Bowen
Bowen

Bowen Therapy in Edinburgh
What is Bowen?
At Bowen Edinburgh, Bowen Therapy is a non-invasive, holistic sequence of gentle moves over muscles and soft tissue, interspersed with periods of rest. Neither a form of massage nor of manipulation, it is hard to categorise.
Treatments usually last about 45 minutes and although the best results come when the treatment is done directly over skin, it can be done through loose, light clothing.
Caution
With Bowen Edinburgh it is best not to combine Bowen with any other form of hands-on therapy: for example massage, physiotherapy, manipulation, chiropractic, osteopathy and also acupuncture because these can interfere with the healing process.
History
Tom Bowen was born in 1916 and after his death in 1982 the system of therapy he developed was given his name. Tom's parents emigrated to Australia from the UK before he was born. Interested in anatomy from very early in his life, Tom worked as a labourer and never officially qualified as a therapist: he just did it!
He was a member of the Salvation Army and coached children in sports, especially swimming. But apparently he could feel separate muscles, nerves and soft tissues and detect muscular vibrations in them. The sensation he felt showed him wto treat.
He developed a therapy unlike any other physical therapy: very economical in its movements, yet with startlingly good results.
Who can benefit? Not just back pain!
Men, women and children of all ages can benefit from what we do at Bowen Edinburgh. Bowen can also help improve the quality of life of the terminally ill, and to relieve the symptoms of infantile colic. At Bowen Edinburgh, Bowen is used by many to relieve stress and maintain fitness.
Bowen Therapy suits sports people with strains and sprains. For people with back pain in Edinburgh , desk workers or people whose work involves lifting or carrying heavy things it not only helps the pain but encourages them relax.
Think of Bowen Therapy in Edinburgh for anyone who is suffering from overstrain, or retired with arthritic joints, and don't forget joggers needing their legs and tendons kept mobile and healthy.
A typical Bowen session
During your first session, careful notes are taken and your health history discussed. If appropriate and there is time and you would like it, you can receive your first Bowen session immediately.
Sessions usually begin with you lying down and the practitioner uses thumbs and fingers over precise points on your body. He or she makes a kind of rolling-over the muscles.
Every now and then the therapist leaves the room for short periods, allowing you to rest while your body responds to the moves performed. Often your body begins to adjust right away to initiate the healing process.
The Bowen moves encourage your body to re-align itself, but there is no manipulation of hard tissue, and no force is used or needed.
Regular treatment helps to manage stress and to encourage health maintenance. We will advise you if Acupuncture in Edinburgh might be more suitable for you, and the Edinburgh Natural Health Centre aims to provide you with the best advice for your condition. Where appropriate we also work here with Doctors from GP Plus who can advise you on medical conditions and suggest the orthodox medical way of treatment.
Examples of treatment success:
Tennis and Golfer's elbow
Male Radio presenter aged 39
J. suffered back pain and golfer's elbow. He reported; "After two treatments both my back and elbow were fine. I don't know how it works, but the problems did no return and I was able to play golf and football again."
Sciatica
Female aged 82
M. had a bad fall hurting her hip and back. She had received various therapies, with little success until a report on a radio show encouraged her to try Bowen. After one treatment she felt 'normal'. Following a second treatment she was free of pain and she said, "I found it a relaxing and enjoyable experience, and I am delighted with the result."
Sports Injuries
Male Writer/Architect, Rugby player aged 46
R. damaged his back after falling out of a tree which, added to his previous rugby injuries, made walking and sitting very difficult. He was advised to see a Bowen therapist and after one treatment the pain eased, much to his relief. He had a further three treatments, followed by regular maintenance 'top-ups'. He said "Although the treatment is so gentle, it certainly sorted out my back problems!"
Infant Colic
Male baby aged 3 months
Baby G. had been very miserable, and was obviously in pain. After one Bowen treatment the colic condition ceased, and his parents were delighted. "We are pleased the baby is so much happier and we can all get some rest!"
Pregnancy
Female aged 34
34 weeks into her pregnancy, J. was suffering with pelvic and sciatic pain, making sleeping, walking and sitting difficult. After one Bowen treatment she felt relaxed and was pain free. She had two more treatments prior to the birth of her daughter. "I am so pleased to have discovered the technique and I have recommended it many people." She said.
Migraine
Female aged 49
K. had been experiencing migraine attacks for nearly 40 years. These had become so frequent they were occurring about twice a month, and lasting for up to three days. Although somewhat sceptical she applied to take part in the Bowen Migraine Research Programme. Over a two week period, K. had three treatments and was surprised how relaxing she found the therapy. She kept a diary and noted no further attacks for seven weeks. "The longest gap in years," she reported.
Qualifications
The Bowen Therapists' European Register is a professional association for qualified Bowen Therapists. Members of the Register are also qualified in Anatomy and Physiology and First Aid. They are fully insured, abide by a strict code of conduct and ethics, and are committed to a programme of continuing professional development.

Cost
Each session costs £45 except for the first session which is charged at £45 per half hour pro-rata. Cash or cheque payments only please.
Appointments
To make an appointment, please call 07950-012501 or 0131 346 8186, or email us using the form on our contact page.