I am a massage freak, I just love all sorts and can never get enough of them, so when I was given the chance to try a new technique, I jumped at the chance! Being 7 months pregnant, many types of massage are really good for my body, and can also help with a smooth labour.
Bowen Therapy is something I had heard of, but had never experienced. I knew that it was an Australian technique and that many who had tried it said it was quite life changing.
Ferenc from Platinum Health Services visited me at my home - he has a mobile massage service and he also does Reiki as well as Cellulite reduction treatments using a special light called 'Bioptron'. I used it the other day in a facial and it was absolutely amazing! Light therapy is very effective for many conditions but is also very gentle, and won't burn the skin like that of a laser.
Ferenc brought everything he needed for the treatment so I just had to basically jump on the bed (well not exactly a jump in my present condition!) whilst he explained what Bowen Therapy was.
Despite it being called a 'massage' technique, its not really the best term for it because no skin is 'rubbed' as such. It's more about using pressure points with special hand and finger movements that really get in deep into the muscles. And not only that but it helps on an emotional and energetic level too.
To carry out Bowen correctly, a therapist must be really highly trained as you have to get the pressure points just right.
The video attached to this post shows you the typical movements of the therapist.
Bowen is very effective for getting the body to put itself back into alignment. Many people don't realise but their posture is not in the correct formation that it is meant to be. Even being born can knock out cranials, and general alignment, and if it's not treated, long term it can cause hip pain, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, pelvic pain etc etc. Bowen can really help treat these kinds of problems very quickly, and even if you are not in any pain, the treatment it self is very relaxing.
Unlike a normal massage, Bowen requires 'rest' periods, where the therapist will step away from the body and just let the person and their body relax with no movements.
The massage is done through clothing so no need to strip off to your underwear. Wearing loose comfortable clothing is all you are required to wear.
I found Ferenc to be very professional but also very personable and easy to talk to. He explained everything to me, where Bowen came from, the belief's behind it and also what the technique would feel like. He began on my back and did some movements on my legs and back. I then turned over and had the same sort of technique applied to the front of the body. The treatment lasts about 45 minutes, but is very relaxing. It's something that I would definitely like to have again. I did wake up the next day feeling quite a bit better, I am really tired lately (due to my pregnancy) and some days it's hard to get out of bed, but the Bowen did seem to help with my energy levels.
Bowen therapy is not really that well known in the UK, which is a real shame because I believe it could be even more effective than most massage techniques. Massage can be great for relaxing, but I have always wondered, are deep tissue massages, really effective on problem areas, long term? I sort of thing not, because people that have back or neck pains etc, seem to always need regular massages or the pain comes back. Whereas with something like Bowen, because it works at such a deep level, it can really help make the problem 'go away'.
It's amazing what this treatment can help with too!
Bowen can help with the following:
Poor mobility (e.g. caused by multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, surgery),
Allergies,
Respiratory conditions (ie Asthma, panic attacks etc.),
Back conditions,
Bell's palsy,
Constipation and diarrhea,
Digestive upsets,
Ear conditions,
Fluid retention,
Menstrual and other female conditions (Pregnancy/Conception),
Foot conditions (such as plantar fascitis and bunions),
Frozen shoulder,
Fibromyalgia,
Headaches (migraine, sinus),
Hernia,
Heartburn,
Bedwetting, incontinence,
Jaw conditions (grinding of teeth, misalignment etc),
Knee and hip restrictions,
Pelvic tilt, leg length, hip imbalance,
Prostate conditions,
Repetitive Strain Injury,
Pelvic Problems,
Sciatica,
Postural Problems,
Skeletal and muscular conditions from lumbar to back,
Sports injuries,
Tennis/golfer's elbow.
If anyone is interested in trying Bowen Therapy, then I cannot speak more highly of Ferenc. He is very highly trained and very passionate about this technique and has a list a mile long of happy clients who he has helped so much.
If you want to read more about Bowen please visit here:
Appointments
Ferenc is based in South East London and will travel to most areas in the locality. For a booking, quote or if you have any question, call on the number below.
Tel: 07956 172 929
