Bowen Therapy: a Beautiful Treatment

By: Krista Tait, Registered Massage Therapist

I’m Krista, one of Stride’s Massage Therapists. Today, I’m sharing about a special therapy that is part of my practice! While many of you may think about the more traditional forms of massage, you might not have heard about this one. So, let’s talk about Bowen Therapy, and then we’ll look at a variety of conditions it can help with. In the end, you might be surprised by what you learn!

What Is Bowen Therapy?

Bowen Therapy is based on the work of the Australian therapist, Tom Bowen. This is a massage technique that focuses on specific movements of muscle and connective tissue, in order to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries. Bowen Therapy addresses every system in the body, including internal organ systems, as well as the musculoskeletal structure. These gentle movements send neurological signals to the brain, which then responds with impulses that realign the body. Respecting the feedback loop between your brain and body is essential for your body to restore its own natural balance.

Who Can Bowen Therapy Help?

It is appropriate for all ages, from babies to the elderly. In brief, it is manual, gentle, and non-invasive!

What Conditions Does Bowen Therapy Treat?

Bowen Therapy often steps in when other modalities have failed. It provides significant relief to patients who suffer from the following symptoms:

1. 1. 1. Muscular and skeletal problems in neck, shoulder, hip, knees, ankle and back. This includes sciatica, whiplash, and fibromyalgia.
      2. Frozen shoulder, tennis and golfer’s elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
      3. Problems with posture and body alignment.
      4. Migraines and recurring headaches.
      5. Bell’s Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and issues resulting from a stroke.
      6. Respiratory problems including asthma, bronchitis, and hay fever.
      7. Sports and work-related injuries.
      8. Digestive conditions, such as kidney problems, constipation, colic, IBS, indigestion, diverticulitis, colitis, and Crohn’s Disease.
      9. High blood pressure.
      10. Arthritis.
      11. Hormonal and gynaecological conditions. In essence, pregnancy and fertility problems, infertility (male and female), PMS, breast lumps, menopause, and more.
      12. Stress management, fatigue, and sleep problems.
      13. General relaxation.
      14. Pre-op and post-op recovery time.
      15. Bedwetting.
      16. Anxiety and depression.

What Does a Bowen Treatment Look Like?

Treatments are one hour long, and are conducted every 7-10 days. The body continues to process the treatments for 5-10 days after. In order to be effective, it is recommended that you do not see other practitioners until your entire treatment is complete.

How Many Visits do I Need?

Minor problems can be resolved in just one session with a massage therapist, compared to more complex problems that sometimes require 4-6 sessions. Additionally, some of these issues may require routine visits to help the body heal.

If you’re still wondering about this technique and others, feel free to give us a call. If this sounds right for you, then we invite you to book an appointment online by clicking here.

References

(1) Dr. Manon Bolliger ND, DHANP, RBHP (2008)

(2)Wanda Parks RMT, RNCP, RBHP (2008