The Bowen Technique was developed fifty years ago in Australia by Tom Bowen. It is a hands-on therapy in which gentle pressure is applied to specific muscles and soft tissues. This stimulates nerves and other receptors, directing the body to correct dysfunctions, thereby restoring physical and energetic balance. Its popularity throughout Australia is testimony to the effectiveness of the Bowen Technique, as is the fact that treatments are paid for by government medical services.
The primary benefits of a Bowen session are pain relief and reduced inflammation, including back and shoulder pain, sciatica and joint pain. People also report increased energy, improved digestion, and relief of headaches and respiratory problems.
The Bowen Technique is also an effective treatment for women’s health issues such as irregular, heavy or painful periods, infertility, and premenopausal and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, constipation, bloating and indigestion, headaches, breast tenderness and pain.
There is no evidence to support the use of the Bowen Technique for any specific medical conditions. It is an alternative therapy and as such, is used to assist people in helping them with their healing.
Dysfunction in soft tissues and fascia is an underlying cause of many muscular, skeletal, neurological and other health problems. Fascia is a connective tissue that permeates the body, surrounding muscles, bones, organs, nerves, blood vessels and other structures. It is an uninterrupted web of tissue that extends from head to toe, from front to back, from interior to exterior. This means that fascial dysfunction can affect every structure, muscle, nerve and organ in the body.
The Bowen Technique works directly on the fascia. Fascia maintains structural integrity, defends against pathogens and infections, protects against injury, and promotes tissue repair. Fascia contains a wide range of receptors that influence the body's neuro-muscular physiology. The Bowen Technique provides a means of stimulating these receptors to correct dysfunctions and support the natural functions of the fascia.
Come in comfortable, loose clothing. The Bowen Technique is done over your clothing as much as possible. Lori will work on your body as you lie on a massage table. She will work on various parts of the body, with rest intervals to allow your body to fully respond before she continues on to other areas. A Bowen session can take up to one hour.
You might not feel much of a change immediately after the session, but within 24 hours you will likely feel some changes. It can take a few days for your body to fully respond to the Bowen session. Be patient and continue to rest over the three days following a session. Avoid vigorous exercise, minimize stress, and refrain from other therapies that could interfere with the benefits of the Bowen Technique. Rest is the most important thing to give your body time to heal.
Do not do any vigorous exercise or other strenuous activity for at least three days after your initial Bowen session, even if you feel much better after a day or two. Your body needs time to heal completely. Short walks are the most you should do for three days after a Bowen session.
You should wait at least three days before having another Bowen session. During the follow-up session, Lori will be better able to assess how many more sessions you will likely need, and how quickly you can resume exercise and other strenuous activities. Then, do only light to moderate exercise at first. Do not immediately resume the same vigorous level of activity as before your injury.
You should not do any other therapies after a Bowen session. You need to rest and avoid any interventions that could interfere with your body healing, even gentle treatments such as heating pads, massage or Reiki, for example. By avoiding other therapies, you will also be able to assess how effective the Bowen Technique is for you.
Each session is $60. A session for a couple or two friends together is $60. Lori accepts payment with cash and major credit cards.
Lori is a Certified Bowen Therapist. She has continued her Bowen training to advanced levels, drawing on a range of specialized techniques to address specific physical issues.
Lori practices in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Her office is on West 7th Avenue near Blanca Street.