Where did it come from…
Although relatively newly adapted specifically for horses in the past decade or so, this therapy has been around for people since Mr Tom Bowen (1916-1982) originated the technique in the early 1950's in Melbourne, Australia. Mr Tom Bowen successfully treated many thousands of patients per year, as well as many types of animals, using his innovative natural therapy.
During Mr Tom Bowen's last few years, a handfull of men were lucky enough to study with him to learn his unique therapy. This work is now carried on through the various adapted interpretations of his technique and is an increasingly recognised and well accepted therapy world wide. You may have heard of some of the names referring to Mr Tom Bowen's original work: Facial Kinetics; Smart Bowen; Myofascial Therapy; Cross-Fibre Mobilisation etc.
What it is…
Bowen is not massage, it is a tactile remedial therapy technique that is non-invasive, gentle and very relaxing. It energetically stimulates the body's own innate healing ability to balance water and energy in the fascia and muscle, releasing tightness, spasm, tension and stress to bring about gentle and lasting relief from discomfort and pain.
Treatment…
Treatment is gentle to firm and usually pleasant. It involves a series of manoeuvres on the body surface at specific locations on muscles, tendons or ligaments. These locations are associated with the acupoints, meridians and trigger points on the body.
How can it help horses…
The response to treatment produces an interaction of the body systems improving muscular range of motion and joint mobility, circulation, lymphatic drainage, elimination of toxins, nutrient uptake and more.
Conditions that have responded well to Bowen Therapy:
- Standing Short
- Behavioural Problems
- Not Tracking Up
- Head Shy
- Uneven Stride
- Incorrect Lead
- Lacking Balance
- Sore Back
- General Soreness
- Reluctance to Canter
- Girthing Problems
- Lameness
- Hard to Shoe
- Horse Not Trying
It is important for you and your animal's health to have a happy, positive outlook and to regularly partake in supportive natural therapies to maintain wellbeing before things get to the chronic stages and disease takes a hold. Bowen Therapy can be used as a regular energy boost or balance and 'preventive maintenance' tool for the already fit and healthy horse or rider.
An apppointment…
A Bowen Therapy treatment for your horse involves a stable visit by a therapist. An initial assessment and treatment followed by at least 4 days of rest for the horse to gain the most benefit from the therapy. So no work, training or floating during that 4 day period. Most common problems can be alleviated in 2 to 3 treatments a week apart.
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