Bowen Technique has been used on humans for some time.Developed by Thomas Bowen back in 1916, he initially worked on greyhounds and racehorses.
Equine Bowen Therapy has now been developed to aid horses of all breeds.This hands on treatment is not entirely new.Many similar techniques have been used on animals in different countries and cultures- acupressure, shiatsu, stress point therapy, myofacial release therapy and equine touch therapy, to name a few. Equine Bowen therapy is an amalgamation of elements from established practices and its roots go back thousands of years.
Across the ditch,just 40 km from Christchurch, Cath Garden is running Equine Bowen Therapy courses for horse lovers worldwide.Her students come from as far away as Texas.
Cath Garden said, ”Horses are athletes and it is as important to work on their body as much as their hooves” she has been involved with horses pretty much all her life and has been the New Zealand teacher of Equine Bowen Therapy for the last four years, she has worked in 10 or more different countries worldwide with different breeds.
“The course runs for 12 months, with 12 to 14 days hands on,” Garden added.
Asked about her business going forward, she replied, “We are looking at different ways to deliver the course.Maybe some part could be done on line.”
Garden bought trainer, Gavin Smith’s property, andhas worked with leading Kiwi trainers, such as Robbie Holmes and the Butts in recent times.
Garden added that the property is also available if there is a trainer who might like to make use of the facilities, adding, “We have 9 boxes and just put in a round yard.”
The Bowen Technique is a gentle, non-intrusive hands-on therapy which stimulates the body’s inner ability to heal itself. This reorganisation of the musculature of the body can increase energy levels and relieve pain.
As a soft tissue therapy, it ‘disturbs’ the fascia (connective tissue). There is 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. A major response to Bowen Therapy is re-hydration of the tissues and the removal of toxins. This occurs because the lymphatic system is stimulated.
The treatment is essentially holistic – treating the whole body – and is a pleasant and relaxing experience for the animal. A treatment will take approximately 45 minutes. Two or three treatments, usually at weekly intervals, may be required to achieve lasting relief.
Anyone interested in doing a course, either from Australia or New Zealand, feel free to contact Cath at cath.nzequinebowentherapy@gmail.comor her mobile is +64 21 02361099
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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