Cathy Picard


Naturopathic Physician


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The Bowen Technique or Bowen Therapy is gentle, non-invasive physical medicine a unique form of soft-tissue bodywork that is very effective in relaxing muscle tension and reducing the body’s stress levels.

The Bowen Therapist assesses posture, muscle tone, alignments and areas of inflammation. Treatment is gentle, precise moves on specific areas of the body releasing fascia. The Bowen Technique works through releasing the fascia, our connective tissue which holds us together. This tissue knots up through injury or tension affecting our muscles, ligaments, tendons and even our internal organs and nerves. When the fascia is released tension is reduced aiding pain relief. Bowen therapy calms the parasympathetic nervous system so treatment can be very relaxing. Procedures are interspersed with short periods of rest while the fascia unwinds and the body responds. The therapy is very gentle and effective for patients from infancy to old age.

Please click links below to watch Youtube videos.



Bowen Therapy for Children.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP2uh9FerAg



Bowen Therapy Association

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpNhgdtjIPR17pVKY2F2Low





The Bowen Therapeutic Technique



The Bowen Therapeutic Technique involves a gentle yet dynamic system of muscle and connective tissue therapy that is revolutionizing health care treatment worldwide.


Developed in Australia by Thomas A. Bowen (1903-1982), the goal of a Bowen treatment is to restore the body processes for self-healing. The Bowen Technique is a unique form of neuro-muscular education. It involves a series of simple, gentle manipulations or “moves” across muscle and connective tissue. These small manipulations can be likened to strumming the strings on a guitar. The gentle pluck or “move” will start a series of harmonic vibrations that will reverberate throughout the body. The moves stimulate certain points along energetic meridians on the body to allow the energy to move freely.


This movement facilitates the body’s return to alignment. Because it works in harmony with the body, Bowen therapy is incredibly effective for any muscular, skeletal or nerve imbalance. It is also useful for chronic pain due to injury or emotional trauma.


Bowen therapy is useful for visceral issues such as asthma, digestive or kidney insufficiency and, after acute injury to stimulate rapid healing. The Bowen Technique is referred to as a “complementary” modality. This means it will enhance and complement – not interfere with - other medical attention.


However, doing other manipulative therapies immediately after a Bowen session can undermine the effectiveness of the continuing Bowen work. Waiting a week before commencing additional body treatment is therefore recommended. 


The Bowen Technique is non-invasive and can be applied through clothing, yet its effects can be profound. It is appropriate for everyone from newborn infants through the elderly.


It has been used with lasting benefit for individuals with disabilities and chronic degenerative conditions and does not interfere with other forms of medical care.





What conditions can benefit from Bowen.



Bowen is helpful for, but not limited to, the following conditions:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • TMJ dysfunction
  • Sciatica
  • Old sports injury pain
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Postural problems
  • Back Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Chronic Knee problems
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Chronic Abdominal Pain
  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Bronchitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Constipation
  • Tennis elbow
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Colic
  • Reflux
  • Ligamentous laxity




The Treatment



A treatment session lasts approximately 45 minutes.


The therapy is most effective when used in a series of 3-5 sessions, but people often experience a deep sense of well being and relaxation after only one session.


The treatment continues to act for 2-5 days following the actual treatment, and follow-up treatments should occur in no sooner than 7 days.


Each individual patient will integrate the physical “messages” imparted by the treatment at their own pace.


The moves are applied in series that are followed by intermittent, therapeutic pauses. The series of moves and pauses assist the body in re-balancing and re-aligning itself.


This re-alignment begins on a cellular level as well as in the musculoskeletal and autonomic nervous systems.