The Bowen Technique – What is it?
The Bowen Technique is a safe remedial therapy using fingers and thumbs involving gentle rolling moves over soft tissues of the body at precise points and includes periods of rest to help it take effect.
The process releases fascial and muscular tensions that can pull on tendons, ligaments, bones and internal organs in the body. It addresses the Autonomic Nervous System that controls the majority of body functions, sending impulses to the brain to trigger the bodies healing systems through the Parasympathetic Nervous system and promoting relaxation.
Physical and emotional traumas that lead to residual tensions in the body, can lead to poor posture, disease, malfunction and/or pain. It is often very difficult to be completely sure where any given problem or pain is coming from or how other structures are affected. We therefore treat the whole person, not just the symptoms so unexplained problems are often quickly resolved.
There is no hard tissue manipulation or deep pressure involved; thus making it suitable for the elderly and children. New injuries also respond well to Bowen.
It may help:
- Many conditions from sports injuries to long standing complaints
- Improve mobility/posture
- Physical and emotional issues
- Skeletal/muscle/joint problems
In addition, some of the reported benefits of Bowen are:
| Back/neck pain | Pelvic misalignment | Knee misalignment | Shoulder misalignment | Headaches/migraines |
| Allergies | Fluid retention | Bowel problems | Digestive problems | Respiratory problems |
| Menstrual matters | Fertility matters | Bed wetting | Stress | Fatigue |
| Hormonal imbalance | Lymphatic drainage | RSI | ||
- Bowen will not interfere with any medication you may be taking.
Where does it come from?
The technique was developed by Tom Bowen of Geelong, Australia during the last century. His approach is now known throughout the world.
What does it involve?
Appointments take approximately 45-60 minutes.
Every client will be required to fill in and sign a medical history form and sign two copies of a privacy statement one of which the clinic keeps and the other for the client. This is followed by a consultation and an assessment. A treament record is made at every session.
A parent or guardian must accompany children under the age of 16 years of age at all times and will be required to fill in and sign any paperwork on their behalf.
During the treatment there are a series of short breaks where the patient is left resting to allow their body to respond to the gentle moves that have been performed. This is an important part of the treatment and makes The Bowen Technique unique.
Bowen can be performed on skin or through light clothing. If unsure bring a T-shirt and some shorts with you. Please bring a list of current medication with you.
Avoid any other physical therapies such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage, acupuncture etc within 7 days before or after a treatment.
How many treatments would I need?
Three to five treatments at weekly intervals are usually enough to give long lasting relief, although further treatments may be required. We understand that each person is different so cannot expect a specific outcome. New injuries usually respond quickly whilst long term problems can take longer and may need more treatments. It is important to give your body time to heal.
Most people like to ’top up’ with preventative treatments every 6-12 weeks and keen sports people once every 7-10 days.
You may have more than one problem that you may or may not even know about. Several ailments can be improved together in the same treatment.
Please note:
If you have any medical problems or concerns please consult your G.P. The Bowen Technique and yoga are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment.