jenny performing bowen technique on client

bowen therapy

Bowen therapy is a remedial manual therapy that triggers the body’s own healing mechanisms. 

how does bowen therapy work?

It consists of a sequence of gentle rolling movements over the connective tissue of muscles and tendons.  The autonomic nervous system is stimulated by these gentle manipulations sending ‘messages’ to the brain to encourage a self healing process.
photo of bowen therapist performing bowen therapy for back pain on client

bowen video demonstration

CLICK IMAGE FOR SHORT VIDEO
This video was taken at Kundalini House in Melbourne. Video courtesy of Centro de Terapia Bowen (The Bowen Therapy Centre), in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Jenny is currently practicing from Buenos Aires. For local Bowen Therapist in Melbourne, please visit Kundalini House.

fascia and essence of bowen therapy

"Bowen therapy is based on the recognition (by Tom Bowen) that the underlying cause of musculoskeletal, neurological, neuromuscular and other health problems could be found in the soft tissue or fascia. Fascia is a type of connective tissue that forms a three dimensional web surrounding every tissue in the body. Fascia is the body organiser covering all nerves, bones, arteries, veins and muscles. Therefore fascial dysfunction can affect every structure, muscle, nerve and organ in the body. Recent studies have shown fascia to be the largest sensory organ in the body. It is rich in a range of receptors that powerfully influence the body's neuro-muscular physiology."1

With it's gentle rolling movements Bowen therapy essentially affects and address the fascia in order to improve mobility and reduce pain. Fascia surrounds all muscles, tendons and organs. Because of fascia’s proximity to the skin, Bowen therapy and it's gentle touch is extremely effective and ideal.

It is important to note that as our muscles are surrounded by fascia they can become negatively affected (dehydrated or shrunken/tighten from trauma) thereby the necessity of allowing them to function at their full potential.2

One of the essences of Bowen technique is to encourage fascial hydration. (remember we are 75% water as human beings...) Bowen therapy also stimulates lymph flow when necessary. When the fascia returns to a more hydrated state (with the gentle moves of the bowen technique) , the body functions better and there is more mobility and flexibility of muscles and joints.

Resources:

1. BTFA - "WHAT IS BOWEN THERAPY "- extracted from Bowen Therapist Federation of Australia (BTFA)
w: http://www.bowen.asn.au/bowen-therapy/what-is-bowen-therapy/

2. FASCIAL KINETICS - "A BOWEN THERAPY"
By Pat Piper, Fascial Kinetics Instructor, NSW, Australia
(based on research by Russel Sturgess - founder of the Fascial Kinetics Bowen School)

how is bowen different to massage?

Bowen therapy uses no oil and is gentle in comparison with many therapies such as deep tissue massage. It can be used on chronic and fresh injuries where other therapies are not appropriate.

For example, if there is increased inflammation and swelling after an injury around the joint, Bowen therapy can assist in normalising blood and lymph flow, reduce inflammation and thereby improve joint function. No manual therapy is indicated during this important and sensitive healing time, other than Bowen therapy due to it's self-healing and gentle treatment.

Often one to 3 treatments is sufficient for healing and successful results, with follow up treatments for general maintenance and prevention on a regular basis.
Please note this is on an individual basis and some conditions require longer treatment plan.

conditions treated with bowen

◦ musculoskeletal conditions
  • frozen shoulder
  • hip problems
  • pelvic imbalances
  • leg length discrepancey
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • repetitive strain injury
  • back and neck pain
  • shoulder/arm problems
  • hamstring, groin strains
  • restless leg syndrome
  • clicking jaw
  • bunions
◦ digestive problems
◦ hormonal problems
◦ migraine headaches
◦ TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction)
◦ respiratory conditions such as asthma
◦ sciatica
  • Also,
  • lymph and circulatory problems
  • arthritis
  • multiple sclerosis (MS)

what to expect in a bowen session

At the beginning of your consultation Jenny will discuss a brief medical history and your current health concerns. Bowen therapy is performed on a massage table typically. Bowen can be applied on clothed patients, however it is ideal and more effective on direct skin or very light and loose clothing. You will be lying on a massage table covered with towel for most of the time, except when Jenny performs the 'bowen moves'. That is, gentle rolling movements across the muscle fibres on specific parts of your body. Usually the whole back is addressed first. After each sequence of moves there are important pauses. These pauses involve no actual 'moves'. They are the 2-3 minute intervals which allow your body to integrate the information; to respond and make the necessary changes within your body. At the end of your session, you will be advised to follow some after-care suggestions to enhance your healing. Drinking sufficient water and walking 10-15 minutes a day will assist in your healing.

who can benefit from bowen?

Bowen therapy is beneficial and can be used on newborn babies to the frail elderly. It is non-invasive and gentle enough for all people, including pregnant women. People who suffer from both chronic illnesses and acute conditions can benefit greatly from Bowen therapy.
Bowen is for anyone, meaning that there is not a situation, condition or patient who is in danger of receiving a Bowen treatment. It gentle application and self-healing benefits is ideal for anyone who has a condition, pain or feeling 'out of sorts' mentally and emotionally as well.

bowen for back pain, neck and shoulders and more..

Back pain is a common problem for people, particularly in our modern society which demands much of our time sitting in front of our computer. Also, at times, the cause of the back pain is not addressed, and results in incorrect posture, bad habits, compensatory movements.. READ MORE HERE.

bowen therapy for foot, big toe pain and bunions

Common injuries and problems such as foot pain, bunions, pain in the big toe or hallux and more specifically in the joint, or metatarsophalangeal joint can be effectively treated with Bowen Therapy. Often the therapist will address other possible misalignments within the body in the first treatments (the source of metatarsophalangeal joint pain is required to be addressed first - often in the hips/pelvis) and in following appointments will include the Bowen sequences for the foot/toe. READ MORE HERE.
picture of contemporary dancer in black leotard in dancing leap

bowen therapy for dancers

Physically active people such as dancers who put alot of strain on their bodies regularly benefit greatly from Bowen Therapy. Postural misalignment untreated or corrected can lead to many problems in the future. A dancers' body needs to remain strong, aligned and good healthy mobility in the joints for the intense workout that is required throughout their dancing lives.

Bowen therapy can assist to maintain balance within a dancers' skeletal system, for optimal movement and correct any bio-mechanical problems. By addressing the body as a whole, rather than just treating the symptoms, the source of pain and dysfunction can be addressed, and healed to avoid recurrence of injury (often, but not always due to faulty biomechanics). READ MORE HERE.

bowen therapy and pregnancy

As the centre of gravity changes during pregnancy, so do the stresses on the spine. Many problems suffered during pregnancy may be directly related to the health of the spine. The spine and the pelvis of an expectant mother are particularly vulnerable because of the stress of carrying an unborn baby.

Common pregnancy pains such as back pain, sciatica, fluid retention and decreased energy levels can be gently relieved with Bowen Therapy and is very relaxing for the expectant mother.
Bowen Therapy for pregnant women is also recommended by Dr.Motha of The Gentle Birth Method.
portrait picture of jenny petridis bowen therapist

bowen therapy

bowen therapy


Jenny is currently in Buenos Aires.
To continue your wellbeing, please visit Kundalini House website for practitioners (including bowen therapy, acupuncture, osteopathy, kinesiology, yoga, hypnotherapy).
Billie Atherstone and Elinor Bester are Bowen therapists at Kundalini House, North Fitzroy.

bowen therapy in north fitzroy, melbourne


Location map
Address is Level 1, 391 St.Georges Road, North Fitzroy (c/-Kundalini House)

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