The Bowen Technique
The technique was developed by Tom Bowen in Australia. He had little in the way of medical training but found that his passion for sports lead him to create a technique that aided movement and function throughout the body. Before he knew it his popular technique was successfully helping people with all sorts of ailments.
Bowen therapy differs from most kinds of therapy as the treatment offers the body an opportunity to restore structural integrity instead of forcing changes onto the patient.
The therapy can be described as an alternative to physiotherapy. It involves a series of gentle moves over specific muscles, tendons and soft tissue. The majority of moves can be performed through light clothing.
The treatment does not involve any:
- Manipulation of the hard tissue
- High velocity movements
- Massage or use of massage mediums
- Deep pressure
- Equipment
What to expect in a Bowen session
A typical session involves the patient lying on the therapy table wearing light clothing while the therapist applies the simple light moves across specific areas of muscle and tendon. It has been shown that a shift occurs in the body 90 seconds after a Bowen move has been made. There are therefore regular short breaks in the treatment session to enable the body to process and respond the treatment. A session will take around 60 minutes.
What responds to the Bowen technique?
The most common presenting symptoms are lower back pain, which respond very well to Bowen. The average number of treatment sessions is 2 or 3 depending on the individual some chronic cases can take longer. Other conditions that respond well to Bowen include:
- Sports injuries
- Frozen shoulder
- Headaches / Migraines
- Digestive problems
- Asthma
- Hay fever
- Sciatic pain
- Lower back pain in pregnant women
- ME
Contraindications
Unlike most therapies there are very few reasons that someone cannot have Bowen.
Anyone can be treated from all age groups including newborn babies to the elderly.
Bowen and the three W’s
After your session of Bowen your body will be trying to accommodate new information in order to repair and heal the body.
Water –Effective functioning of the body relies on water to assist in increasing blood flow to nerve endings and aid in lymph movement around the body. After the session it is important to drink more water than normal to support this.
Walk- Movement of the body also helps with lymph drainage and oxygen transportation. Regular short walks after the session will generate natural movement around the body creating a more hospitable environment for healing.
Week- The body needs time to adjust and reset in between sessions. The optimum time is between 5- 10 days
For advice or an appointment please call: 07916175377
