WHAT IS BOWEN THERAPY?
A series of small, gentle rolling moves done on the skin, using fingers or thumbs. It can benefit the muscle, fascia (the lining around muscle, ligament, tendon, blood vessels, nerves), and lymphatic system (drainage and detox). Bowen utilises a cross fibre muscle release technique but is able to treat tendons, ligaments and nerves due to its effect on the fascia.
WHAT CAN IT DO FOR ME?
So much...whether it is acute pain (eg whiplash, muscle strain/sprain, sciatic pain) or a chronic issue (eg tendonitis, headaches, anxiety, frozen shoulder), Bowen can address the pain and discomfort in a gentle, non- invasive way. Clients often respond after one treatment, but may need up to 3 sessions for complete resolution.
BOWEN THERAPY CAN ADDRESS:
Upper Body/ head: migraines/headaches, sinus, jaw (TMJ) pain, hay fever, ear problems e.g. tinnitus, Meniere's, upper respiratory tract infections.
Upper body/ trunk/ neck/ upper limbs: whiplash, torticollis ( wry neck), frozen shoulder, any restriction in arm/ shoulder movement, RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, golfer/tennis elbow, breast tenderness ( PMT, cysts, lumpiness, mastitis), pec and shoulder muscle problems related to a sport or exercise injury, asthma symptoms, mid back pain, digestive
discomfort.
Upper body/ organs/ systems: hormone imbalance, oedema or fluid retention, urinary problems.
Upper body/ pelvis/ low back: asymmetry or imbalance in hips, leg length etc, hip problems such as arthritis pain or bursitis, gluteal tendonopathy, groin injuries, low back pain, ilio- sacral problems, sciatica, muscle spasm/ cramps.
Lower body: coccyx pain, thigh muscle injury, hamstring and knee pain, calf strain, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, toe/ foot/ ankle issues such as hammer toe, bunions, gout, arthritis.
General: increased energy, deep relaxation, detoxification, anxiety, and a balancing of energy flow (or Qi) in the body.
WHY HAVEN'T I HEARD OF IT BEFORE?
Bowen therapy was developed in the 1950's by Tom Bowen in Victoria. He initially treated his wife for her asthma, but over many years treated football players, the elderly, children and everyone in between for various injuries and health problems. His observation and palpation (touch) skills, combined with a sequence of specific moves on the body, saw him treat thousands of clients for problems that other therapies couldn't address (eg coccyx pain, restless leg syndrome) right through to complaints that were not responding to traditional body therapies such as massage. It is becoming more well known as people experience the benefits of a therapy that is "no pain, all gain"...
On a personal note... I have been having Bowen Therapy for many years now and have always found it relieved my low back, hamstring, and neck pain when nothing else would. The relief is usually within 1-2 treatments, and it would be long-lasting. It is my "go to" treatment when I have specific pain issues, and when my stress levels need attention!
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