Simply

                  Bowen

"A Balanced Body is a Bowen Body"

Equine Bowen Therapy

As with the “human” technique, Equine Bowen Therapy (EBT) is a gentle but effective, non-invasive hands on technique, which promotes healing, provides pain relief and general well being.

The practitioner users only fingers and thumbs, rolling over muscle and soft tissue.  There is no manipulation of bones or adjustment of hard tissue involved.

It addresses the whole of the body and nervous system via the connective tissue, or fascia, stimulating the brain to release tension held in the fascia.  As the fascia surrounds the muscles, bones, nerves, organs and blood vessels, any tension here affects the whole of the body.  Bowen Therapy aims to release this tension thereby restoring balance to the body.

If you would like to know more about fascia please see “How Bowen Works”.

 

What does EBT treat?

Again the treatment is holistic and aims to re-balance the whole body as opposed to treating particular symptoms.  However there are certain conditions which respond well to EBT:

 Uneven or disunited gaits

 Irregular action

 Stiffness on one rein

 Deterioration of performance

 Uncharacteristic change of temperament

 Under or over developed muscle

 Uneven muscle development

 Cold and sore backs

 Uneven wear of shoes or hooves

 Weakened immune system

 Sluggish lymphatic system

 Filled legs

Horses manage to injure themselves in all manner of ways, getting cast in a stable or even rolling in the field, pulling back when tied, slipping on roads or in muddy fields, poorly fitting tack or even rugs.

Most of us wait until our horses show some signs of discomfort before getting them treated.  However a good regime of regular treatments for your horse can be just as beneficial and may actually reduce the incidents of muscle and tendon strain in both working and retired horses.

Bowen Therapy can also be used as a preventative therapy, keeping the fascia soft and pliable helps to reduce the risk of injury, particularly in competitive horses.  It also relieves stress and tension and can be a soothing treat for your pet.  Some retired horses have even returned to gentle work after having regular Bowen sessions.

 

What happens during the treatment?

The treatment itself will take approximately 45 – 60 minutes.  However, prior to treating the horse it usually beneficial to see the horse walk and trot, if possible.

During the treatment the horse will be given breaks, where the therapist will leave the area to allow him/her to absorb the treatment, just as with human Bowen therapy.

 

Do I need veterinary permission?

Yes!  It is illegal for anyone to treat your horse without first seeking permission from the veterinary surgeon.  However in my experience vets are usually very receptive to non-invasive therapies, such as Bowen.

Prior to visiting you I will take the necessary details from you and speak with your vet, they do not need to attend.  I have already established a relationship with many of the vets in the area and I am also the best person to answer any questions they may have about Bowen Therapy.

 

Can I ride after the treatment?

I usually find that the less you do with the horse in between treatments, the better!   Whilst riding should not do any damage, evidence shows that the treatment will continue to work for at least 7 days after the session, therefore you are likely to get better results if you do not ride or put a saddle on his back for this time.

 

Is there any other aftercare?

I advise not to groom for 24 hours after the session and to keep rug changes to a minimum.   To get optimum results it is best to turn out afterwards as the treatment will boost the lymphatic system and walking around further assists this.  However, if this is not possible hand grazing or walking in hand for a short period afterwards will help.

The horse must also have access to plenty of clean water both during and after the treatment, this will again help boost the lymphatic system and also assist in de-toxing.