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What is the Bowen Technique?
The Bowen Technique is a system of muscle and connective tissue therapy developed by the late Thomas Bowen of Geelong in Australia. The technique is a light touch, non-invasive, non- manipulative therapy. On the face of it a Bowen session involves only light moves, applied to specific points on the body with significant pauses between sets of moves. The therapist uses their fingers or thumbs to gently challenge and roll over muscle, ligaments, nerves and connective tissue in order to elicit a healing response in the body. Nothing is imposed on the body - the sole intention of the work is to encourage the body to respond by stimulating its own innate healing ability. The body is amazing - self healing can often be achieved with minimal outside influence.
This technique has a dramatic and relaxing effect on the whole body, not only affecting postural and structural changes but also a persons sense of well being. Bowen addresses the whole body, working on many levels including the physical, chemical, emotional and psychological well-being of each client.
The Bowen Technique is successful at helping to restore the body to the balance and harmony of its original “blueprint”.
Who is Bowen for?
The Bowen Technique is suitable for almost anyone. It is a safe, gentle treatment that can be used on babies, the elderly, women and men. Bowen is suitable for the very sick as well as sports people and those with long term health problems. In fact whoever you are and whatever your state of health Bowen could help you.
The Bowen Technique is complementary to conventional medicine and may safely be used in conjunction with other medical treatments. A Bowen therapist will never diagnose or prescribe medication and will consult your medical advisor if appropriate.
Many Bowen therapists specialise in particular areas of expertise such as sports injuries, palliative care or babies. However you don’t have to be ill to reap the benefits of Bowen. Many people have Bowen therapy as health maintenance and to boost the immune system thereby helping the body cope naturally with the stress of modern day living, coughs and colds and seasonal allergies which seem to be so prevalent. One of the most noticeable effects of Bowen is the feeling of well-being that it induces which is beneficial for all aspects of our being.
How can Bowen help me?
The technique is helpful for many conditions often offering long term and permanent relief. It is quite often that clients will feel the benefits of reduced pain, increased mobility, enhanced relaxation and better sleep from the very first session.
Our experience tells us that after a minimal number of treatments painkilling drugs and some medical treatments may be reduced or discontinued (always with the client in consultation with a medical professional) and surgical intervention has sometimes been avoided altogether.
Some of the conditions which have responded to the Bowen Technique:
Anxiety/ stress related conditions
Back pain, sciatica and spinal problems
Bedwetting in children
Blood pressure (high or low)
Circulation and oedema
Digestive and bowel problems (such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation)
Fibromyalgia, M.E. and chronic fatigue syndrome
Frozen shoulder
General muscle stiffness
Gynaecological problems (heavy or painful periods, fibroids)
Headaches and migraines
Infertility
Hormonal imbalances
Joint problems including ankle and knee problems
Lymphatic drainage
Newborn baby problems
Post dental trauma and jaw problems
Post operative recovery
Respiratory conditions
Repetitive strain injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome
Sports injuries
Seasonal allergies
Whiplash injuries
What happens during a Bowen session?
The Bowen therapist will talk to you first and take a medical history on your first visit to better understand you and the problem you would like to address. The first session usually lasts 1 ½ hours with follow up treatment usually lasting from 45 minutes to an hour.
A Bowen treatment consists of a series of gentle rolling type movements on skin. You may choose to remain dressed and this is perfectly fine as your therapist will be able to work through a single layer of light, loose clothing. You will be resting on a comfortable therapy couch or may choose to remain seated if lying down is difficult or uncomfortable. It is possible to adapt the procedures to almost any position- for someone in a wheelchair, lying on ones side or even standing.
During the treatment you will be draped with covers to keep you warm and only the area of the body being worked on will be uncovered.
The unique feature about Bowen is the pauses or rests between sets of moves. This is to allow the body time to rebalance itself and start the healing process. During these pauses the therapist will usually leave the room so that you can relax without feeling observed or the need to make conversation. In fact Bowen works best if the session is carried out with minimal conversation so that the brain is not distracted. However it is important to let the therapist know if you experience any unusual sensations as this will affect the session.
Two or three treatments at regular intervals are usually enough to achieve lasting relief however it is worth bearing in mind that everybody responds differently to the treatment and the results you see may depend on the complexity and length of time you have had your health concern. Some chronic conditions may require ongoing, long term sessions.
To receive maximum benefit whilst having Bowen it is recommended that you wait 5 days before and after Bowen before having any other physical therapies.
Interested in Bowen Technique?
Call us on 01933 224454, or get in touch using our contact form to find out more, or to arrange an appointment at our Therapy Centre in Wellingborough with one of our therapists.
