10/12/2025
Great testimonies regarding bowen therapy!
I was excited to read about a recent article about the body’s fascia network. As a teacher of yin yoga, a style centred on fascia stretch, I find this topic particularly compelling. Yin yoga uses a set of deep stretches developed in alignment with traditional Chinese medicine’s meridians, the energetic pathways connecting essential organs throughout the body.
In our practice, we use a yoga mat, props and supports to work with gravity, allowing us to achieve a deep stretch. Stillness is then maintained for an extended duration, typically between three to five minutes, which permits the body to fully release tension and surrender.
The benefits of this practice are significant. By resting deeply in a stretch and anchoring the mind, the nervous system shifts into the parasympathetic mode (rest and digest). This allows the body and mind to truly rest and initiate regeneration. Furthermore, by training the body and mind to sit with slight discomfort in a supported and conscious way, we foster a sense of trust.
The long-term results include a noticeable reduction in chronic pain, tension and stiffness. This approach makes yin yoga highly effective and suitable for all levels of experience.
Rachel Parry
Rugby, Warwickshire
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 21, 20 years ago. I tried every therapeutic and pharmaceutical treatment, with little luck until I started treating the fascia instead of the muscles. Massages left me feeling bruised. Osteopathy would help, but only for a few hours. I now have occasional myofascial release sessions when my pain gets bad. The benefit of each session with bowen lasts for weeks. I also added specific stretches to limber and warm up the fascia, rather than the muscles per se. Doing reformer pilates regularly keeps the fascia limber. A memory foam mattress also helps my fascia to not feel stiff and “crunchy” in the morning. I hope this helps anyone struggling with their fibro pain.
Maxine Lewis
Auckland, New Zealand