The Bowen Technique

 

 

The Bowen technique is a soft tissue remedial therapy, named after its innovator Tom Bowen. In essence, the Bowen technique helps the body heal itself and is particularly effective in helping with musculoskeletal issues.

 

Geoff and Ali are both qualified Bowen practitioners, the technique involves the therapist using fingers or thumbs to move over muscle, ligament tendon and fascia in various parts of the body. The work is very subtle, relaxing and gentle involving no hard or prolonged pressure. During a session, the client will lie on a therapy table or bed, although the work can be effectively carried out with the client in a chair.

 

Work can be performed through light clothing.  Bowen is a holistic treatment which means that a treatment will address the whole body. As a general rule, moves will always be made over the lower and mid back and legs, the upper back and shoulders before finishing with neck moves with the client supine (face up).

 

A feature of the work is that between sets of moves the therapist will leave the room and allow the client to rest for a short period. This is a key element of Bowen and is a defining aspect of the technique as well as being one of the most important. The break allows the body the opportunity to create a decision about what action needs to be taken in response to the moves given.

 

A session will last generally around 45 minutes to one hour and typically three to four sessions are required to achieve the desired improvements, although there are always exceptions to the rule. Treatments should typically be scheduled for between five and seven days apart in order to allow the body to respond effectively to the treatment. Most people will achieve improvements in their condition within three to four sessions, when even long standing chronic pain can start to be relieved. Other conditions might need to be treated more often, but in either case it is recommended that clients return for regular treatments every six to eight weeks to maintain optimum health.

 

As the body starts the healing process, it is possible that symptoms are brought to the fore.  This is a reaction to the treatment and shows that the body is responding positively to the therapy given.

 

Types of conditions that can benefit from the Bowen Technique:

 

Bowen Technique is believed to help the body address a wide variety of issues such as all physical complaints, infections and improved sleeping patterns. The most common presentation for Bowen practitioners to face is all types of back pain and here Bowen excels. Frozen shoulders are a particular favourite as are lower back and neck pain.

 

Sports injury is a field of remedial therapy that is becoming very aware of the Bowen Technique. Not only do sportsmen report fewer injuries when treated regularly, but they also notice an increase in performance and quicker recovery times. The Bowen Technique is now being used at high levels of sport in this country, with professional rugby clubs and premiership football clubs employing experienced practitioners.