Love Your Horse and Dog With Natural Bowen Therapy
What is Equine Bowen Therapy and How Can It Help My Horse?
Equine Bowen Therapy is based on the principles of the Bowen Technique, pioneered by the late Thomas Ambrose Bowen, born in 1916 in Geelong, Australia. It's believed that Tom Bowen initially worked on greyhounds and racehorses, having a remarkable result with one horse who came second in the Melbourne Cup.
Equine Bowen is a gentle, non-intrusive therapy which stimulates the body's inner ability to heal itself to be activated. This re-organisation of the musculature of the body can bring increased energy levels and pain relief.
Equine Bowen Therapy - a gentle therapy
As a soft tissue therapy, there's no pulling or cracking of joints and no insertion of needles. The therapist uses fingers or thumbs in a rolling action over specific muscles, tendons and ligaments, incorporating resting periods to allow the body to absorb the information and respond accordingly.
The therapy is essentially holistic. Treating the whole body and is generally a pleasant and relaxing experience. See below for information on how it can help your horse.
What is Canine Bowen Therapy and How Can It Help My Dog?
Canine Bowen Therapy was developed in 2001 by established Bowen therapists, Sally and Ron Askew. Like Equine Bowen Therapy it's based upon the principles of the original Bowen Technique, developed by Thomas Bowen. Subtle hand movements are used over specific points of the dog's body, to promote healing.
How Long Will A Canine or Equine Bowen Therapy Session Last?
An Equine Bowen Therapy session will take approximately 45 minutes, whereas a Canine Bowen Therapy session typically will be approximately 20 minutes (although an initial consultation may take longer).
Two or three separate sessions, usually at weekly intervals, may be required to achieve lasting relief.
How Can Bowen Therapy Help My Horse?
Equine Bowen Therapy can be used to help horses with the following conditions:
- Sluggish lymphatic system or weakened immune system.
- Uncharacteristic change of temperament or deterioration of performance
- 'Cold Back'
- 'One sidedness' and stiffness
- Behavioural
- Unlevel stride
- Lameness
- Recovery from injury
All ages and breeds of horse can benefit.
How Can My Dog Benefit From Bowen?
The Canine Bowen Technique is often used with dogs who maybe experiencing the following:
- Joint problems
- Digestive problems
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Eye problems
plus many other ailments - speak to your Canine Bowen Therapist for advice.
What Research Has There Been To Prove Canine or Equine Bowen Work?
Yes there has been some! Check out the link below. Find out more about complementary animal therapies research here at my research page.
- Animal Bowen (the Bowen technique adapted for animals): use of a gentle hands-on therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain in dogs (Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 2005)
Equine and Canine Bowen Therapy can help all horses and dogs. Whether used in competitions or those who've a more leisurely lifestyle. It's often used as a preventative measure too.
Please note: Equine and Canine Bowen Therapy are not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice or treatment. Always consult your Veterinary Surgeon before trying Bowen Therapy - qualified therapists will normally want to liaise with your Vet anyway.
Interested in training as a Bowen Therapist for Horses or Dogs? Visit my advice pages at:
Would you like information on Equine or Canine Bowen Therapists near you for your animal? Please email us at info@taranet.co.uk - we'll be pleased to try and assist, wherever you are in the world!
You can get more information on many complementary therapies for animals here at Taranet. Take a look at the sitemap here for a list.
About The Author
This article has been extensively researched and written by Suzanne Harris. Who is also the designer and developer of this site. A lifelong animal lover with a passion for ensuring animals can access complementary therapies for their health and wellbeing.