Bowen Therapy
WHAT IS it?
Bowen is a soft tissue remedial therapy. It is a technique using the practitioner's hands to make a gentle rolling action over the recipient's soft tissue, in order to create a signal to the brain. It is therefore non-intrusive and does not require disruptive adjustments or manipulations.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The body is made up of connective tissue, which means each part is attached to, and influences another. Therefore, where you experience pain may not be where the problem is. For example, an injury in your shoulder may be due to a change in connective tissue tensions elsewhere in the body. The pain you are experiencing may be due to the effect of how you are sitting at work, or how you are standing or walking. Emotional stress can also manifest itself as pain in the body.
THE PROBLEMS IT CAN BE USED TO HELP?
Bowen Therapy helps with:
Pain management, general aches and pains
Frozen shoulder and tennis elbow
Asthma, hayfever,
Headaches and sinus problems
Back pain
Stress and tension
Jaw discomfort
Foot pain
Sports injuries
Sciatica
Whiplash
WHEN IS IT USED?
Bowen therapy can be used alongside any medication, but not at the same time as having another therapy, for instance, physiotherapy, reiki or massage. There should be at least one week between the treatments.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?
After treatment the recipient can expect to feel very relaxed. Relief can often be felt immediately, although changes can take place over the following seven days. Treatment plans will be discussed: it may take longer than four sessions to treat chronic conditions. After treatment a better quality sleep may be experienced. Mood may become elevated. The ability to concentrate and focus may also be improved.
POSITIVES FOR HAVING BOWEN THERAPY
• No need to undress to receive Bowen - just wear a vest T-shirt or camisole, with loose fitting joggers, shorts, or pyjama trousers. Please do not wear jeans.
• It can be used safely and effectively with all forms of medication.
• It is a non-intrusive treatment.
• There is no adjustment or manipulation during treatment
• It helps to relieve stress and anxiety.
• It helps to relieve pain.
• It can enhance the mood and often improves sleep quality.
WHERE DID IT COME FROM?
Tom Ambrose Bowen (18.04.1916 – 28.10.1982) was born in Australia, where he developed the Bowen Technique, which is now practised in over forty countries. He realised that making certain moves on the body had a beneficial effect. He developed and refined his technique from 1957 until his death, running clinics and home treatments. After his death the Bowen technique was further developed and refined by others in Australia.
Bowen Therapy was brought to England twenty-five years ago by Julian Baker, following his training in Australia. He began teaching in 1994, and then created the European College of Bowen Studies, which recently changed its name to the College of Bowen Studies.