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The Bowen Technique is a gentle form of bodywork where subtle moves send messages deep into the body, retrieving cellular memory of a preferred, relaxed, balanced way of wellbeing. Results can be remarkable, even from the first session. It 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. Where is it from? Thomas Bowen (1916-1982), of Geelong Australia, was a quiet, reserved and enigmatic man with an uncanny gift for healing. By the mid 1970's, Tom's reputation had spread and his clinical skills in his 'Bowen Therapy' were in great demand. In 1975, Tom was treating an astounding 13,000 people per year. He chose not to claim or copyright any of his work, but taught a number of students with the hope that his technique would grow and spread around the world. His vision remains intact through the continued refinements and adaptations of his work by Bowen practitioners around the world.
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General introduction
Bowen for children
Senior Bowen instructor explains why it is so good for complaints, (even long-standing), that other therapies and techniques just don't quite resolve.
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`How does it work?
The Bowen technique is a gentle bodywork therapy that initiates a series of responses throughout the nervous, musculoskeletal and fascial systems and the energetic pathways (acupuncture meridians).
Bowen addresses the entire body rather than focusing on a single complaint.
"With Bowen, less is more"
Bowen stimulates the body's autonomic nervous system to rebalance. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls over 80% of the body systems and is very susceptible to external stressors. With our current lifestyle, most people today live in a constant state of high stress (fight, flight, freeze mode). Bowen allows the body to switch from stress (sympathetic) mode to healing (parasympathetic) mode therefore restoring balance to the different systems in the body (respiration, digestion, breathing, hormones, etc). Regular treatments retrain the nervous system allowing better balance and more time spent in healing mode (rest, relax and repair mode). Once this occurs the body can initiate a healing response on structural and energetic levels.
Gentle moves are performed over muscles, connective tissue (fascia), tendons and nerves. Each sequence is followed by a rest period, allowing the nervous system to integrate the information and to start the healing.
Depending on the client's presentation, Bowen often addresses the entire body to resolve the issue rather than focusing on a single complaint.
Click here to access a short PDF book describing the Bowen Technique.
The Bowen technique is a gentle bodywork therapy that initiates a series of responses throughout the nervous, musculoskeletal and fascial systems and the energetic pathways (acupuncture meridians).
Bowen addresses the entire body rather than focusing on a single complaint.
- The body’s integrated response to the technique improves circulation and lymphatic drainage (reduction of swelling) and enhances the assimilation of nutrients and elimination of toxins.
- Work is done on the tightest areas of the body (not necessarily on the painful ones) as a way to unwind the fascial lines that are restricted (see Tom Myer's work on Anatomy Trains)
"With Bowen, less is more"
Bowen stimulates the body's autonomic nervous system to rebalance. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls over 80% of the body systems and is very susceptible to external stressors. With our current lifestyle, most people today live in a constant state of high stress (fight, flight, freeze mode). Bowen allows the body to switch from stress (sympathetic) mode to healing (parasympathetic) mode therefore restoring balance to the different systems in the body (respiration, digestion, breathing, hormones, etc). Regular treatments retrain the nervous system allowing better balance and more time spent in healing mode (rest, relax and repair mode). Once this occurs the body can initiate a healing response on structural and energetic levels.
Gentle moves are performed over muscles, connective tissue (fascia), tendons and nerves. Each sequence is followed by a rest period, allowing the nervous system to integrate the information and to start the healing.
- Fascial release: Each Bowen move is done at the level of the superficial fascia and affects the relationship between the fascia and the nerve, muscle or tendon being mobilised. When the fascia stiffens or contracts the body is negatively affected. After a Bowtech session it is common to see adhesions loosen up, scar tissue soften and posture and mobility improve.
- Stretch Reflex: Most rolling moves are done either at the origin, insertion or belly of muscles where receptors are located, informing the nervous system on the state of tension or stretch in the tissue, inviting normalisation of the muscle function, without the need for forceful manipulation. This process is believed to be the mechanism by which Bowen breaks the cycle of tension or dysfunctional repetitive pain loops.
- Joint Proprioceptors: All moves that are done around a joint affect the joint capsule and ligaments that are richly innervated with proprioceptors. Here again, stimulus will be received by the nervous system, inviting normalisation of the joint function.
Depending on the client's presentation, Bowen often addresses the entire body to resolve the issue rather than focusing on a single complaint.
Click here to access a short PDF book describing the Bowen Technique.
