The Bowen Technique
The Bowen Technique is a very gentle, non-invasive, hands-on remedial therapy. It involves a series of gentle rolling moves over connective tissue with frequent pauses which help realign and balance the body at a cellular level, and stimulate energy flow. The precise location, order and rolling action of these moves stimulate the body, via the brain, to make what can be rapid changes in health, thus alleviating pain and discomfort which may have been present for years.
The practitioner allows the body to make the changes that it needs to make. It means trusting that, with the right kind of stimulation, the body can be prompted to make changes on any level – whether that be physical, emotional or psychological, in order to bring about positive improvements in health. When we allow the body to make the changes that it needs to make, rather than imposing our own judgement as to what needs to be changed, then we are being truly holistic.
There is no manipulation; the Bowen moves stimulate the brain and the brain decides exactly which changes it needs to make, in what order and to which system. Clients very often report after a treatment that, as well as their discomfort alleviating, they felt happier or more positive or they suddenly had clarity about a decision that they needed to make. Sometimes they can’t explain in which way they feel different, they just know that something is happening, something is changing within the body. The bodily system knows which changes it needs to make and in what order it needs to make them in order to bring itself back to a position of health and well-being.
Making use of the body’s own ability to heal itself achieves a holistic balance, embracing the client’s physical and emotional aspects.
The majority of moves can be performed through light clothing so there is no massaging or use of oils and there is no need for deep, manipulative or forceful treatment. It’s gentle enough to be used on acute conditions, as well as chronic problems.
The first session lasts between 45-60 minutes, with subsequent sessions lasting 45 minutes.
A short-term (acute) injury may be resolved in one to three Bowen treatments, while long- standing (chronic) conditions may require longer. A gap of five to ten days is recommended between Bowen sessions so that the body can process the subtle information it has been given. It is advised that clients do not have other hands-on therapies while receiving Bowen.
Where does The Bowen Technique come from?
The Technique was developed by Tom Bowen of Geelong, Victoria, Australia in the 1950s. Tom Bowen had no formal experience in any field of therapy or medical study. He left school at the age of fourteen and took various labouring jobs. He started working on animals – greyhounds and racehorses before he became busy as a therapist working primarily on humans. He would help people at work with small and simple moves wherever they had aches and pains. It wasn’t long before word started to spread and people were visiting him at home. When it got to the stage that he was treating people into the early hours, he gave up his day job and started treating full time from rented premises in Geelong.
Tom Bowen’s approach to therapy was based mainly on his deep intuition and understanding of what an individual needed. As a result, many of his theories and methods of treatment may seem somewhat unusual but the results continue to speak volumes for their power and effectiveness.
Julian Baker the leading expert in The Bowen Technique and fascia brought the therapy to the UK in 1993.
Please Note: The Bowen Technique is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If in doubt please consult your doctor.