PDTE 2016 December Newletter

where the pain is located we work
gently over the whole body; this is
because pain and discomfort are
not confined to just one area. When
injuries occur, we begin to compensate
and move differently, and this is no
different for dogs. In fact, the areas
where we begin treatment (whether
human or animal) are regarded as
weak areas in the body, therefore
liable to become sources of pain, and
injury.
These areas- the lower back and the
area just below our shoulder blades,
are places that are under constant
pressure, which is why so much back
pain can be traced back to these
areas. Unfortunately the longer pain
or discomfort is ignored the more
likely it is that compensatory patterns
are formed. Dogs will begin to move
differently as they try and avoid pain,
and this leads to other areas becoming
sore and painful.
There are specific rules that we all
comply with as therapists, among these
are -we don’t treat specific conditions,
but instead we treat the body, we don’t
diagnose, that is the vet’s job, and
incidentally the dog’s vet must always
be consulted and permission gained
before we treat a dog.
Treatment is always gentle and never
hurried and we work over soft tissue,
more specifically fascia, muscle and
connective tissue, never over bone
and Bowen is non-manipulative.
The motto of Bowen therapy is “less
is more”, if the body is given too much
information it becomes compromised
and releases adrenaline, which is
exactly the opposite of what we are
hoping to achieve. In fact an important
facet of Bowen is leaving breaks
during treatment of a few minutes, or
even longer depending on the body’s
response.
When it comes to treating animals the
breaks are invaluable and important
, as this allows the horse or dog to
process the information it is being
given. During breaks the body can
relax, and often the eyes soften and
the breathing will change.
The body knows just how much Bowen
it needs and it must be allowed to
rest and relax during treatment. This
helps to lower stress levels and has a
positive effect on the Central Nervous
System, therefore helping to reduce
the level of pain and promoting the
circulation to areas of injury.
Photo Credit: Pennie Clayton, UK
Photo Credit: Pennie Clayton, UK
As far as dogs are concerned they are
free to walk away at any time, they
are never held or confined, and this
is an essential part of canine Bowen.
Often dogs are not comfortable being
treated in an enclosed area, so we
give them a choice and often work
outside. It is important that the dog
is not compromised and has a choice,
otherwise treatment becomes invalid.
Why might a dog need Bowen?
Dogs change throughout their lives
and often we miss these subtle
changes. As we treat dogs we are
looking for subtle responses and
changes, but in everyday life these are
easy to overlook. Our dogs are ageing
faster than we are, and bodywork is
important as this helps to pinpoint
changes before pain becomes part of
their lives.
Dogs are not immune to joint problems,
or mobility issues and they sometimes
have phobias and life issues especially
if they are rescues. Bowen can help,
and may create changes that help the
body deal with day to day life, and the
ever-changing nature of our bodies.
Any dog can receive Bowen from
puppies to middle aged to very old
dogs. I have treated several of my
dogs in their last days and without
doubt Bowen has helped in those last
days, and hours. I have witnessed this
with my own eyes, as have many of my
colleagues.
What are therapists looking for as
we are treating a dog?
We are monitoring calming signals,
breathing and assessing how the dog
is responding. If he is processing the
treatment, we leave him quietly to do
just that, and step away and allow the
body to respond.
When we treat humans, we ask them to
take deep breaths, this is not possible
to do when working on animals, so
when we have our hands on it is
imperative that the work is delivered
slowly. Breathing is integral to life and
Photo Credit: Pennie Clayton, UK
it controls so many functions of our
bodies; if deep breathing automatically
reduces tension, then this cannot be
overlooked when treating an animal.
We learn that healing can only take
place if the body starts to deal with
tension. Try taking a deep breath now
as you read….and you can feel how, as
you exhale, your body is starting to
expel tension.
Fast brisk movements on the body
are not helpful and do not allow the
changes that truly help the body
to rebalance and adjust. When the
body is less tense and breathing is
encouraged it is almost unbelievable
how different it feels, and how the
dog starts trusting us as we work, this
is really important particularly when
treating a dog for the first time.
Changes from Bowen treatments are
sometimes very small, but this does
not mean they are insignificant. For
example removing tension from the
neck, can have a very big impact for a
dog. Although part of aftercare advice
is to educate owners, and advise them
that throwing balls is likely to cause re
injury, not everyone we work with is
receptive, so these small differences
can make a huge difference for many
dogs.
Other changes can be breath taking,
including a few horses I have treated,
and I have witnessed the students
on our course making life changing
differences to dogs they are working
with. Bowen may be a life changer
and yes, I am going to repeat myself, it
may well provide a boost to wellbeing.
For more information please do contact
me at info@horseandhoundschool.
co.uk. Or if you are more interested in
learning about Bowen for dogs
www.schoolofcaninebowentherapy.
com
Photo Credit: Team Canidos, Spain
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PDTE Newsletter Dec 2016.indd 26-27
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