Bowen
Case Study:
Sam, an advanced riding school horse
Sam was very sensitive over his back and wither area. The muscles around his withers spasmed when touched, and he kicked out when being girthed up. After one treatment the muscles around his withers were spasming less, and the rest of his muscles were also much more soft and supple. He was happier being tacked up and felt freer and easier when ridden.
What is Bowen?
Developed by Tom Bowen in Australia, this complementary therapy is very gentle and works with the body. It is a catalyst for change, encouraging the body itself to do most of the work. By helping the body to heal itself, the root cause of the problem is dealt with, thereby alleviating the symptoms and producing long term results.
Bowen benefits the whole body. It helps to realign musculoskeletal problems and normalise the respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, hormonal, nervous and digestive systems. Bowen can help chronic, long-term complaints, or sudden acute problems. Wind, stamina, flexibility and muscle tone can also be improved, as well as releasing sub clinical problems that can't be identified apart from a slight to substantial loss in performance. This is especially important for competition horses when the smallest factor of length, time or height can mean the difference between winning and losing.
Treating the Horse and Rider
If both the horse and rider are structurally out of balance and only the horse is treated, then the rider is likely to affect the healing process. Therefore, treatment of the horse and rider at the same time is encouraged, to help rebalance both members of the team, providing more effective and lasting results.
Examples of Conditions That Respond Well To Bowen
- Health Maintenance - Prevention is the best form of protection.
- Unlevelness, shortened stride, disunited gait or irregular action.
- Muscle atrophy or uneven development.
- Sore through the back or cold backed.
- Uncharacteristic change of temperament or behaviour.
- Deterioration of performance or general lethargy.
- Stiffness, lack of lateral flexion or canter lead problems.
- Respiratory problems.
- Mental and/or emotional problems caused by pain, fear or stress.
- Recuperation from injury or illness.
- Many older horses that had been retired due to stiffness have returned to gentle hacking following Bowen.
Please note: the Bowen Technique is not a substitute for medical or veterinary advice or treatment.
If in doubt, please consult your doctor or veterinary surgeon.
