Bowen Therapy | equineinspiration

Equine Bowen Therapy

Cath is a qualified European School of Equine Bowen Therapy Practitioner, Reg no. 1230, and a member of the International Institute of Complementary Therapies.

Cath's combination of skills in training and Bowen Therapy mean she has a unique perspective on how your horse's physical state effects his work. By working with horses in hand and under saddle, as well as being a hands on therapist, Cath often picks up on problems that others miss. Cath can help you and your horse work through behavioural issues that are actually pain-based, become straight and balanced, and regain symmetry and even muscling.

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The Origin of Bowen

Equine Bowen Therapy is based on the principles of the Bowen Technique, pioneered by the late Thomas Ambrose Bowen. Born in 1916 in Geelong, Australia, Tom Bowen initially worked on greyhounds and racehorses, having a remarkable result with one horse who came second in the Melbourne Cup.

This hands on treatment is not entirely new, many similar techniques have been used on animals in different countries and cultures - accupressure, shiatsu, stress point therapy, myofacial release therapy and equine touch therapy, to name a few. Equine Bowen Therapy is an amalgamation of elements from established practices whose roots go back thousands of years.

The Bowen Technique

Bowen therapy is a gentle, non-intrusive hands on therapy, which stimulates the body’s inner ability to heal itself. This reorganisation of the musculature of the body can bring increased energy levels and pain relief.

As a soft tissue therapy, it ‘disturbs’ the connective tissue. There is no pulling or cracking of joints and no insertion of needles. The therapist uses fingers or thumbs in a rolling action over specific muscles, tendons and ligaments, incorporating resting periods to allow the body to absorb the information and respond accordingly.

A major response to Bowen Therapy is re-hydration of the tissues and the removal of toxins as the lymphatic system is stimulated.

The treatment is essentially holistic, addressing the whole body and is generally a pleasant and relaxing experience, taking approximately 45 minutes. Two or three treatments, usually at weekly intervals, may be required to achieve lasting relief.

While the Bowen Technique is a relatively young therapy compared to some other complementary therapies, with the basic principles of the technique observed accurately, there is a continuous observation, research and development programme in place. This allows further discovery of the many beneficial aspects of this amazing therapy.

The technique is useful for a wide range of conditions from acute pain to chronic conditions. Problems which respond well to EBT include:

Unlevelness, disunited gait or irregular action.
Uneven wear of shoes.
Muscle atrophy or uneven development.
Stiffness on one rein.
'Cold back' or sore back.
Sluggish lymphatic system or weakened immune system.
Uncharacteristic change of temperament.
Deterioration of performance.

Many older horses that have been retired due to stiffness have returned to gentle hacking following Bowen Therapy.

All horses will benefit greatly from Bowen Therapy. A treatment can help your horse to gain more elevation in his stride, freedom through the shoulder and power from the hindquarters.

Holistic Therapy for Horse and Rider

Equine Bowen Therapy allows the horse to perform his best for his rider. Likewise, by addressing any muscular stiffness in the rider with the Bowen Technique, the horse will appreciate a balanced weight on his back!

Any correction of a horse’s problem may not hold unless the rider is also in complete structural balance. As with many holistic therapies, the body is treated as a whole, without referral to named disease. Bowen Therapists will treat the complete body, horse or human, and not a specific disease.

Please note: The Bowen Technique and Equine Bowen Therapy are not intended as a substitute for medical or veterinary advice or treatment. If in doubt, please consult your Doctor or Vet.