What is Bowen Therapy?
Bowen Therapy is the gentle manipulation of the body’s soft (fascial) tissue. Bowen Therapy consists of gentle rolling movements made over muscles, joints, tendons and connective tissue. This encourages fascial release which returns the body into a state of rest and repair to allow the natural healing process to begin.
How does Bowen Therapy work?
Bowen Therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing response by balancing the nervous system and releasing soft tissue (fascial) tension. When we strain or overuse our muscles, adhesions can form in the fascia which affects the surrounding muscles, tissue and internal organs. Bowen Therapy treats the fascia network, treating the whole body instead of one specific area of pain or concern.
Who benefits from Bowen Therapy?
Because Bowen Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive, natural therapy it is considered a safe and appropriate therapy for anyone from new-born babies to elderly people. Bowen Therapy can assist with recovery from traumatic injury to chronic illness and everything in between.
What conditions can Bowen Therapy be considered for?
- Back pain and sciatica
- Digestive and bowel problems
- Migraines and headaches
- Sleep disorders
- Emotional stress and anxiety
- Earache and TMJ problems
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
- Hip, knee, ankle and foot problems
- Menstrual and hormone irregularities
- Neck and shoulder problems
- Groin pain and pelvic pain
- Sleep disorders
- Respiratory problems, hay-fever and sinus problems
- Sports and other traumatic injuries
- Carpal tunnel, tennis elbow and golfers elbow
- Infertility
- Babies: colic & reflux
What should I expect during a Bowen Therapy treatment?
You will be asked about your health history, and will lie (fully clothed) on a massage table, or be seated in a chair. There will be a short break between each set of movements to allow the nervous system to respond before moving to another area.
How will I feel during a Bowen Therapy session?
Most people describe a deep sense of relaxation during and after a session. Your body should respond quickly to the light touch, shifting your nervous system from “flight or fight” mode to “rest and repair” mode.
What happens if I fall asleep during my Bowen Therapy session?
Most clients feel a warmness or subtle tingle and a feeling of relaxing and “letting go” during the session. It is not at all uncommon to fall asleep during a treatment, all that means is that your body is doing what it is supposed to – relaxing.
How long is a Bowen Therapy session?
Your initial Bowen Therapy session at Balance Me will last between 45 minutes and 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions vary in durations from 30 minutes to 45 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
For chronic conditions it is recommended to book three sessions that are spaced approximately 5 to 10 days apart. For recent injuries, one or two sessions are recommended.
How do I dress for a treatment?
Bowen Therapy treatments can be delivered through light clothing. You may be asked to remove bulky items such as thick jumpers or jeans that restrict a movement being performed. Please bring along some shorts or tights if you are wearing restrictive trousers.
What can I expect after a Bowen Therapy treatment?
You may experience an increase in discomfort for up to two days following your session. Drinking plenty of water (6-8 glasses per day) and increasing activity levels will help the body move through the healing process faster.
What should I avoid after a Bowen Therapy session?
It is important to avoid other therapies such as massage and physiotherapy during your course of Bowen Therapy treatments. Please avoid cold and heat packs as well as very hot baths or showers for at least three days after your session.
How long will it take before I notice a difference?
Bowen Therapy is not a ‘quick-fix’. It can take up to seven days for your body to adjust and balance after a Bowen Therapy session.
Can I continue to take medication or supplements while receiving Bowen Therapy?
Bowen Therapy can enhance and complement other medical procedures without interfering with their effectiveness. Whilst Bowen Therapy promotes positive health and healing, it should not be used as a replacement for qualified medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.
Can I have Bowen Therapy if I am pregnant?
Yes, absolutely. Bowen Therapy has amazing results during all stages of pregnancy, relieving women from back pain, sacral discomfort and tightness within the diaphragm, and assisting with relaxation and sleeping. Please remember to tell your therapist that you are pregnant when booking your session.
Where is Balance Me based?
Balance Me Clinic is a Hamilton based health business located at the Homestead on the Ruakura Research Campus.