The Bowen Technique is a gentle, subtle and relaxing hands-on treatment.


Who can it help?

The Bowen Technique is suitable for adults and children, including newborn babies and the elderly.


What is it?

The practitioner uses thumbs or fingers to make a series of precise, rolling-type moves over muscle. 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 rest period is an important part of the treatment and gives the body time to make the subtle and fine adjustments, which help to rebalance, relieve tension and reduce pain. It is these features which make the Bowen Technique unique.


All who practise the Bowen Technique are continually amazed at the effectiveness of this simple and gentle hands-on therapy.


What does a treatment involve?

An appointment will take approximately 45 minutes adn most of the work can be performed through light clothing (or directly on the skin). Four to five treatments, at weekly intervals, are often sufficient to achieve lasting relief, although further treatments may be required. To receive maximum benefit it is recommended that other physical therapies are not mixed with the Bowen Technique, for example, reflexology, massage, physiotherapy, Reiki Healing.


The Bowen Technique treats the whole person, not just the condition


What does it treat?

The Bowen Technique aims to balance the whole person, not just the symptoms. Common presentations include back and neck pain, knee problems, sports injuries, RSI, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and respiratory problems, to name but a few. Practically any problem can potentially be addressed and some people use the Bowen Technique as a means of stress management and health maintenance, seeing their therapist regularly 2-4 times a year.


Where did it originate?

Thomas Ambrose Bowen of Geelong, Australia, developed his own 'technique' and had a thriving practice until he died in the 1980s. Tom Bowen's approach is now known throughout the world.


Case History Examples



Anxiety, Poor Concentration (5 treatments)
Girl, aged 9
A. came with her mother complaining of feeling anxious about her school, having nightmares, difficulty concentrating and making odd repetitive movements. Sessions one and two produced considerable improvement in general anxiety and behaviour. By session three she was much happier, more relaxed and able to get on with schoolwork much faster and with greater concentration. After five sessions, all odd arm movements had stopped; she was sleeping well and rarely having bad dreams.


Migraines (3 treatments)
Girl, aged 15
Teenager D. was suffering from 3-4 migraines a week, usually waking in the morning feeling sick and unable to get out of bed until the attack had run its course. After only one treatment she had considerable improvement and after three she had no more migraines. This improvement has held, and though she very occasionally has an 'aura', she has not had another headache in the 18 months since treatment.


Frozen Shoulder (4 treatments)
Woman, aged 29
"As conventional medicine was struggling to alleviate the restriction and pain, I was advised by a rheumatologist to seek alternative help. I tried several other thearpies, but nothing helped. Recently I tried the Bowen Technique and after four sessions I was amazed to feel the pain and restriction fade. Now I have Bowen once every few months to keep up the health benefits."


Achilles Tendon Inflammation (regular treatments)
Man, aged 32
"I recently changed my running shoes and began to notice an uncomfortable strain down my left Achilles. On finishing each run the area would burn and be painful for some hours. This developed until running became impossible without pain. My Bowen practitioner suggested that the problem could be comin gfrom the sacroiliac joint in the lower back. Three Bowen treatments gave permanent relief. I now see the practitioner when I am preparing for a big race."


Sciatica (1 treatment)
Man, aged 40
P was unable to put weight on his right foot and was in severe pain from the buttock right down the leg. He was extremely tense. The therapist gave him one treatment, observing his body relax during the 40 minutes of treatment. He was virtually pain free when he got up and was walking normally.


Frailty and Restricted Arm (ongoing treatments)
Woman, aged 83
Mrs R has arthritis and in recent years has relied on a walking stick at all times. A mastectomy 29 years ago left her unable to straighten her left arm or raise it above her shoulder. After her first Bowen treatment she was able to raise her left arm above her head and straighten her elbow completely. After a night of intermittent cramps, her legs were feeling much freer and less stiff; so much so that when she went out to feed the ducks she didn't need to use her stick. After her second Bowen treatment, she felt altogether steadier on her feet and her arthritic fingers were more mobile. She is now using stairs instead of the lift and her head, which she had described as muzzy, has cleared. Mrs R's overall improvement is quite marked and with regular Bowen, she no longer thinks of herselve as elderly and frail.



Symptoms and Problems helped with include:

Back and neck pain
Sciatica
Frozen shoulder
Tennis elbow
Sports injuries - chronic and acute
Leg length differences / tilted pelvis
Joint pain
Muscle spasm
Hamstring strain
Pain management
Acute and chronic fatigue
Asthma
Hayfever
Bronchial complaints
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Digestive Problems
Strokes
Whiplash
Infant colic
PMT

This list is not exhaustive!



Please note: The Bowen Technique is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If in doubt, please consult your doctor.