Bowen Therapy and Massage

Gavin Donn

I first had experience of Bowen Therapy in 2003 whilst working as a gardener at the Earth Spirit Centre outside Glastonbury. I had hurt my lower back from all the manual work, and I was surprised that such a simple treatment could  make me relaxed and help the pain in my lower back by at least 80%.
Whilst in Melbourne a year later I took the opportunity to learn the Bowen Technique from the International School of Bowen Therapy, which is approved by the Bowen Therapists Federation of Australia.

History of Bowen

It is called Bowen because it is named after Tom Bowen, who was born in 1916, and died in 1982. He was born in Geelong, just outside Melbourne in Australia to a working class family. His trade was a carpenter at the Geelong Cement Works.
He started treating people after work at his home, using very simple moves that allowed the body to heal itself. Often it would take 2 or 3 days for the body to process his moves but the effects were long lasting.
In 1982 the Osteopathic Council refused to accept him as a member, mainly because of his unorthodox methods of diagnosing people. He was upset largely because now people couldn’t claim their money back on medical insurance.
He treated disabled people for free and he used to work in Geelong Prison, treating both the prisoners and the police. He was awarded a Victoria Police Medal.

What is Bowen ?
It is called a remedial therapy, ie a therapy for whatever is wrong with you, but it does work on the whole body.
The practitioner makes a series of very gentle moves over the muscles or tendons at various spots on the body.
Now, it is a very gentle move and that is why it is good for patients who are old or frail or infirm. It can be used before and after operations.
It can be used on children of all ages, including as young as 3 weeks in for example, the help of colic.
It can also be done through clothing, so people who don’t like to take of clothes can lie, or sit, with just loose fitting garments on.
As it works in the body as a whole, a lot of patients report other symptoms that they may not have mentioned to the practitioner clearing up, there have been cases of hayfever clearing up, and people sleeping better.

How does it work?
No one knows for sure how it works, but we can be certain of a few things. Bowen frees the fascia of the muscle, and allows more blood and lymph to flow to the area. The body relaxes and the nerves work with greater efficiency resulting in better communication between body and brain.

Fees:
1st treatment Adult : £25.00 ( 2 treatments recommended)
                      Child : £15.00  (2 treatments recommended)

 

Introductory Offer: 2 Weeks
When 2 treatments booked, 1st one free, for children and adults

 

About Massage

Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues to restore balance and harmony, using pressure, holding and movement. The goal of massage therapy is to encourage the body to heal itself and create a sense of well being. Massage practitioners use their sense of touch to locate areas of tension and to apply the right amount of pressure. When muscles are overworked or during periods of stress, waste products such as lactic acid accumulate in the muscles causing soreness, stiffness and even muscle spasm.

Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow to bring fresh oxygen to body tissues. This can assist elimination of waste products, speed healing after injury and enhance recovery from disease. Therapeutic massage promotes general well being, encourages relaxation, facilitates a better relationship with our body, and provides a breathing space within our busy lives.