|
About Bowen
The Bowen Technique is named after Tom Bowen, an Australian who developed the therapy in the 1950's. It is a gentle, non invasive, hands on therapy which stimulates the body's inner ability to heal itself. Bowen is a catalyst inviting the body to change. It can produce deep relaxation, pain relief and can bring increased function of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Gentle moves are carried out with the fingers and thumbs in a rolling action over precise areas of the body. Resting periods are given at intervals to allow the body to absorb and respond to the 'signals' it has received. There is no adjustment of hard tissue and no force is used. It is a treatment for the whole body as quite often, the site of pain is somewhere different to where the problem is originating. For example, if you have ever had painful blisters on your feet for any length of time, you may well end up with lower back ache as you alter your posture and way of walking.
Bowen mainly works on the fascia. This is a membrane which surrounds every individual muscle and organ of the body. Fascia has a major role in muscle co-ordination, postural alignment and overall structural and functional integrity (it is latin for 'bandage'). When the body sustains an injury the fascia will stiffen, contract and dehydrate. Bowen helps to loosen up any adhesions.
When the body has been injured the muscles in the affected area will go into spasm, this is the bodies defence mechanism to protect the affected area. The rolling part of the Bowen move can help to break the cycle of muscle spasm as it changes the stimulus received by the nervous system.
Adhesions can also be caused by pressure points. If the pressure is sufficient it will cut off circulation to muscle right under the skin at the site of pressure (think badly fitting saddles). This stops blood flow to the area, therefore starving the muscle of oxygen. It only takes 20 minutes for muscle to start to die from oxygen deprivation. Whilst muscles aren't getting blood flow and nutrients, they cannot heal themselves. The dying tissues stick together and form scar tissue which blocks circulation from returning to the area even when the pressure has been removed. The more scar tissue there is, the less the muscle will be able to work and the muscles just shrink away, atrophy. This is the cause of the 'big hollows' either side of a horses withers.
Another important area of effect is in helping to rebalance the Autonomic Nervous System. This system controls over 80% of bodily functions and is very susceptible to external stressors. Most people and horses live in a constant state of high stress which overstimulates the sympathetic nervous system, typical fight or flight responses. Healing occurs when the nervous system shifts over to parasympathetic dominance, typical deep relaxation.
Many Bowen moves are carried out over centres of lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is the bodies 'waste disposal' system. This quite often has a beneficial effect on horses who suffer from filled legs.
Several Bowen moves are carried out over Acupunture points and Meridians. This can give a strong energetic component of the technique and its effect on the internal organs. Typically a sluggish digestive system will be stimulated by Bowen.
From the above it can be seen that even though specific problem areas have been referenced, Bowen is a holistic therapy and the whole body will be treated. The diagnosis of any problem is in the province of the Doctor or Veterinary Surgeon.
It is important to note that Bowen is not an alternative to Medical or Veterinary Advice, if in doubt contact your Doctor or Veterinary Surgeon. It is a complimentary therapy and is part of the 'package' of good health care for you and your horse.
It has been confirmed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that Equine Bowen Therapy is covered as a manual therapy under the Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962, and therefore lay practioners are allowed to use it, with the consent of the animal's veterinary surgeon. This permission will be obtained from your vet by Teresa prior to any treatment being carried out.
"The eyes see only what the mind is prepared to comprehend ~Henri Bergson"
Copyright © Teresa Perrin 2010
| 