The Massage Source

**(By Scheduled Appointments Only)** What is Bowenwork? It is a gentle and effective manual therapy that balances tension patterns in the body, resulting in a state of deep relaxation. It address the body as a whole and not only the musculoskeletal framework, but also the fascia, nerves and internal organs. The body's integrated response to Bowenwork improves circulation and lymphatic drainage. It also enhances the assimilation of nutrients and the elimination of toxins from the body. Bowenwork is extremely gentle and is appropriate from the newborn to the elderly. What does Bowenwork do? The practitioner places fingers or thumbs on the skin over precise points on muscles, tendons or other soft structures. Then the Bowen move sends information via sensory nerves to the brain about a specific structure. When the information arrives at the brain it is pushed around between the different areas of the brain where a response is made according to the information received. The response is sent back to the structure via motor nerves and certain adjustments are then made. Once this occurs, the body can initiate a healing response on structural and energetic levels. What to expect in a session. Wear or bring light weight, loose fitting clothing that your practitioner can work through. Your practitioner will take a health history and ask about the reason for your visit so as to select the best "bowenwork moves" to apply that day. After each series of moves, your practitioner will make sure you are comfortable and will leave the room to allow your body time to begin responding. What to expect afterward. Some changes may be noticeable right away. * Reduced pain * Greater range of motion * A sense of relaxation and well being You will most likely notice changes in the next several days as your body continues the process that began during your session. Sounder sleep and increased energy are commonly reported. If your practitioner assigns homework of gentle bowenwork exercises, do them daily beginning on the day after your session, and be sure to drink plenty of water due to the elimination of toxins from the body. These are essential parts of your care and will improve your results. How many sessions are needed? Three to five sessions one week apart are usually all that are required for most problems brought about by long term overuse, work related injuries and sports injuries. Clients often report major or total improvement in seemingly unrelated problems they had forgotten to mention to their practitioners.