Overview

The Bowen Technique is a powerful healing system that achieves remarkable and lasting effects. It works with all the systems of the body, with every condition from infertility to bad circulation, to just balancing the body.

There are many theories as to how the Bowen Technique works, but none completely explain its holistic effect and often outstanding results. It does not impose a particular approach on the client. Instead, it encourages a gentle response which empowers the body's own resources to heal itself.

History

The Bowen Technique was developed in the 1950's by the late Tom Bowen 1903 - 1982 (pictured) in Geelong, Australia. Although he had no formal training in healthcare, Bowen became a celebrated therapist, regularly treating over 13,000 patients a year according to Australian Government statistics.

In 1974, he invited Oswald Rentsch and his wife Elaine to study with him and document his work. It was not until Bowen's death in 1982 that they began to teach the technique in several continents. They founded the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia in 1987. Since then they have taught over 9,000 therapists worldwide.

Benefits

The Bowen Technique is considered safe to use for anyone, from new-born babies to the elderly. Some of the wide range of conditions that may respond well to a Bowen treatment are:-

• Sports Injuries
• Stress and Tensions symptoms
• Back Pain and Sciatica
• RSI and Tennis Elbow
• Neck and Shoulder problems
• Respiratory Conditions and Hayfever
• Menstrual Irregularities
• Migraines and Headaches
• Chronic Viral Fatigue Syndrome and ME
• Pregnancy and Childhood disorders

Procedures

A Bowen treatment allows the body to reset and heal itself. The treatment consists of a series of gentle rolling connective tissue moves on the skin (maybe done through light clothing). There are frequent important pauses between these moves, which give the body time to benefit from each set.

By combining moves, both in placement and in combination, the practitioner is able to address the body as a whole or target a specific problem. Bowen moves are a study in delicacy, being light, gentle and very precise.

A session normally lasts from half an hour to an hour and frequently results in a deep sense of overall relaxation, allowing the body to re-charge and balance itself.

The Bowen Technique is not necessarily a 'long-term' treatment programme. Most clients find that a small number of treatments are adequate even for long-standing complaints.

Source of information: The Bowen Association UK | Kindred Spirit - Issue 58 - Spring 2002