What is Bowen Therapy and how can it help?
Bowen Therapy is a form of bodywork where-by the therapist performs subtle moves over muscles and connective tissue (fascia) to send messages deep into the body. It is here the body retrieves cellular memory of a preferred, balanced, and relaxed state of wellbeing. Pauses are made through the session to allow the body time to respond to the input before moving on to another area. The Therapist makes the moves and the individual responds, allowing the body’s innate ability of self-healing to activate. A Bowen session is very gentle and non-invasive, there are no forceful manipulations making it is safe for infants right through to the elderly.
Bowen Therapy focuses on changing the nervous system from the Flight or Fright mode (sympathetic) to the Rest and Repair Mode (parasympathetic). This explains the deep sense of relaxation experienced during a treatment and assists positive changes to occur both physically, emotionally, energetically, and even spiritually within the body because of this relaxed state. Bowen Therapy due to its gentle nature helps to re-hydrate the fascial network which can allow for improved function of internal organs and body tissues as a result. Due to the integrated response of the body during and after a Bowen session circulation is improved, lymphatic drainage occurs which aids the assimilation of nutrients and elimination of toxins.
At Melanie’s Bowen Therapy Clinic located in Beerwah, at the heart of the Glasshouse Mountains region, her focus is to educate her clients on how to incorporate basic stretches, breathing techniques and the importance of hydration into their day for long lasting results.
What does a Bowen Therapist do?
The therapist makes gentle cross-fibre moves on the body across muscles ligaments, tendons and nerve bundles which sending messages to the brain via the nervous system telling the Body to “Rest and Reset”. These moves are performed on specific areas on the body depending on the presenting conditions and functional assessment results. The Bowen moves are performed through loose clothing and while on a massage treatment table. If mobility is an issue, sessions can also be performed while in seated in a chair.
What conditions can be treated with Bowen Therapy?
Some of the most common treatments at the Beerwah Bowen Therapy Clinic include everyday work-life conditions such as neck pain, back pain, sciatica, headaches, tension, and stress. However, Bowen technique may be helpful in providing improvement for the following conditions.
Fatigue, Burnout and Fibromyalgia - The inability to fall asleep quickly or at all, waking during the night and unable to return to sleep. Persistent low energy and inability to function with vitality throughout your day. In this instance the therapist will work to support the nervous system and specific areas of pain at time of presentation.
Headaches, Migraines and TMJ issues - Headaches and migraines have many causal factors, some of which may be aided with Bowen. TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. Issues with grinding your teeth, your jaw “popping out” or major dental work can upset the balance of the jaw and whole face.
Digestive Health - Bloating, diarrhoea, constipation may be caused by restrictions in the abdominal fascia or perpetuated by emotional or environmental stressors within your life. By helping to address the areas of tension within the body and calm the nervous system the digestive organs can function more optimally.
Asthma, Sinus, and respiratory conditions - Much like the digestive health- restrictions within the fascia around the respiratory organs can impede optimal function. With Bowen we aim to rehydrate the fascia in these areas which may reduce symptoms.
Hormonal balance - Through positively addressing the nervous system the body can self-regulate hormones more optimally. The therapist also address’s fascial restrictions in key areas to reduce areas of tension around the body having a positive flow on effect for hormone function.
Joint Pain - Common areas of pain and restriction for people include knees, ankles, feet, elbows, and wrists. Bowen technique aims to provide improved function of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in and around the joint as well as aiming to return the body to symmetry.
What are the benefits of Bowen Therapy?
Deep sense of relaxation during and after session.
Reduction or elimination of pain.
Improved mobility.
Postural improvements.
Improved Sleep
Muscular/Joint restriction reduction
What to expect when you visit Melanie Larsen Bowen Therapist?
Melanie works with her clients to achieve pain reductions and eliminations and offers suggestions for stretches and strengthening exercises where appropriate. Melanie educates and encourages her clients to move towards a model of regular maintenance Bowen Sessions rather than waiting until pain returns and starting the process over. Melanie is Diploma Qualified with over 15 years’ experience working with Bowen Therapy and over 20 years experiencing Bowen Therapy for herself. Melanie takes pride in providing a safe space for healing and understands the importance of listening to her clients. She has been providing Bowen Therapy in the Beerwah Bowen Clinic since 2017.