FAQ
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM BOWEN THERAPY?
Bowen Therapy is a very gentle technique and as a result is suitable for infants through to the elderly. EVERY BODY needs Bowen!
HOW DOES BOWEN THERAPY WORK?
The therapist makes gentle cross fibre moves on the body predominantly across muscles but sometimes also ligaments, tendons and nerve bundles which sends messages to the brain via the nervous system telling the Body to “Rest and Reset”. Bowen Therapy focuses on changing the nervous system from the Flight or Fright mode (sympathetic) to the Rest and Repair Mode (parasympathetic). This explains the deep sense of relaxation that is achieved during a treatment and allows positive changes to occur both physically, emotionally, energetically and even spiritually within the body as a result of this relaxed state. Bowen Therapy works superficially on the fascia of the body. Fascia is connective tissue made up of tightly woven collagen fibres that encases all of the muscles, bones, arteries, veins and organs with the body. Fascia is only in the last 20 years being recognised and researched within the field of medicine and so far the research is exciting with some research claiming the fascial network within the body has a faster communication network than the nervous system. Bowen Therapy due to its gentle nature helps to re-hydrates the fascial network which can allow for improved function of organs and body tissues as a result.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOWEN AND MASSAGE?
During a massage the massage therapist using reptetitive movements is encouraging the muscles to release during the treatment. Bowen Therapy in comparison gives the body the input to allow the body to resolve the imbalances itself during the treatment and over the next few days. Bowen movements help to “reset” individual muscle tone to allow the muscles to function correctly again. For example if a muscle is too tight the Bowen move will encourage the muscle to relax and if the muscle is too loose (inhibited) it will encourage the muscle to return to its correct functioning capacity.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I REQUIRE?
As a standard for treating a chronic or acute issue it is good to start with 1 treatment per week for 3 weeks. From here, you and your therapist can decide, based on the results achieved, how to proceed. Things that can contribute to how effective Bowen Therapy can be for an individual can vary and there is no one size fits all approach. Things that determine effectiveness from one individual to the next include: How long you have had the pain or condition. What caused the pain or condition. If you are continuing to re injure (think work or sports postures or actions) If you are completing your take home stretching and strengthening exercises your therapists advises to complete. Once the initial injury or complaint is resolved most clients enjoy receiving one treatment every 4-6 weeks to maintain how they are feeling and to avoid re-injury.
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO MY OWN HEALING?
Your therapist will also work closely with you to help determine what other lifestyle factors may be contributing to your ailments. Acute or chronic pain can leave us feeling not like ourselves at all and can contribute to our moods and overall outlook on life. A significant part of the effectiveness of a Bowen Treatment from one person to the next is often the willingness to commit to any stretches or strengthening exercises your therapist may recommend. These stretches and strengthening exercises help to keep pain away for good and minimise re-injury.