FAQs

MASSAGE & BOWEN THERAPY

What’s the difference between Bowen Therapy and Massage?

In short, Bowen is a cross fibre move. Cross fibre moves are often used during a remedial massage alongside effleurage, cupping, acupressure and percussion. The Bowen Technique, an Australian therapy, predominantly uses a cross-fibre technique over many different muscles to relax them.

Bowen Therapy:

No oil is used
You can leave light clothing on
Is relaxing as well as being remedial
Treats both acute and chronic pain
Soothes the nervous system allowing the body to go into repair mode
Can give relief from symptoms for which you didn’t seek treatment such as low energy, emotional issues and stress
Bowen uses a minimalist approach
There is a two minute wait in-between sets of moves, to allow the moves to be integrated into the body. This gives Bowen Therapy an almost meditative quality in which the brain can go into a healing, repairing state

Massage:

Aromatherapy massage soothes the nervous system allowing the body to go into rest, digest and repair mode
Can give relief from symptoms for which you didn’t seek treatment such as low energy, emotional issues and stress
Involves the use of massage oil or cream and perhaps essential oils
Requires outer clothing to be removed
Aromatherapy massage is super-relaxing and therapeutic
Remedial massage suits those looking for a deeper treatment for a specific issue or general aches and pains
Treats both acute and chronic pain

I'd love a Massage or a Bowen Therapy treatment while I'm off sick. Is that ok?

No! It's not recommended to have a body treatment while you're unwell with a cold/flu/fever. Your body is working hard fighting off an infection, so needs rest, not stimulation from boosting your circulation. For my sake and the sake of my other clients, some of whom are chronically unwell or immune-compromised, please re-schedule your appointment. I'll look forward to treating you when you feel better; massage or Bowen may help support your recovery.

When is NOT a good time to have a massage or try the Bowen Technique?

-When you’re intoxicated/under the influence of drugs or alcohol

-When you have a fever

-You’ve sustained an injury and have broken skin or are in considerable pain

-If your blood pressure is extremely high or low, or uncontrolled

-When you have an infectious disease such as Shingles, Measles, Chicken Pox or Impetigo

-If you have sore, inflamed, active herpes or boils

-Recent major surgery – approval is required by your surgeon

-Cancer treatments – approval is required by your specialist

-If you have unexplained pain or inflammation – check with your GP first

I'd like a one hour appointment/full body massage but can't stand having my feet touched!

A foot massage is not compulsory! It's your treatment, your body, you need to feel comfortable. Please let me know at the start of your massage if there are areas such as the feet or face that you'd prefer me not to work on

What to expect from a Bowen treatment

Bowen Therapy can either be done through light clothing or directly on the skin. You will always be draped with towels so that you feel completely comfortable in terms of modesty at every stage during the treatment

Between each set of Bowen moves, there may be a break of 2 minutes to up to 20, depending on the area being treated. This is to allow time for the move to be integrated into the body and is a unique part of The Bowen Technique

A minimum of three appointments is recommended for optimum results, ideally spaced 5-10 days apart

Are there any particular preparations I need to make before my appointment?

-Try not to eat a meal within an hour of your appointment. You’re likely to be lying face down, so a large meal might make you feel a bit unpleasant

-Before you get here, or when you arrive, go to the loo for your own comfort

-Speaking from my perspective as both a client of other massage and bowen therapists, and from the viewpoint of being a therapist, I shower just before the appointment. Why? Because it makes me feel more comfortable, it’s out of thought for the therapist who will be working closely on me and if I’m having a massage, I want maximum time with the massage products on my skin so would prefer to wash beforehand rather than afterwards

During my treatment, any tips? I’ve not had a session with you before

Please let ME know if the massage or Bowen is too sore or too light for your preference - think about it! I won't get upset if you give me feedback. There's no point going home and telling your significant other that I worked too hard or too gently on you!

I start a massage or Bowen with my ‘standard’ pressure and invite you to let me know if you’d like me to work with slightly lighter or deeper pressure. However please note I do not work really, really deeply as I don’t think that’s beneficial. If you like pain-inducing massage, I’m not the therapist for you

You're perfect just the way you are

It’s amazing how many of you lovely ladies apologise for your hairy legs, spots or wobbly bits. Relax. Don’t worry about it!

