The Bowen Technique, developed originally in Australia, is a simple, hands-on, non-invasive form of body work, involving gentle movement of the body’s muscles, tendons and ligaments to leave clients walking tall and feeling relaxed.
How does it work?
It is a series of light-touch moves made on the muscles of the body. These include a full body balance also different procedures depending on the condition that the client presents with. This stimulates the body into correcting any problems.
The philosophy behind the therapy is that energy can be temporarily trapped in one area. Releasing this energy appears to reduce muscle spasm while increasing blood supply and lymphatic drainage, resulting in the clearing of debris and release of tension. Having cleared the blockage the body can begin to heal itself.
The technique itself is one of remarkable simplicity and much of the difficulty around accepting its efficacy lies with accepting that such a minimalist approach can be so beneficial. “Less is more” is the motto of all Bowen therapists and is also the major obstacle to be overcome by therapists used to extensive amounts of hands-on treatment.
The therapy involves a series of gentle moves across the fascia of the muscles using the thumbs and forefingers. There is no manipulation or adjustment of hard tissue and the treatment is very gentle, subtle and relaxing. The practitioner simply makes the moves and then leaves the client’s body to deal with them. In fact during the session there will be a series of breaks when the therapist doesn’t touch the patient and may even go out of the room. The Bowen technique has been described like a language; it talks to the body, asking the body to start communicating with the brain to get the channels working properly.
It is theorised that the minimal moves push the brain into a simple form of holistic examination, information is then exchanged and structural integrity restored.
What is it good for?
Listed below are some of the conditions which can be helped:
- Allergies
- Arthritis, RSI and Sciatica.
- Asthma and other respiratory problems]
- Back pain (whether resulting from injury or chronic)
- Constipation and Digestive upsets
- Dizziness
- Dyslexia
- Ear aches and infections
- Headaches
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Kidney and bladder disorders (including incontinence)
- Knee and hip restrictions (whether through injury or other)
- ME
- Menstrual disorders and other female problems.
Among other things, it is also good for all types of Back Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Pelvic Imbalance and general aches and pains. It has also been used for fertility, depression and improving general health and fitness.
What happens during a treatment?
During the treatment the client lays on a treatment couch and the moves are preformed. Your therapist will work through light clothing and each session lasts one hour.
After each set of moves there is a short resting period, your therapist may sit and make notes, or leave the room; these breaks allow the body to take on board the work that has just been performed.
The practitioner, during the treatment, is looking for changes in the body’s muscle structure. This is checked by visual means and also by palpating the body. A good Bowen Therapist will be waiting for these changes to occur and will alter their work to suit the structure.
Additional Information
No other techniques should be performed within 7 days after a Bowen treatment.
You will be asked to follow an aftercare program and you also may be given some exercises.
Bowen is safe and effective for people of all ages from newborn to elderly.
Each session lasts approximately 30 – 45 minutes. In many cases only one or two treatments are required but long-standing pain may need more sessions.
Bowen is a gentle therapy that is made up of a dynamic system of muscle and connective tissue movements. It has been used for more than 40 years and has successfully healed many thousand of people with a wide range of conditions.
Tom Bowen was the founder of this unique therapy and as a result it was named after him. After he had finished serving in World War II, Tom became intrigued with the idea of alleviating human suffering. Tom did not have training in any health care field and yet was able to create such a remarkable bodywork technique, and he claimed that his work was a gift from God himself. He developed his therapy to the standard that it stands at today and ultimately opened the doors of his clinic full-time. At the peak of his career, Tom Bowen was seeing around 13,000 patients per year.
Bowen taught six people the secrets of his bodywork and they became known as ‘Bowen’s Boys’. One of the six, called Oswald Rentsch, founded the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia in 1987. Since then The Bowen Technique has been practiced worldwide.
How may it affect you after a treatment?
Some people may feel a little light-headed at the end of the session, this is just the effect of the body realigning itself and it will usually pass in a few minutes. You may also experience a few aches and pains after the session as the body corrects itself.
After Care
There are a few simple rules of Aftercare and they are listed below;
- It is okay to lie down but you are advised not to sit for any longer than 30 minutes at a time on the day of your treatment.
- For at least 15 minutes you should try to do as much walking as possible and the more, the better!
- To flush away-unwanted toxins you should drink as much pure water as is comfortable. You should also avoid stimulating substances such as coffee but Painkillers and Anti-inflammatory drugs are okay if necessary.
- You should try to move carefully and not to make any very sudden movements. Maybe squatting instead of bending when you are picking something up would be a good idea? And try not to cross your legs and be cautious when getting in and out of a vehicle.
- It is advised that you do not have any other form of manipulation for one week after your treatment as this would affect the healing process.
- You should not have excessive hot or cold on the areas that have been treated. That means no standing under the shower with hot water running onto your neck and no electrical appliances that aim to keep you warm by being in contact with the skin.
- You are advised not to do any strenuous exercise for 2-4 days following your treatment.
- After a T.M.J procedure has been preformed co not bite on hard apples, nut or confectionary ect. For 2-4 days. And also try to avoid doing large yawns.
Expect reactions such as hot and cold flushes, emotional releases. Head and body aches. These are positive signs to show that the healing process is working.
The 10 most commonly treated conditions
Back Pain – Realigning the structure of the body’s muscle system helps to reduce pain.
Frozen Shoulder – Very effective for the treatment of this very painful condition.
Pelvic Pain – There is a certain procedure that can help with this.
Headaches and Migraines – Normally very effective as we work with the cranium.
TMJ Problems – Again we have a particular procedure for this but can also supply splints to help.
Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow – It has been noted that Bowen is very effective for this type of condition.
Neck Stiffness and Pain – Responds very well to the technique as gentle work in this area seems to suit most people better than invasive therapy.
Respiratory Problems – I have dedicated work for these conditions.
Recovery after accidents – Truly amazing results after the treatment has been performed.
Knee Pain – Works very well with this as your therapist can work on the ligaments and restore function.
Testimonials
“My carpel tunnel was so bad that I was thinking of having to give up work until I found you and Bowen Therapy” A F,Norwich
“I always feel so much better after coming to see you, thank you for your help” T M, Norwich
“I have not found a therapy that give the same results as the Bowen technique for my ME, it really keeps me going” D L, Thetford
“The movement in my shoulder is so much better now since I have been having bowen after my operation” S L, Lowestoft
“This has helped so much after my accident and now I am back to playing 18 holes of golf, I only wish that I had known about it earlier because It would have stopped me being in pain for three years” M N, King’s Lynn
