jenny performing bowen technique on client

bowen therapy for fertility

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.

bowen therapy, fertility & pregnancy

It has been often reported that Bowen therapy has a good success rate in the treatment of infertility. There have been trials in the UK, Australia and New Zealand with Bowen Therapy with remarkable results.

Bowen Therapy consists of a series of gentle rolling movements over specific areas of body's muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. Bowen Therapy essentially affects the fascia which surrounds all muscle and our organs. By gently manipulating this fascia, changes begin to occur within the body, stimulating body's self-healing mechanisms.
Bowen can essentially promote fertility by returning the body to it's natural state of balance for optimal functionality.
By inducing a deep sense of relaxation, the body's innate self-healing kicks in, reducing stress and dysfunction mentally and physically.

When the body is under stress, muscles can tighten, and the body's systems are compromised. Under stress, muscles tighten and restrict blood flow, lymphatic flow may be affected, nerve supply reduced, all of which may affect fertility. When the body is mis-aligned, the body's systems are mis-aligned which affects the body's capacity to self-heal. By relaxing the muscles, promoting more oxygenated blood to flow freely, hydrating the fascia, Bowen can help greatly in restoring the body's natural flow and function, essential for conception and ovulation.

Bowen Therapy affects the musculo-skeletal system as well as the internal system's of the body such as the endocrine systems, reproductive system, digestive system and lymphatic system.
Given it's gentle, minimalist and non-invasive application, Bowen Therapy is safe for everyone including babies to the frail elderly.

bowen for both partners

As a couple is trying to conceive, it is important that both are at optimal health to increase the chances of conception. Emotional and physical wellbeing during this challenging time for both partners can influence the outcome and ensure support between each other.
A qualified Bowen Therapist will use specific sequence of Bowen 'moves' to aid in (hormonal) endocrine balance. Often this may mean that a sequence of moves will be applied to the pelvic/sacral/lower back areas to allow the body to begin to shift and re-align and regain functionality, where conditions such as endometriosis or infrequent ovulation and low sperm count may have interfered.
For this reason Bowen Therapy is ideal for both partners trying to conceive.

bowen, stress and fertility

In addition to physical health and problems that can arise, mental and emotional distress can often influence infertility. The mind and stress plays an important part in health and combatting disease. Bowen Therapy can greatly reduce stress which, for many, affects the autonomic nervous system and endocrine systems, which influence fertility.

For the body to function at its optimum capacity, both mind and body is required to be balanced, relaxed and aligned. Bowen Therapy relaxes the mind, often similar to deep meditation, and rebalances the body to function optimally, necessary for fertility.

bowen and IVF

Bowen Therapy can be an effective adjunct therapy for couples who are undertaking conception programs such as IVF. IVF can put a lot of strain on the patient both mentally and physically. Ensuring that the patients body and mental wellbeing is at it's best, and balanced is of utmost importance before and during IVF. Bowen therapy with it's gentle application, specific sequence of moves for each individual, promotes musculo-skeletal equilibrium as well as a healthier state of mental and emotional wellbeing.
Bowen can prepare the patient for a positive outcome of IVF and a healthy pregnancy.

what to expect in your bowen session

At the beginning of your consultation Jenny will discuss a brief medical history and your current health situation. 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.

guided meditation during your bowen session

Please ask Jenny about including guided meditation during your bowen session. Where some patients prefer silence, gentle soothing music, others feel they need some guidance to relax the mind, resulting in deep relaxation and maximising the effects of the therapy.
Jenny's warm and nurturing manner together with her skills in meditation and visualization will enhance your session.
Coming Soon:
Audios for fertility will be available soon for purchase online.

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.

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.

explaining bowen therapy further

"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)

portrait picture of jenny petridis bowen therapist

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.