Equine Bowen Therapy
A gentle, non-instrusive therapy which has transformed the lives of many horses - and their riders!
The Bowen Technique was originally developed by Tom Bowen, who lived and worked in Geelong, Australia in the 1960's. Originally the therapy was only used on humans, but Tom Bowen also worked with animals - allegedly treating one horse which came second in the Melbourne Cup.
Bowen therapy - whether given to horses or humans - is an extremely gentle, non-instrusive muscle release therapy which encourages the body to 'reset' itself and break the tension-pain-tension cycle so often experienced. By gently using thumbs and fingers in a rolling action over specific muscles, tendons and ligaments, the therapist has a significant impact on fascial connections and nerve pathways which affect all systems of the body, including the digestive, nervous and circulatory systems. It can also stimulate the lymphatic system and is therefore especially beneficial to horses on box rest, helping them to expel unwanted toxins naturally, without over-exertion. Very often, horses which do not like other forms of therapy relax and enjoy Bowen therapy.
An Equine Bowen treatment usually lasts around 45 minutes, although the first treatment may take a little longer as the therapist will take detailed notes and may ask to see the horse ridden or lunged. Two or three treatments at weekly intervals may be required to achieve lasting relief but many horse owners notice a significant improvement after only one treatment.
Equine Bowen Therapy is suitable for all ages and types of horses, from happy hackers to competition horses. It is particularly useful for a wide range of ailments, from acute pain to chronic conditions, including:
- unlevelness, disunited gait or irregular action
- uneven wear of shoes
- muscle atrophy or uneven development
- stiffness on one rein
- 'cold' or sore back
- sluggish lymphatic system or weakened immune system
- uncharacteristic change of temperament or deterioration of performance
- stiffness due to old age (many old horses have returned to gentle work after treatment)
Bowen therapy is equally effective for humans too - by helping to relieve pain and tension, it allows the rider to provide a more balanced weight on the horse's back.
For more information please contact: Krystyna Monks 01372 372129/07850 157435 • www.bowentherapies.co.uk
