NST Bowen
NST Bowen Therapy – Treatments for back and joint pain, frozen shoulder, headaches, digestive and respiratory disorders, sciatica, sports injuries, food sensitivities and stress.
- What is NST Bowen Therapy?
- How does it work?
- What does a typical session involve?
- What to expect after a treatment
- History of Bowen
What is NST Bowen Therapy?
You’re never too old…..
Sandie Lovell specialises in Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST) and Bowen Therapy; skilful professional bodywork therapies which are revolutionising bodywork all around the world. In traditional bodywork the focus is commonly on full contact from the practitioner to the client such as a manipulation or massage.
The focus in NST Bowen is much more subtle. The moves in this gentle technique initiate signals which are relayed through the neural pathways from the body back to the brain to alert the brain that there are dysfunctional problems within specific tissues. The brain in turn starts a process of auto-regulation in the spinal column and so encourages balance to be restored to the whole body via the central nervous system
NST Bowen is essentially a soft tissue therapy with procedures resembling osteopathic-style and myofascial moves which help restore the structural integrity of the body by releasing physical dysfunction and psychological imbalances.
NST Bowen is a truly comprehensive healing modality, with a treatment influencing not only the musculo-skeletal system but also impacting the lymphatic and venous draining systems, the circulatory system and acupuncture meridians.
There is also a strong involvement by the autonomic nervous system during a treatment changing the body from a state of “fight, flight or freeze” mode to one of “rest, relax and repair”.
There are no contraindications for the treatment, as all ailments are seen to be symptoms of imbalance, and it is therefore useful for a wide range of conditions from acute pain to chronic conditions. It can even be used to enhance many other popular therapies.
How does it work?
….nor too young for Advanced NST Bowen for gentle rebalancing and realignment
NST Bowen is a light touch therapy where a series of gentle rolling-type moves are made over precise points on the body using varying pressure. The cross-fibre moves over muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves send neurological impulses to the brain.
As the session proceeds, short periods of rest give the body time to respond to the work being done and thereby allowing it to rebalance and realign itself with minimum intervention.
There is no physical manipulation and no force is used or needed in a treatment.
This key feature of not forcing anything to happen assists your body to initiate its natural healing process and release muscle and fascial dysfunction.
Most people experience a notable deep relaxation during the session due to the enhanced parasympathetic (rest, relax and repair) activity of the body’s autonomic nervous system .
This in turn promotes rapid healing, reduced symptoms, pain relief, an increased sense of well-being and higher energy levels.
I never cease to be amazed at the effectiveness of this simple and gentle hands-on therapy which is suitable and safe for everyone from new born to the elderly and infirm.
My many clients have also been equally amazed at how such a gentle treatment can be so effective. In fact the treatment is so gentle that some clients have commented that they wonder if anything is happening at all!
What does a typical session involve?
NST Bowen treatments done through clothing
A treatment will normally take between 45 minutes and 1 hour and can be done either through light, loose clothing or directly onto the skin.
The major core muscles are worked on, beginning with the spinal column and then concentrating on specific areas of the body which require attention
You may experience relief from pain immediately after the first session but it is more common to feel an improvement over the next 3 to 4 days as your body adjusts to the therapy and realigns itself.
In most cases two or three treatments are often all that is needed to achieve lasting relief from many conditions, although sometimes further treatments may be required especially if you have longstanding discomfort or chronic pain.
I do encourage clients to be proactive in their health management by returning occasionally for maintenance treatments.
What to expect after a treatment
Sometimes clients experience body aches moving to different parts of their body, or emotional releases. Some people may go through a ‘healing process’ where they experience slight symptoms or possible stiffness. These reactions, if experienced, usually only last between 12 – 48 hours before positive change occurs.
A sufficient intake of water and daily walking will help flush the lymphatic system and assist the body to return quickly to a state of balance.
Although the therapy is simple, non invasive and gentle, clients have said that the wonderful results are often miraculous.
Please note: NST Bowen Therapy is not a substitute for medical treatment. If in doubt please consult your doctor.
