BOWEN IS UNIQUE
In order to explain Bowen Therapy to a new client, one often compares it to some of the more widely known therapies. However, Bowen therapy is quite unique and is clearly distinguishable from other techniques:
MASSAGE
Bowen therapy is not massage therapy. Its operation and objectives are quite different. Bowen moves go no deeper than fascia on superficially accessible muscles, and utilizes gentle pressure only. There is no prolonged rubbing or even touching around a Bowen "move" that has just been applied. This can weaken the effectiveness of the move. In fact, to achieve relief with Bowen, the area in question may not even be touched! Also, no oils or lotions are utilized during a Bowen treatment.
ACUPUNCTURE/ACUPRESSURE
Bowen therapy is not acupuncture or acupressure. First, no needles are involved in a Bowen treatment. Some of the areas of focus in a Bowen treatment may coincide with acupuncture points, but there are so many acupoints that some overlap is inevitable. Bowen is a much simpler and more focused intervention. With Bowen Therapy, one simple move across the structure is all it takes.
CHIROPRACTIC
Bowen therapy is not chiropractic. No manipulation of the skeletal system is made. Most practitioners and many clients observe vertebral movement, but this is evidence of the body realigning and healing itself as opposed to an intentional manipulation by the practitioner.
DIRECTIONAL ENERGY WORK
Bowen therapy is not Directional "Energy Work." Energy work practitioners can focus too much on accomplishing their own desired results, which may or may not coincide with the client's needs. Instead, Bowen practitioners are taught to focus only on doing a precise movement accurately, and then physically leaving the room to let the body heal itself naturally.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Bowen therapy is not physiotherapy. There is no exercise during a Bowen treatment. Stretch reflex, Golgi reflex and reciprocal enervation may be involved in the muscular releases, but these occur on a cellular level. With Bowen, there is no use of any machines, electrical or otherwise. Many people may fall asleep during a Bowen session. These factors distinguish Bowen Therapy from remedial exercises or movement training that some people need for long-term injury recovery.
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
Bowen therapy in not trigger point therapy. Some points are unavoidably similar even though the referral zones are different. Most trigger points are found in the core of muscles and involve very deep penetration of muscles, while Bowen moves are usually made at the origin or insertion of muscles groups and are very gentle.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Bowen therapy is not myofascial release. With each Bowen move, the fascia is gently stimulated; it is not engaged at a deep tissue level nor forcefully separated or worked on for a prolonged period. After a series of Bowen sessions, adhesions tend to loosen and scar tissue frequently softens and shrinks on its own because impediments to the natural healing process are removed.
LYMPHATIC MASSAGE
Bowen therapy is not lymphatic massage. Bowen does stimulate lymphatic releases, in that sinuses will often drain during the session; breast lumps may shrink or be gone within a few weeks; and excess fluids are usually eliminated within the week. Bowen does not, however, use the percussion or vigorous stroking of lymphatic massage, although there is a bit of gentle "milking" done around the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle.
EMOTIONAL RELEASE
Although Bowen therapy is not an emotional release modality, it does often release emotional blockages when these interfere with the natural healing of the body. Some clients have reported having a "good cry" after a treatment which leaves them feeling freer and lighter. Bowen often leads to the permanent removal of the protective wall of tense musculature which befell the client at the original time of trauma.
OSTEOPATHY
Bowen therapy is not osteopathy. Osteopathy can involve the physical manipulation of joints and organs whereas Bowen stimulates the healing of joints and organs through gentle moves across the muscles, tendons or ligaments at a fascial level.
BOWEN AND OTHER THERAPIES
It is important to note that Bowen therapy has been effective at alleviating conditions even when the above noted therapies have not been successful. This is because it affects the body differently.
Every client is unique and some of the techniques listed above may also be very helpful to a person's condition. However, caution should be utilized if undertaking other treatments while pursuing a course of Bowen therapy. Please discuss this with your bowen therapist to ensure the most effective course of treatment.
Denise Onslow, Registered Bowen Therapist
410 Conestogo Road, Office# 103
Waterloo ON N2L 4E2
(519) 574-0515
