Bowen (EMRT)

Nature Matters has been using 'The Bowen Technique' named after the Australian Tom Bowen who developed it, on their horses for many years and more recently E.M.R.T (equine muscle relaxation therapy) which has been developed from Bowen specifically for equines. The technique involves gentle moves over soft tissue, muscles and ligaments that have become tense and rigid. This action triggers the body's messaging service in order to bring about relaxation and re-balancing. The therapy is carried out in such a way as to create a positive flow of energy, dispelling negativity. We use the therapy mainly for muscular, skeletal imbalances but also for dispersing lymph build up arising from trauma. We use this technique whenever we find an imbalance in the muscular skeletal system alongside other carefully chosen therapies. The Bowen technique has been especially beneficial when there has been tension and misalignment around the 7th cervical vertebra, where no other form of manipulative therapy seemed to be totally effective. Misalignment in this area is rare but could be due to a head on collision where the spine has experienced a shunt.

The pony pictured was showing signs of intermittent lameness and was developing a splint on his near fore. There was heat in the splint that suggested that there was still possible inflammation and tension in the limb shoulder or neck area. On movement one could see the characteristic sign of fore lameness and on closer inspection one could see the tension around the 7th cervical vertebra. A course of Bowen therapy, temporary specialist shoeing to remove the pressure, homeopathic treatment and four weeks later the lameness and splint had disappeared and he was ready to continue his showing career. There has been no recurrence of the original problem.