Reducing Stress & Anxiety Through Bowenwork
A Skilled Practitioner Plays a Critical Role
Crystal Maceira, CBP, LMT, MH
Sept – Oct 2023 • Vol 4, No 6
Bowenwork is a holistic-healing technique that has been used for decades to alleviate pain, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall well-being. This practice involves a series of gentle movements and manipulations performed on the body’s muscles, tendons, and connective tissue by a trained practitioner. The goal of Bowenwork is to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and restore balance to the nervous system.
In this article, we will explore how Bowenwork can help you reduce stress and anxiety in your daily life. We will also discuss the role of a Bowenwork practitioner in relieving pain, and how to use the Bowenwork technique for maximum effectiveness, and then we’ll share some real-life stories of success with this powerful healing modality.
Bowenwork and Its Benefits
Bowenwork was developed by Australian therapist Tom Bowen in the 1950s. It is based on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when given the right conditions. During a Bowen session, the practitioner uses subtle moves to communicate with the brain via the nervous system, encouraging it to initiate changes in the body by giving them a minimum of a two-minute wait in between moves. These changes can lead to improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and increased mobility.
One of the primary benefits of Bowenwork is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. When we experience stress or anxiety, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and insomnia. Bowenwork helps to relax the muscles and soft tissues in the body, reducing tension and promoting relaxation. This can have a calming effect on the mind, the emotions, and the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
How Bowenwork Relieves Stress and Anxiety
During a Bowenwork session, the practitioner applies gentle pressure to specific points on the body, using small movements to stimulate the nerves and to encourage the body to reset itself. This process can help to reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and increase lymphatic drainage, all of which can contribute to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels.
How a Bowenwork Practitioner Can Relieve Pain
A skilled Bowenwork practitioner plays a critical role in facilitating the body’s natural healing processes. They use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to identify areas of tension and restriction in the body, then apply targeted movements to release these areas and promote relaxation. By working closely with clients, they are able to tailor sessions to meet individual needs and provide support throughout the healing process.
Understanding the Bowenwork Technique for Maximum Effectiveness
To get the most out of Bowenwork, it’s essential to understand the basic principles behind the technique. One key concept is the importance of rest, recovery, and walking between sessions. Because Bowenwork works by triggering the body’s natural healing responses, it’s crucial to allow time for those responses to take effect. Most practitioners recommend waiting at least five days between sessions to avoid overwhelming the body. They also suggest not receiving other forms of bodywork, physical therapy, or chiropractic adjustments, because these may interfere with the ongoing work the Bowenwork is trying to achieve.
Another important aspect of Bowenwork is the role of breathing. During a session, the practitioner may ask you to breathe deeply or pause at the end of a breath. This can help to enhance the effects of the treatment and promote relaxation.
Real Life Stories of Bowenwork Success
Many people have reported significant improvements in their health and well-being after Bowenwork treatments. Here are just a few examples:
A woman who suffered from chronic back pain found relief after just one session. She continued to receive regular treatments and eventually regained full mobility without any discomfort.
A man with severe anxiety noticed a marked improvement in his mood and energy levels after several Bowenwork sessions. He continues to incorporate this work into his self-care routine to manage stress and maintain optimal mental health.
Here is a comment from a client I saw recently: “I am happy, no thrilled, with the treatment! My neck is feeling so much better. I am impressed with how just subtle movements can produce such dramatic affects.”
Action Towards a Happier, Healthier You
If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or other physical or emotional challenges, Bowen-work could be the answer you’ve been looking for. By working with a qualified practitioner, you can access the power of your own body’s healing abilities and achieve greater peace, balance, and vitality. Why not act today towards a happier, healthier you?
I have recently become a Bowenwork Instructor and am in the process of teaching the gentle movements of Bowenwork to students all around the western half of Montana. (I’m hoping to reach the eastern half of the state, too, as therapists realize how effective it is and how easy it is on their body!)
Let me know if you’d like to learn this subtle yet effective form of bodywork. No schooling is necessary. American Bowen Academy provides all the necessary requirements to become a practitioner. Call or email me to find out when the next class will be held in Helena. I will come to your area if there are six interested students—even for the introductory class.
— Good Health to You!
Crystal Maceira is a Certified Bowenwork Practitioner, practicing in Helena. She has been a massage therapist for 23+ years. She is also a Master Herbalist and certified IIPA Iridologist. She pre-pares her own single and formula-blend herbal tinctures. Find out more by visiting PositiveLifeChange.info. Call Crystal at 406-616-2599 crystalclearhealth@gmail.com.
