Bowenwork: Great for the Feet
And Just About Anything Else!
Crystal Maceira, CBP, LMT, MH
March – April 2023 • Vol 4, No 3
I have been a Bowenwork practitioner for over six years now. During that time, I have seen some amazing results through this gentle, non-invasive form of bodywork. There are so many applications that would be too numerous to write about them here. Here’s what I tell those that want to know what it can do: “If you have an issue, there is generally a Bowenwork procedure or a set of moves for that.” Babies to seniors and everyone in between can benefit from this effective modality.
Living in Montana gives me the unique opportunity to share this little-known form of bodywork to my clients. When they come in for a massage for the first time, I make sure to let them know of this form of bodywork, so they can have an opportunity to try it. They totally have a choice whether to receive a hands-on, full-body massage or Bowenwork. Most of the time, they choose Bowenwork, because their condition has not resolved with massage—or with any other treatment for that matter.
What do I say that compels them to give it a try? Well, I usually tell them that it resets the body’s “fight-or-flight,” sympathetic nervous system. It gives the body the tools it needs to heal. When the session is complete, they will be very relaxed. And I tell them that Bowenwork is a system of moves along muscles and connective tissues that enhances the body’s innate ability to heal, creating balance and resetting the nervous system out of “stress mode.”
In his booklet, “Understanding the Bowen Technique,” John Wilks describes Bowenwork as a very gentle form of natural healing. In order to appreciate its subtlety and depth, the therapy really needs to be experienced. These booklets are available to inform the client about Bowenwork. (To learn more, read my previous articles in this magazine, archived here.)
Bowenwork is different from a regular massage in that I will apply a few moves, then step away from the client and let the body “receive and process” for a couple of minutes or longer, depending on the procedure being applied. I then will continue with the process of applying a few more moves and let the body respond by stepping away for another couple of minutes, until the procedure or session is complete.
One of the key areas that Bowenwork addresses is the feet. If you or someone you know has foot problems, you will want to know that there is another very effective option to address issues such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, tight and inflexible feet, difficulties with balance, hammer toes, cold feet, heel spurs, and other foot problems. When there is an ankle injury, Bowenwork can usually be done right away if there are no broken bones and no bleeding involved. I have had some great results in helping my clients with various problems with their feet. When there are chronic foot issues, the knees and hips can also be involved. So yes, there is a procedure for that!
Recently, in one of my Introduction to Bowenwork classes, a student who had chronic knee issues was taught the first four moves of the Knee Procedure. She emailed me later that day and raved about how much movement she had. She could feel it all the way into the hips and into the feet. She was walking around swinging her hips having a great time with her daughters. That was in a practice situation, and she still received amazing results.
Over time, I have become more and more passionate about Bowenwork. In Australia, where it originated almost 70 years ago, insurance companies pay for this unique form of bodywork.
I teach the Introduction to Bowenwork class regularly. Mark your calendars! My next class is March 18th. Look for me in Livingston at the Holistic Healing Fair on April 15th. I have another Intro class on April 22nd. On July 13–16, I will teach my first set of students Bowenwork so they can work toward becoming a practitioner themselves!
If you are interested in having a treatment, please contact me. If you would like to learn how to become a Practitioner, then go to AmericanBowen.academy, click on “Find a class,” and sign up today. Or contact me and I can help you through the process.
