The Bowen Technique is a dynamic system of muscle and tissue therapy. Through light touch the Bowen practitioner delivers signals to the nervous system at specific locations on muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves.
Gentle enough to be used on new injuries, as well as persistent problems, this innovative technique offers fast and lasting relief from pain and discomfort.
Pioneered by Thomas A Bowen in Australia during the 50s and 60s. Bowen was fascinated with posture and how it related to ill health. He was a prolific therapist treating more than 13,000 people per year. Tom didn’t teach or promote his work, and allowed only a few people to observe him at work. Most notable of these was his secretary, Irene Horwood and therapists Ossie and Elaine Rentsch whom he entrusted to document his work. Ossie worked with Tom for years constantly building and refining his notes. Tom Bowen died in 1982 on his deathbed Ossie promise to spread the Bowen Technique and its profound benefits to the world.
In 1987 Ossie and Elaine founded The Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia, dedicated to teaching Bowen in its original form.
What is it good for?
Bowen can be used across the whole body. It addresses the underlying cause of injury as well as the present injury or condition. It is therefore ideal for preventing injuries as well as treating them once they occur.
Particular conditions that respond well to treatment include torn muscles, musculoskeletal conditions, inflamed or restricted joints or tendons, digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances. It is also excellent for treating problems that arise during pregnancy.
Bowen is also used by athletes as a way of helping drain lactic acid after sporting events, thereby speeding recovery time.
What happens in a consultation?
A full case history is taken. Once your practitioner has assessed your presenting problem your treatment will be tailored to your individual requirements.
The Bowen therapist makes gentle rolling movements at precise points on the body, over muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves. This is interspersed with periods of rest. This unique sequence of releases send signals via the neural pathways deep within the body, initiating a cascade of resetting and healing processes.
Sessions usually last between 45 minutes and one hour. In many cases relief from pain is experienced on the first visit. Many people state that over the next 3-4 days they experience reactions as the body accepts the therapy and realigns itself. Long-term relief from chronic and acute pain can often be achieved in three or four visits.
Treatments can also be adapted to particular circumstances – for instance, short treatments are available to prepare the body for sporting events.
Preparation and Requirements
It is helpful to drink some water before and after the treatment.