Do I need to take clothing off for a massage?

That may sound like a silly question but it’s not! If you’re after a full body aromatherapy massage using prescribed therapeutic essential oils, then yes, you’d undress down to your underwear and then be draped with towels

If you’re too sore to pull your top off over your head, don’t like massage creams or oils, or you’re a corporate client and I’m at your office, I can offer a therapeutic treatment through light clothing. I can use remedial acupressure, cross-fibre and other techniques to release muscle tension and increase your range of movement

What is a full body massage or what should I expect during my one hour appt?

In my clinic, a full body massage means I may treat your feet, legs, back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, face and head. If you'd like a glute/buttock massage, I use a technique performed through a towel

If your back is really sore, you might opt to have the treatment focused on relieving the pain in that region. You don’t need to have your feet, face etc treated if you do not want to

What do I wear for a full body massage?

For a full body massage, you are required to wear underwear. If you tend to go commando, you need to make an exception on the day of treatment and put some undies on

When undressed, your modesty will be protected using towels

Anything I should do after a massage or Bowen treatment?

-Avoid alcohol for the rest of the day as it may affect you more than normal

-Drink water

-Try not to spend the rest of the day sitting - get up every half hour for a quick stretch, keep moving

-A short walk post-treatment is highly recommended

-Conversely, if before your massage you were really sore and afterwards you feel great, don’t overdo it! It’s tempting to get the jobs done that you were in too much pain to do, but please give your body a few days to settle

-To help determine if the massage or Bowen Therapy has helped you and to allow the work to start releasing muscular tension, please wait at least 3-5 days after your treatment until you have any other form of massage. However a treatment from a Chiro or Osteo is ok and in fact massage or Bowen pre-adjustment has the potential for your adjustment to be easier and longer-lasting

-Follow any exercise or stretching advice given for optimum results but stop them if they cause any pain

What are your thoughts on using wheat packs, ice packs, Deep Heat or Ice Gels?

Some therapists recommend avoiding the use of hot or cold packs on the day of a body treatment:

-A cold pack may have a detrimental effect on the fascia by tightening it

_Heat packs may cause inflammation

-I highly recommend doTERRA Ice Blue Athletic Rub which contains essential oils, smells great, works a treat and which I stock. I think of it as my personal massage therapist in a tube!

-Or Zen Liniment which is a herbal blend made from Chinese herbs and essential oils to reduce inflammation and pain if you require something to ease the inflammation. Zen liniment is available from many chemists

I felt a bit sad or sore after the session, more aware of my body - is that normal?!

With body work, every now and then you may notice extra or old aches and pains. Sometimes your body may begin to ‘detox’ or emotions may come up. There are normal, healthy aspects of the healing process. Go with the flow. Seek help if required. Don't hesitate to get in touch with any concerns

How often should I have a massage or Bowen treatment?

You are unique, so I can’t predict how quickly you will respond to Bowen and massage, but on average I see clients once a week for three weeks. Thereafter a monthly treatment might be beneficial to maintain results or you may not need another appointment for some time

YOGA FAQs

Who is Gentle Somatic Yoga aimed at?

Gentle Somatic Yoga uses therapeutic movements to release muscle tension, dissolve chronic pain, improve flexibility and re-establish good posture. So it's suitable for anyone with aches and pains caused by muscle tension

The class combines Hanna Somatic Education, the Feldenkrais Method and Yoga, increasing range of movement, relieving muscles tension, improving balance and coordination

GSY has helped those who sit a lot, improved posture, relieved neck tension and improved range of movement for many individuals

I offer GSY as a private lesson, weekly class and as an occasional 2 hour class at Viroga Yoga Studio, 40 Seaview Street, Brighton, 4017

What should I wear for yoga?

Comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily. Please bring a pair of ordinary ankle socks with you as we may need them for one of the movement flows

I've no yoga experience!

No previous yoga experience or yoga clothing required!

I am too sore or stiff to get up and down off the floor

You can do gentle somatic yoga® in a chair

SUSIE ORR - 0402 189673