What is Bowen?
The Bowen technique is a non-invasive soft tissue therapy. Bowen moves are very gentle, and directly manipulate muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments, joints and nerves. Bowen moves stimulate waves in the connective tissue, which sends messages to the rest of the body that trigger a holistic healing response, empowering the body to heal itself. Bowen Therapy may result in profound and permanent pain relief in and resolution of a wide range of conditions, even where other treatments have resulted in transient or little improvement. Bowen Therapy is safe for all ages, from the newborn babies to the elderly.
How Does Bowen Work?
It is generally agreed that Bowen works primarily through the nervous system on both structural and energetic levels. Healing most likely occurs through the response of the body’s autonomic (sympathetic & parasympathetic) nervous system to the Bowen moves.
Bowen allows the body to reset and heal itself. The work consists of several series of gentle moves rolling over muscle, tendon or connective tissue. There are frequent important pauses between sets of moves, which give the body time to benefit from each set. The practitioner discerns stress build-up in muscle groups and utilizes Bowen moves to release that stress.
Bowen addresses the body as a whole unit rather than just the presenting symptoms. The physical, chemical, emotional and mental aspects of each person receiving Bowen can all respond as needed.
What should I expect from a Bowen treatment?
Bowen is a ‘complementary’ modality in the sense that it enhances and complements, but does not interfere with, traditional medical attention. Bowen’s input to the nervous system is very subtle, and the body responds over time.
The ideal time for a Bowen session is immediately after an injury. That way, your body can overcome the trauma before it begins to compensate for it. (The compensations often create more problems in the long run than the initial trauma itself).
The pressure used is almost always less than you would expect. On occasion, you might feel a momentary twinge. The most common reaction to Bowen is the deep sense of overall relaxation and lessening of muscular tension and pain. The restorative process begins once the body is relaxed. It is common for people to fall asleep during a session.
A full written health history is taken on your initial visit. The hands-on work usually lasts about 45 minutes.
Treatments can be done through a layer of light, loose-fitted clothing, although clients may be asked to remove heavy or thick garments.