Bowen Therapy is a non-invasive, deeply magical form of bodywork. Bowen Therapy literally turned my personal life and bodywork career around when I was in pain and no other alternative therapies seemed to make a dent in the pain that I was experiencing daily.
Mind you, I was at that time a Massage Therapist. So, I was highly skeptical about a therapy where clients still kept their clothes on, the Bowen Therapist barely touched the body, AND then left the room for minutes. How would this ever work on helping the pain that I was experiencing?
I'm sure I even mumbled a few curse words under my breath about wasting my time and money on this session... but I was desperate and would try anything. I tried everything from massage, chiropractic, physical therapy, energy work, and yet nothing helped more than a few days... until Bowen Therapy. After just one session, my pain reduced drastically, and the results far outlasted the other therapies that I had tried. After a few sessions, my pain went away completely!! I immediately threw my blinders on and went through the training to become a Certified Bowen Therapist as fast I possibly could (which took 9-10 months). Since becoming a Bowen Therapist I no longer offer massage therapy. I see more results in faster turnaround time with my clients, and that delights me, as my main goal is for you to get out of pain and back to living your life.
Bowen Therapy addresses the entire body by restoring balance via the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS controls over 80% of bodily functions and is very susceptible to external stressors. Most people today live in a constant state of high stress and sympathetic ANS over-stimulation (fight, flight or freeze mode). Healing can occur only after the ANS shifts from sympathetic to parasympathetic dominance (rest, relax, and repair mode). Bowen seems to catalyze that shift. During sessions, clients often quickly drop into deep relaxation or even fall asleep. This indicates a profound release from stress and a shift towards parasympathetic dominance. This shift could explain, in part, the common observation that Bowen sessions seem to reactivate the recovery process in situations where healing from trauma, sickness, or surgery has stalled or reached a plateau.
In contrast to other hands-on modalities, where the practitioner imposes corrections through manipulation, Bowen Therapy facilitates the body in healing itself, with minimal intervention. Bowen is painless, non-invasive, and can provide lasting relief from a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions. It is a safe and effective therapy for people of all ages and at all levels of health, from the newborn to the elderly, the chronically ill to the competitive athlete. It can also be used for stress reduction, general wellness, and to enhance athletic performance.
- Back pain, scoliosis, and sciatica
- Digestive and bowel problems
- TMJ problems, earache, and vertigo
- Migraines and other types of headaches (caused by sinus or allergy issues)
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
- Crohn’s, Celiac, Rheumatoid arthritis, Restless leg syndrome, Raynaud’s syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, as well as other forms of autoimmune diseases
- Hip, knee, ankle, and foot problems
- Menstrual, hormonal irregularities, and fertility issues
- Neck, shoulder (including frozen shoulder), elbow, and wrist problems
- Groin pain, pelvic tilt, and uneven leg length
- Respiratory problems and hay fever
- Repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow
- Sports and other traumatic injuries
- Pelvic, low back, and sciatic pain during pregnancy
- Colic, feeding problems, asthma symptoms, or unsettled or distressed babies, and children (including neonates and infants as well as older children)
- Stress relief, anxiety, sleeplessness, relaxation, and/or regular tune ups.
- Allow one and a half hours for your first session and approximately an hour for follow-up sessions.
- Wear or bring lightweight, loose-fitting clothes that your practitioner can work through. Yoga clothes, shorts, sweat pants, and a t-shirt are perfect examples of loose-fitting clothing.
- During your session, the practitioner will leave the room after each procedure in order to allow your body time to respond.
- Following the session, some changes may be noticeable right away, such as reduced pain, greater range of motion, and a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
- You may notice changes over the next several days as your body continues the process that began during your session. Sound sleep and increased energy are commonly reported. It is important to stay hydrated during this time. It is not uncommon to feel old injuries, memories, and pains begin to resurface. Do not suppress these sensations. This is a sign your body is beginning to heal at a deeper level and it will pass usually within a few hours to a couple of days.
- Take daily walks to improve circulation and free joint restrictions. Try not to sit for more than 30 – 60 minutes at a time. Remember to get up, move, stretch, and walk around. Even a short 15 – 20 steps can make a huge difference!
- Rest and wait a week for your next session. All strenuous activity should be avoided that day of your treatment to give your body some time off. We typically wait a week to do a follow-up session, except for athletes and those who are going through intense training or in the case of re-injury or a new injury occurs.
- Avoid other body therapies for several days after your session to ensure your body’s nervous system has no interruptions.
- Oftentimes, various stretches and exercises will be recommended to enhance and facilitate your healing. Healthy range of motion and movement in the musculoskeletal system is also restored. This is an essential part of your care and will improve your results.
- Your therapist will determine your treatment plan during your first session. Your goals, current health, and response to the treatment will dictate how many sessions are necessary. It is important you complete your treatment plan for the best results.