Gentle treatment for muscular disorders, stress and tension based problems, respiratory symptoms and body balancing
Our bodies are continually exposed to physical, mental and emotional stress and all too often we ask too much of ourselves. For the most part we take it for granted that we can cope, but sometimes things go wrong!
WHAT IS THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE?
The Bowen Technique is a remedial therapy which treats the whole body. It allows the body to do the repair work itself when there is a breakdown in the system. It is a very gentle, non-intrusive therapy which promotes healing, pain relief and recovery of energy. It is a very relaxing treatment which can be performed through light clothing
The brain is very reliant upon information that is sent to it from the body, and it is continually looking for points of reference that will establish what course of action needs to be taken. During a Bowen treatment the brain will extract the information needed to make the necessary readjustments to restore the status quo.
Osteopaths, chiropractors, sports therapists and physiotherapists are among the many professional practitioners who use The Bowen Technique, and all who practise are continually amazed at the effectiveness of this simple, gentle form of therapy.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
During the treatment muscles, soft tissue, nerve endings and energy are disturbed within the body. The brain sends out electrical signals at a tremendous rate. In the region of 6,000,000 impulses leave the brain every second and return in the form of information. The brain then has to work hard to decode the information, decide what is valid and then act accordingly.
The brain is continually making adjustments to our body, such as temperature, digestive enzymes, fluid levels, heart rate etc. etc. Mostly we are oblivious of all the adjustments made by the brain, based on the information we transmit, whether reliable or otherwise! When the body relaxes, as it does during a Bowen treatment, the brain can focus on the messages being sent via muscles, nerve endings and soft tissue and begin to take corrective action. These messages continue after the treatment, but the response can be quite rapid.
WHAT DOES A TREATMENT INVOLVE?
A Bowen Treatment will last approximately 45 minutes, although the first session is more likely to last an hour due to the initial period of consultation. Most of the work can be performed through light clothing. The practitioner uses thumbs and fingers on precise points on the body to make gentle rolling type moves which aim to disturb the muscles, soft tissue, nerve endings and energy within the body. The client is very relaxed, and ideally drifts into an ‘alpha state’ - that wonderful feeling of being “nearly asleep, but not quite”.
During the treatment there are short periods where the client is left resting to allow the body to absorb the moves that have been performed. This gives the body time to begin to make the fine adjustments which help to relieve tension, reduce pain and initiate the healing process. The Bowen Technique encourages the body to realign itself. There is no manipulation or adjustment of hard tissue and no force is used. The Bowen Technique is not a form of massage.
Two or three treatments at weekly intervals are often enough to achieve lasting relief, even from long standing pain, although sometimes further treatments may be required.
Some people like to have a Bowen treatment two or three times a year simply as an all round body balancer.
WHAT CAN IT SAFELY TREAT?
The good thing about Bowen is that there are no situations where it cannot be used safely and effectively. As well as structural or muscular problems, The Bowen Technique also has a profound effect on a whole range of organic conditions. The most common presentations are neck and back pain, shoulder restrictions (or “frozen shoulder”), and the general aches and pains with which we may all be afflicted from time to time.
It can also be useful for other less obvious problems such as:
There are in fact many other problems which can successfully be treated by Bowen therapy, but the above list gives an indication of the broad range of problems it can address.
WHO CAN IT TREAT?
The Bowen Technique is suitable for people of all ages, from babies to the elderly.
It is also safe for use on pregnant women, and in fact is very helpful in easing backache and morning sickness problems. It is also a very good choice of treatment for the terminally ill.
CAN IT BE USED WITH OTHER THERAPIES?
To receive maximum benefit, it is recommended that other physical therapies are not mixed with The Bowen Technique, eg. massage, reflexology, physiotherapy etc. This is because conflicting messages are sent to the brain It can however work in conjuction with homeopathy, aromatherapy and various other non-physical treatments.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
A treatment costs £30 and lasts up to an hour. One treatment may be sufficient, but two to three is more usual.
WHERE DO I GO FOR TREATMENT?
Treatments take place at :
Thirsk Natural Health Clinic
1 Roses Yard
Thirsk
North Yorkshire
Tel: 01845 545555
Treatments can also take place at Birdforth Hall, Birdforth, which is equidistant between Thirsk and Easingwold, on the A19 in North Yorkshire
Home visits within a 20 mile radius of Birdforth can be arranged. This carries an additional fee of £20.