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Bowen Therapy
Where
did it originate
The Bowen Technique was pioneered by Thomas Ambrose Bowen, born
in Geelong, Australia in 1916. Tom developed a great interest in
body work. He began by observing sports trainers and others at work
and by the time he was in his early 40's, this gifted man had established
a full time practice in remedial therapy using the technique he
had developed.
What does the treatment involve?
The practitioner uses thumbs and fingers on precise points on the
body to make gently rolling moves, which aim to disturb the muscles,
tendons, soft tissue and energy within the body. The technique does
not involve osteopathy type manipulations and is not a form of massage.
It is a non-invasive, non-diagnostic holistic therapy that is non-intrusive,
gentle and very effective. It can be performed with the client stripped
to underwear (preferably) or through light clothing and each session
lasts approximately 40-60 minutes. In many cases longstanding pain
can be relieved in 2-3 sessions, although further treatments may
be required in some situations. People who receive the therapy are
amazed that a treatment, which feels so gentle, can be so effective.
Nevertheless the technique works.
The technique is safe for people of all ages and because it is so
gentle, adults as well as children can be treated. The client has
the opportunity to relax while the treatment is taking place. Overall,
the treatment helps to rebalance the body, relieve tension and reduce
pain.
How does it work?
The Bowen technique is a treatment that sets the body up to heal
itself. The rolling Bowen moves over soft tissue, tendons and muscle,
encourages re-balancing and re-alignment of the body. Apart from
the initial improvement achieved during the therapy session, improved
working of the circulation, lymphatics and muscle condition allows
the self healing process to continue for several days following
the treatment.
Three successive treatments are recommended at weekly intervals
to encourage continuing improvement and achieve lasting relief from
even long standing pain. Additional treatment may be required for
complex conditions or if re-injury occurs.
One unusual feature of the technique is the short gaps during the
treatment when the practitioner leaves the client to rest. Though
often considered strange to people having the therapy for the first
time, this is an important part of the technique allowing the body
to rest and absorb the effects of the moves.
What conditions respond well to the Bowen
Technique?
Musculo skeletal pain: Frozen
shoulder/Shoulder pain/Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/RSI/wrist
& hand problems, TMJ Syndrome (jaw misalignment), Postural problems,
Neck/whiplash injuries, Knee and hip restrictions/Foot & ankle
problems, Back/pelvic & hip problems/knee/ankle/shin splints,
Sciatica, Accident/sporting injuries/improved sporting performance,
Muscle pain/sensitivity/numbness
Respiratory Problems: Asthma,
Bronchitis, Hay Fever, Sinusitis
Digestive Disorders: Constipation,
Colic, Indigestion, IBS
Also: Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Migraine/Headaches,
Tinnitus/Vertigo balance problems, Bed Wetting in Children
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Sheila Hindis a Member of the Bowen Therapy Professional
Association (BTPA), International Council of Holistic Therapists (MICHT) and Complementary Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) .
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Since qualifying as a Bowen practitioner with the European College of
Bowen Studies (ECBS) in March 2004, she has specialised in this
particular therapy. As part of her continuous professional development
she has attended ECBS Advanced Bowen courses and recently completed an
'Extensions to Bowen' course. The knowledge gained at this particular
course has in many cases enabled the resolution of a wider range of
client conditions and problems. In addition to her knowledge and
interest in Bowen therapy, she also has an ITEC qualification in Stone
massage and VTCT qualifications in reflexology and massage therapy. Prior to
undertaking therapy work, Sheila used to work in science and
engineering and has an HNC in chemistry.
Emmett Technique
Sheila is also qualified as a full practitioner in the Emmett technique. The Emmett Technique is a unique body therapy technique created by an Australian, Ross Emmett. This treatment offers a way to help ease pain and discomfort and may benefit many conditions.
The technique involves the application of light pressure small moves at particular points and in sequences that enables
the gentle physical release of muscles groups. The treatment can be done through light garments and can be combined with Bowen which enhances the outcome of treatments.
Some of the symptoms which may be relieved using this technique :-
- Neck and shoulder discomfort
- Reduces headaches and sinus discomfort
- Assists back and hip discomfort
- Improves knee and ankle restrictions
- Aids forearm and grip strength
- Improves body symmetry and balance
- Increases lung capacity and body flexibility
For more information about Ross Emmett, visit
www.rossemmett.com.au.
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video about the Emmett Technique |
A case study of Bowen treatment for Stress, back neck pain
" I was first introduced to Bowen therapy by a friend at work. She was experiencing hip problems and said that she found that the technique worked in alleviating the pain and aiding her well-being. At the time I was suffering with an old recurring whip-lash injury, but didn’t want to see an osteopath and have my bones crunched. With a little caution, I decided to give it a whirl and after one session I found a marked improvement. After a return visit my symptoms completely disappeared.
The Bowen therapist that I had seen previously unfortunately no longer practises, so the next time I required treatment turned to the Bowen therapist at Cheshire Natural Health(CNH). This time I had just experienced a rather stressful period in my life, which caused my neck injury to return and further back complications.
The Bowen treatment experienced at CNH was far better than my previous treatments. The therapist treated me over a few months and my general health, stress, neck and back problems improved and I started to feel normal person again.
Bowen is a great therapy that works with your whole body – and stimulates the body to heal itself. It is a gentle, but effective therapy. After a treatment session, it may be a few days before you feel the full effects, but the effects are noticeable in the problem area and your whole body feels restored.
I strongly recommend Bowen therapy at Cheshire Natural Health and so much so that family and friends also attend and all agree – it’s simply the best form of treatment."
Julie Goodwin
11-02-09
Useful links:
www.bowentherapists.com
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