Bowen Technique in Pregnancy

Introduction:

The Bowen technique is a potent yet gentle therapy that is a natural and holistic procedure that can be helpful throughout the entire childbirth process. Bowen technique is a soft tissue relaxation technique that involves applying a series of gentle rolling moves in predetermined sequences, interspersed with vital waiting intervals so the body can process and react to the moves. As the treatment goes on, the patient experiences deeper relaxation and faster healing.

What Is the Bowen Technique?

The Bowen technique is a remedial method that stimulates muscles, tendons, and ligaments to support the body's natural healing processes. Bowen treatment involves using gentle rolling motions on the muscles to encourage relaxation, regulation, and rebalancing. Fascia, a soft connective tissue, is pressed to relieve tension and stress, allowing the body to realign itself with the proper adjustments. The effects of Bowen technique can last for up to two to four days after the procedure. From newborn babies to frail elderly people, this technique can be used without risk. Using no forced manipulation, the Bowen technique is used to address neurological and musculoskeletal problems.

What Are the Uses of the Bowen Technique?

The Bowen method is the best for assisting the body in functioning at its highest possible level of health and effectiveness. Even after the first session, it can make a substantial difference in how individuals feel.

According to the Bowen Therapists Federation of Australia, Bowen technique is frequently used to address the following conditions and symptoms:

• Fibromyalgia (a medical disease characterized by persistent, widespread pain).

• Acute and chronic pain brought on by musculoskeletal or neurological conditions.

• Discomfort in the neck.

• Back discomfort.

• Stress, anxiety, and depression.

• A lower back ache.

• General joint pain.

• Sciatica (the sciatic nerve, a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each thigh, is frequently affected by sciatica).

• Sports-related illnesses.

• Asthma.

• Chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Ache in the legs or feet.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome and arm pain.

• TMJ syndrome, which causes jaw or ear discomfort.

• Shoulder pain.

• Traumatizing wounds.

How Does the Bowen Treatment Work?

In Bowen's technique, the body is viewed as a network of interdependent processes that influence one another.

• Bowen Treatment Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System: To relax the muscles and reactivate the energy meridians, Bowen practitioners use mild rolling motions with their thumbs and fingertips. This affects the nerve pathways that trigger the relaxation reaction in the parasympathetic nervous system of the body.
• Bowen Technique Relieves Constrictive Fascia: Working gently on the fascia, a thin membrane that covers the muscles and connective tissue is a key component of Bowen treatment movements. The fascia frequently becomes painful and tense due to continuing life stressors. To release tension, practitioners roll the fascia in tiny, circular motions.
• Bowen Technique Promotes Lymphatic and Blood Circulation: The gentle Bowen hand movements promote lymphatic drainage and blood flow in the entire body. It quickly flushes out waste materials from the cells while supplying fresh air and nutrients to the tissues inside. This restores equilibrium in the entire system.

How Does Bowen Technique Help In Pregnancy?

The Bowen technique is helpful during the preconception phase, which is the first step. This technique is so effective at making the body healthy on a cellular and tissue level that it can help the body to be more receptive. A smooth pregnancy can be greatly increased by receiving a few Bowen treatments to detoxify and establish the body in excellent health before conception. Additionally, it works well to control the menstrual period and increase fertility(in both men and women).

1. During Pregnancy: Bowen technique can also be a very helpful instrument to help a smooth transition through all the quick changes taking place in the body during pregnancy. Making room internally for a quickly developing baby, hormonal changes, a shifting center of gravity, altered pelvic tilt, and a more pronounced curve in the lower back all have an impact on the mother.

• The first trimester is when the Bowen technique is most helpful in controlling morning sickness, nausea, fatigue, and emotional swings as well as helping the body adjust to the fresh phase of pregnancy. It can assist in easing lower back pain, sciatica, breathing difficulties, and gastric distress as the pregnancy goes on.
• Muscles and tissues can only expand to a certain extent. This stretch becomes increasingly stiff, painful, and significant for a mother over time, particularly in the second trimester. Therefore, the Bowen treatment aids in relieving this and aids in expanding the womb to accommodate the growing baby, both of which are extremely beneficial to the mother, particularly in the second trimester.
• Bowen technique is extremely helpful during the third trimester to help the pelvis adapt and alleviate the discomforts brought on by the increased pelvic pressure, such as cramps and aches in the legs, feet, or groin, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and edema (swelling from excess fluid in the tissues). Individuals can be treated as frequently as they require relief while sitting or lying on their side.

2. Babies and Postpartum: Bowen technique is a great way to help the body recover and get back to normal after giving birth. Breast moves can be taught to the individuals so they can self-treat at home as necessary. Mastitis and lactation issues react well to Bowen technique. Bowen technique can be used on babies because it is so gentle to help them recover from birth trauma, ease reflux and colic symptoms, handle feeding issues, and help them adjust to their new life outside of the womb.

What Are the Instructions to Be Followed After the Bowen Treatment?

For one week following the treatment, while the body is adjusting to the treatment, the practitioner might advise against receiving any additional physical therapy or other forms of manipulation, such as massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture, or kinesiology. It is essential to drink enough water because the fascia reacts very differently when hydrated. It is advised to walk around moderately and refrain from prolonged sitting to help the body heal.

Conclusion:

From conception to birth and beyond, the Bowen technique is a beneficial choice for both mother and child. It provides excellent support during pregnancy, a period of rapid change, and offers a gentle, effective alternative to medication.