WHY USE BOWEN THERAPY & HOW DOES IT WORK?
Bowen Technique is a gentle form of body work in which very subtle moves performed over the muscles and connective tissue send messages deep into the body, retrieving cellular memory of a preferred, relaxed, balanced way of well-being. Results can be remarkable, even from the first session, often only a few sessions are needed to correct the presenting problem.
There are frequent but very essential pauses throughout the session that allows the body time to respond and begin the healing process. The practitioner can target a specific problem or address the body as a whole.
Unlike many other hands-on therapies, the Bowen Technique does not use forceful manipulation. A unique skill of the Bowen practitioner is ‘tissue tension’ sense, meaning that the practitioners are able to discern stress build up in muscles and other soft tissue enabling them to perform specific Bowen moves to assist recovery.
The technique addresses not only the musculo-skeletal framework, but also the fascia, nerves and internal organs. The body’s integrated response improves circulation and lymphatic drainage and aids in the assimilation of nutrients and elimination of toxins.
The Bowen Technique can help clients on all levels. Mr. Tom Bowen who developed the Bowen technique, said that any or every condition could be addressed by this technique.
CAN THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE HELP ME?
The Bowen Technique is extremely gentle and is considered appropriate for anyone from pregnant women to newborn babies, the frail and the elderly.
It can assist recovery from many conditions, from traumatic injury to chronic illness, depending upon each individual’s capacity to heal. No adverse side effects have been reported.
The technique should be considered for:
• Back pain and Sciatica
• Digestive and Bowel problems including IBS
• Ear-ache, Ear infections and Migraines
• Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Knee, Ankle and Foot problems
• Menstrual and Hormonal irregularities
• Neck/Shoulder problems including Frozen Shoulder
• Groin pain, Pelvic tilt and uneven Leg length
• Respiratory problems and Hay Fever
• RSI, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tennis Elbow
• Sports and Accident injuries
Bowen Therapy was developed by Tom Bowen (1916-1982). The actual origins of his concepts are unknown or at least unclear although there does appear to be links with traditional Chinese medicine. What is clear is that while working as a masseur in junior football clubs in Geelong, he recognized an apparent common causal relationship in many seemingly unrelated painful conditions, particularly musculo-skeletal but including neurological and other health problems. He identified this causal link or relationship as being the soft tissue or fascia that envelops the whole body from head to toe.
After years of clinical work and much reading and study of other modalities, he developed a unique set of specific moves associated with different sequences and timing intervals. The moves provided fascial release and integration stimulating a variety of anatomical or physiological responses frequently resulting in long term and often immediate resolution of the majority of presenting problems and pain conditions.
In 1975, the government instituted Webb Committee of Inquiry into Chiropractic, Osteopathy and Naturopathy in Australia reviewed Tom Bowen’s work. They found he was seeing some 13,000 people a year and achieving a success rate in his practice of over 80% of presenting conditions. From its Australian origins his innovative and unique technique has now been adopted world wide with devotees and practitioners in countries including New Zealand, USA, Canada, United Kingdom and European Union.
