapy is a non-invasive holistic physical therapy that is designed to offer pain relief via gentle muscle release technique. It is based on the principle that the body can heal itself, and is focused on gentle stimulation of specific area of the body, particularly the area around the spine as well as the fascia. The fascia is the connective tissue that occurs throughout the body - and together with the muscles and tendons is linked with the body's nervous system.
Bowen Therapy aims to activate the nervous system and allow it to begin to respond to the pain and correct it. Pain and disease are considered an imbalance under the therapy. Though it resembles massage, Bowen Therapy is far gentler and does not involve the same amount of stimulation. It is in fact more closely related to Eastern traditions that recognise that the body possesses a life force or 'chi' that needs to be kept in balance to maintain continued health.
After determining the client's medical history and presenting conditions, a treatment plan incorporating a sequence of moves is developed. Patients typically lie down on a treatment table, and can be treated fully clothed if needed. Treatment is typically focused on specific areas of the body, based on the condition and area of pain. The technique involves use of the fingers and thumbs in a series of rolling light touches. Regular breaks between the moves allow the body to adjust and heal itself. Each session takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes, with the number of treatments dependent on the condition being treated and patient response.
Bowen therapy has been demonstrated to alleviate a wide range of conditions, many characterised by painful symptoms that include:
Bowen therapy is beneficial for a wide range of conditions and is beneficial in a number of respects, including: