Therapy FAQs
What is Bowen Technique?
This is a form of therapy that uses a very light touch to release unwanted tension in the muscles. It is named after Tom Bowen who worked as a therapist in Australia and developed his own unique way of working. Bowen Technique has been taught within UK since the early 1990’s, and can be used on people of all ages, and on animals. The website of the professional association gives more details about the history and uses of Bowen Technique https://www.bowentherapy.org.uk/
What is Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST)?
Also a form of muscle release therapy, NST was strongly influenced by both Bowen Technique with which it has many similarities, and the chiropractic Sacro Occipital Technique. NST has, in addition, been validated by kinesiology. The website describes its development and uses https://www.nsthealth.com/
What is Emmett Technique?
This is a body relaxation technique that also uses a light touch, and is effective on people and animals. Emmett originates from a similar tradition to Bowen. However, there are differences in the style in which the gentle pressure is applied to the body. The website for more information is here https://www.emmett-uk.co.uk/about-emmett/emmett-technique-explained/
I’m confused – which therapy do you actually use?!
I use my experience in all three techniques whenever I am working. My aim is always to release unwanted muscle tension, and help restore the body to a better balance in whatever way I can. However, for horses I use primarily Equine Bowen Technique; for dogs I use primarily Canine Emmett Technique; for people I use primarily NST and Bowen Technique.
Which therapy would be best for me/my horse/my dog?
There is no need to choose – whatever the problem I will always work in the way that I feel will produce the best outcome.
How do these therapies work?
The therapies I use all relax the body and release unwanted tension from muscles, the question of how the particular touch causes this to happen is not clear. The websites of the individual therapies can give you more information.
What are the benefits of these therapies?
The main reason that people seek help from these therapies is to gain relief from physical pain and restricted movement – for themselves, or their horse or their dog. I believe that benefits occur on three levels. Releasing unwanted muscle tension allows the body to return to a more correctly balanced posture; this in turn allows more correct movement and reduces stresses and wear throughout the whole body. Unwanted muscle tension consumes energy; when this is released, the misdirected energy becomes available for other purposes, and previous feelings of fatigue may disappear. Unwanted tension within soft tissue (muscle) can potentially cause restrictions in the circulation of blood and the lymphatic system, and so impede many of the essential ‘housekeeping’ processes within the body; when this is released there may be more widespread improvements in wellbeing.
How long is a session?
For horses and people I usually allow 1 hour; for dogs I find that around 40 minutes works better. The first appointment with any new client will always be a little longer to allow for taking appropriate details and medical history.
What should I expect from a Bowen session for myself?
At the start of any session I will ask you for a few details of how you are feeling, and the issues that have prompted you to come for help. I will assess your posture in a standing position before, and after, the work in order to allow me to assess its effectiveness. Provided you are wearing loose, lightweight clothing to the appointment such as T-shirts and jogging pants, there is no need to change or undress. I normally work with the client lying on a treatment couch, but in circumstances where this is not possible (e.g. the very elderly) I can work with the client seated or standing. During the session you will feel a gentle pressure as I release muscle tension, and some ‘rest’ intervals whilst I allow the body to respond; many people become very relaxed or even sleepy.
What should I expect to feel after the session?
The Bowen session is the start of a healing process for the body, and this can last for up to several days. Early responses vary. Some people are immediately energised, with a lighter feeling, less pain and less restricted movement as soon as they stand up after the work. Others need time for their body to process the changes before they are aware of the full benefits. During this time they may feel some aching and flu type symptoms as the body flushes lactic acid from the muscles. This normally clears very quickly, and can be helped by drinking plenty of plain water.
How many sessions will I need?
Whenever possible, I like to see all new clients one week after their first session so that I can assess their response to the work. The total number of visits you will need depends very much on your particular issues. As a guide, many people feel significantly better after 3 sessions spaced approximately 1 week apart. Some very recent injuries might even be helped with a single session. We will discuss this at the time of your visit. After the initial problems have been addressed, many people benefit from regular single ‘maintenance’ sessions which could be as frequently as monthly, or as much as one year apart.
What should I expect from an Equine Bowen session for my horse?
Before I am allowed to visit, we must contact your vet and obtain permission for me to work on your horse: this is a requirement of the Veterinary Surgeon’s Act 1966. I will ask you to sign a form to confirm that we have appropriate veterinary consent, and that as the owner/main carer you also give consent. At the start of the session I will ask you for some details of your horse’s management routine and work. This will include farriery, dentistry, saddle fit and nutrition. I then like to see the horse walk and trot in hand. It is best to work in an area where your horse is quiet and relaxed; this could be in his/her stable, or tied up outside. I prefer the owner/main carer to be present throughout the session in case the horse becomes unsettled by anything, and so that we can discuss his/her responses. You will see me make gentle ‘rolling’ movements on key parts of the horse’s body, starting on his/her back. I will leave you with a written summary of the session; please note this is a summary of my observations, and is not a diagnosis, which can only be legally carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon. After the session your horse should be kept warm, given access to plenty of fresh drinking water, and not worked for 1 day (or up to 3 days if this is their first Bowen session).
How many sessions will my horse need?
This depends on the individual issues. Many riders notice an improvement after the first session, but it is advisable to book 1 or 2 follow up sessions in order to prevent previous imbalances recurring. More difficult issues may require a longer course of sessions, and I like to discuss individual needs at the first appointment. Regular maintenance is invaluable for horses in work, and depending on the intensity of work this might typically be every 3 months, or every 6 months. Remember that the balance of the saddle and the rider can both have a big impact on the horse’s movement.
I already have a ‘back lady’ for my horse; can I use Bowen alongside her work?
Yes, Bowen technique can be used in addition to other forms of musculoskeletal maintenance work. I would want to be sure that your present ‘back lady’ would be happy with this arrangement; I would also advise that you leave a gap of at least 2 weeks between different types of work, in order to allow the body to settle.
What should I expect from a Canine Emmett session for my dog?
Before I am allowed to visit, we must contact your vet and obtain permission for me to work on your dog: this is a requirement of the Veterinary Surgeon’s Act 1966. I will ask you to sign a form to confirm that we have appropriate veterinary consent, and that as the owner/main carer you also give consent. At the start of the session I will ask you for some details of your dog’s general health and behaviour, and the particular concerns that have led you to contact me. If it is possible to see the dog moving quietly in walk or a relaxed trot it can help me in deciding on the appropriate procedures to use; however, if the dog is quietly resting and likely to become overexcited if disturbed then I can work by feel alone. I will use a gentle touch to assess muscle tension, and release it where necessary. At intervals during the session I might ask your dog to quietly walk for a few steps. After the session you should provide access to plenty of fresh drinking water, and allow the opportunity for gentle movement, or for rest, as your dog wants.
