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The Bowen Technique, developed by Thomas Bowen, a holistic therapist, is used to help treat the pain and discomfort brought on by back pain, shoulder pain, repetitive strain injury, and chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia.
Similar to massage, the Bowen Technique involves a series of small moves using the fingers on parts of the body that are in pain. Light touches are used to help the body recognize and repair painful areas such as sore muscles and tendons.
Bowen therapy sessions are scheduled weekly and usually last about 45 minutes. Short breaks are taken in between to allow the body to relax before new areas are touched. -
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects the muscles and tendons in the body. Normally when the body experiences trauma, chemicals are sent to pain receptors in the brain that force muscles to contract. The sensation of pain that follows is the brain's way of telling you that your body has been injured.
For those with fibromyalgia, messages are sent too frequently which causes constant muscle contractions, even though the body has not sustained an injury. These contractions cause pain. Pain receptors become "programmed" to continually contract the muscles. Tender spots on the body that exhibit pain include the neck, shoulders, calve muscles of the legs, arms and knees.
The Bowen Technique has been used to treat the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia. Patients have reported a reduction in pain after undergoing treatment. The Bowen Technique has helped people sleep more soundly through the night, reduced constant pain in certain areas, reduced fatigue and has provided enhanced relaxation of muscles and tendons.
By lightly touching affected muscles, new messages are sent to the brain telling the muscles to relax which leads to a reduction in pain. -
Choose a certified Bowen Technique practitioner with at least three years of practical experience. Those who have completed the necessary training will be able to effectively focus solely on areas of the body that need treatment so each session is beneficial to the patient.
Professional Bowen Technique practitioners have completed level 3 and level 4 refresher courses to maintain their certification. Visit bowendirectory.com to find a certified practitioner near you to learn more about treatment for fibromyalgia.
