BOWEN
TECHNIQUE
My name is Michelle Shipley and I'm a Bowen Technique therapist based in North Herefordshire. I work from my treatment room in the picturesque village of Pembridge.
I'm a qualified Bowen Technique practitioner, fully insured, and a member of BAUK (Bowen Association UK). I've been a Bowen practitioner since 2017.
Whether you're looking for support with an existing health condition or want to reduce your stress levels, my aim is to get you feeling healthier, happier and energised with a specifically tailored Bowen Treatment.
​“Clients often say they feel more relaxed, less stressed and sleep better following a treatment.”
- Michelle Shipley
What is the Bowen Technique?
The Bowen Technique was developed during the 1950s and 60s by the late Australian therapist, Tom Bowen. The Bowen Technique is now practiced around the world and has helped many people with a wide variety of symptoms.
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It is a neuro-muscular skeletal therapy which seeks to restore healthy function by addressing imbalances within the body.
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The technique involves gentle, targeted moves over various structures in the body: muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, joints and nerves. A common thread is that all Bowen moves involve some sort of activation of fascia which envelops or is integral to all the aforementioned structures.
A Bowen Therapist will purposefully move fascia in a particular way to stimulate or relax muscle fibres and activate:
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Improved posture
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Flexibility
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Pain relief
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Improved mobility
A classic Bowen move activates sensory receptors. The body has a huge capacity to take in sensory information. Sensations create awareness and encourage the body to respond, releasing tension from the muscles and allowing realignment. This encourages the body to perform optimally without forceful manipulation.
People seek out Bowen Therapy for a myriad of health issues including:
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at the onset of acute pain in the neck, shoulder, back, hip, ankle or foot
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when a Chronic Health Condition worsens
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the elderly suffering a lack of mobility or looking to be more flexible/supple
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when suffering from stress, anxiety, depression or low energy
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Or for those who have simply become tired of relying on pain killers which merely mask the pain.
Stress Relief
Stress and anxiety are a part of life for most people, whether they are caused by every day issues or by something more specific such as a traumatic event or grief following the loss of a family member or friend. Bowen Therapy can induce a deep state of relaxation and relieve tension, calming the nervous system and helping to regulate emotions. Clients often say they feel more relaxed, less stressed and sleep better following a treatment.
Pain Relief
Pain can be caused by many health conditions including injury, illness, ageing or from a busy lifestyle. Pain can be constant or recurring and can come to be accepted as a normal part of life. During a treatment as muscles relax and circulation flows more freely you may notice sensations such as warmth, tingling, pressure, lightness or heaviness, these sensations are often very subtle and changes become apparent in the hours and days that follow. Many people turn to Bowen Technique to address long-standing issues.
Balance
In day to day life our bodies can easily become ‘out of balance’. Our muscles shorten or lengthen continuously to support the activities we are carrying out: jobs requiring repetitive movement, sports (especially one-sided sports), gardening, lifting and carrying babies and toddlers, screen time and sitting for long periods. The strain of the activity, repetitive or otherwise, may result in an imbalance, the body will adjust and compensate so as to keep functioning. However, this may lead to pain, reduced movement, poor posture and fatigue. Many people have used the Bowen Technique to help address these compensations, to restore balance and ease of movement.
What to expect
On your first visit we will discuss your medical history and the reasons for your visit. The first appointment may take between 60-90 minutes (further sessions may last 45-60 minutes).
Therapy sessions are very gentle and non-invasive. Bowen moves are made over specific points on the body through light clothing such as leggings or tracksuit bottoms (please do not wear denim or other heavy fabrics).
During a treatment the client lies on a therapy couch or, alternatively, is seated if this is preferable. Your practitioner will carry out a gentle and relaxing treatment, making sure you are comfortable and warm throughout. At various points during your treatment the practitioner will step away or leave the room to avoid distraction, allowing the body time to respond to the therapy.
The amount of treatment given within a session will be determined by your condition and how your body responds to the therapy.
After your session it is important to drink plenty of water to help hydrate your body’s muscles and connective tissue.
Testimonials
JW, New Radnor
I am a busy Tradesman and my body takes the brunt of the daily stresses and strains placed upon it. I try to go for a regular treatment with Michelle as this helps keep me mobile, it’s helped with all manner of aches, pains and injuries. After a treatment I always have a great night’s sleep. It has even helped with my asthma too.
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GP, Weobley
Michelle Shipley is a great therapist. I always look forward to an appointment as I know that I go in feeling stressed and come out feeling very relaxed indeed. This gentle therapy really helped when I was suffering with a shoulder impingement, after a couple of treatments I was practically pain free.
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LP, Radnorshire
I would definitely encourage anyone suffering to go and have a treatment with Michelle. I have a busy job that requires me to bend and stoop, I’m also quite tall, this caused me to suffer with back pain. After Bowen Therapy my back pain is no longer a problem.
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GET IN TOUCH
Based in Pembridge, North Herefordshire. Located on the A44 with private parking available Border Bowen is easily accessible from the surrounding areas. Full details and a map will be shared upon booking.
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I see clients from Herefordshire, Radnorshire and Shropshire.
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To enquire about an appointment please fill out the form or give me a call. If I am with a client and do not answer please either leave a voicemail or send a text message and I will get back to you as soon as I am able.
tel: 07979394182