About Canine Bowen Technique (CBT)
Canine Bowen Technique is a 'light-touch' holistic remedial therapy founded on the principles of a successful human modality – the Bowen Technique.
The Bowen Technique was developed by Tom Bowen in Australia in the 1950s, and established in the UK in the 1990s.
It was first adapted for use on dogs in 2001 by successful Bowen therapists Sally and Ron Askew.
In 2003, the European Guild of Canine Bowen Therapists (EGCBT) was established to provide a professional holistic program of training for Canine Bowen.
The EGCBT represents a network of properly skilled and experienced CBT therapists. Its diploma course in CBT is the only training in Bowen for dogs recommended by the Bowen Therapists European Register (BTER) and the European College of Bowen Studies (ECBS), the leading school for Bowen training in Europe.
How Does Canine Bowen Technique Work?
CBT uses subtle movement of fingers and thumbs over muscle, ligament and fascia at specific points on the dog's body. There is no prolonged pressure or hard manipulation, and no pulling or cracking of joints.
CBT works by causing vibrations within muscles that trigger neurological impulses that enable the brain to 'unravel' abnormalities. It promotes healing, pain relief and rebalances the body's energy.
It is never forced upon the dog – provoking the body into a fearful or defensive reaction would be counter-productive.
CBT is holistic, and treats the body as a whole. The therapist will often treat different areas of the body to address problems caused by the dog compensating for a condition elsewhere.
What Can Canine Bowen Technique Treat?
CBT is not a replacement for conventional treatment and is only available on veterinary referral. CBT therapists do not diagnose – only veterinary professionals have the expertise and experience to do this.
The CBT sessions aim to promote the dogs own healing abilities and can be extremely beneficial for:
- Improving the quality of life for dogs with chronic conditions or diseases
- Aiding the release of tension and promoting relaxation following stress and trauma
- Improving recovery times when used before and after operative surgery
- Effective maintenance and prevention for active working dogs
- Acute injury (sprains & strains)
- Arthritis
- Nervousness /anxiety
- Hip dysplasia
- Lameness & general gait problems
- Joint problems
CBT is holistic, and treats the body as a whole. The therapist will often treat different areas of the body to address problems caused by the dog compensating for a condition elsewhere.
The Treatment
CBT is a partnership between your dog, you as the carer/owner, and me as the therapist.
A typical first consultation will last up to an hour while I get to know more about you and your dog. Your dog may initially be nervous, and sometimes the first session will focus on building and establishing a relationship. Once they are familiar with CBT, your dog will often position itself ready for treatment.
The actual hands-on part of the session will usually last no more than 20 minutes. Over the next 3-4 days, your dog may experience reactions as its body assimilates the effects of CBT (see aftercare advice – link to form?).
Noticeable change is usually achieved after one or two sessions.
During the session, there will be short breaks to allow your dog to absorb the information given by the CBT moves. Dogs are generally very in-tune with their bodies, and instinctively know when to take a break and when to come back for more.
Often, after a few moves, your dog may stretch, walk around, stare blankly into space, or go for a lie-down; it is common for them to rest or sleep in-between moves during a session.
Your dog will dictate the amount of CBT that it receives, even after just a couple of moves your dog may indicate that this is all he/she needs – your dog’s wishes are respected at all times.
CBT is only available on veterinary referral. In order that I can treat your dog, you must obtain a signed/stamped referral form from your vet. Download one here or contact me and I will post or email one to you.
