Equi-Bow Canada™

PROVIDING, PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING EXCELLENCE IN EQUINE CARE

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History of the Bowen Modality

The initial bowen technique was discovered and developed in Australia forty years ago by Thomas A. Bowen (1903 - 1982), an industrial engineer who gained a reputation for being able to help his co-workers with their aches and pains. Variations on this technique are now taught and practiced in 30 countries worldwide by many different schools.

The technique uses a series of gentle precise moves on specific muscles, tendons and nerves. Research indicates that the bowen technique balances the autonomic nervous system, which controls 80-90% of all body systems. This would explain why and how the bowen technique works on multiple systems of the mind, body and spirit.

The technique relieves all types of pain and is so gentle that it can be used on everyone from newborn infants to the elderly. Chronically ill patients benefit as well as the disabled. It is also extremely effective as a remedial modality for those overcoming sports injuries, accidents and other ailments. The technique improves rehabilitation time, regardless of how old or recent the injury may be. It has been used successfully in helping the body heal itself of athletic injuries (including tennis elbow, sprained ankles, strained backs, and torn hamstrings), asthma, fibromyalgia, TMJ, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, and a host of other maladies.

The bowen technique balances and stimulates energy flow, resulting in a deep sense of overall relaxation. The restorative process begins once the body is relaxed, and continues as the body allows. As well as releasing any tension within the muscles, the moves also work on energy blocks (accumulated by injury, tension or disease), allowing increased energy flow and hence healing ability. Treatments can be performed through light clothing, and substantial relief is frequently experienced after the first 1 or 2 sessions.

Simply stated, the bowen technique resets the body to heal itself. There are frequent important pauses between these moves, which give the body time to benefit from each set. By combining moves, both in placement and in combination, the practitioner is able to address the body as a whole or target a specific problem.

The bowen technique is referred to as a "complementary" modality. This means it will enhance and complement - not interfere with - other medical attention. However, doing other manipulative therapies immediately after a bowen session can undermine the effectiveness of the continuing bowen work. Waiting a week before commencing additional body treatment is therefore recommended.

With thanks to Jonathan Damonte RSHom (NA), CCH, CBTI

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