“Bowen has helped keep my body together despite the continual bashing it takes. It’s a vital support in putting right a whole range of new aches and pains, making sure that old injuries don’t cause me problems, and helping me fight stress and fatigue.” ”Bear Grylls (Extreme Survival Adventurer)
What is the Bowen Technique?
The Bowen Technique was originally developed in Australia, in the 1950s by Tom Bowen, who believed that the body has the ability to heal itself. Bowen therapists use fingers and thumbs to make gentle and precise rolling-type moves over muscles, tendons, fascia and ligaments, to activate the body’s own healing systems, by carefully triggering particular nerve endings. These nerve endings are involved with the tension of muscles which hold us in correct alignment. When this function is compromised by physical injury, poor posture, emotional injury or constant stress, symptoms begin to manifest in the body. These can range from back pain, stiffness, actual joint injury, headaches, asthma, irritable bowel, whiplash and many others. Bowen connects the brain directly to the area of a problem and allows an assessment of the tension in a specific muscle and surrounding tissue.
During the treatment there are a series of short 2-minute breaks, where the client is left resting, to allow their body to respond to the moves, and make any subtle and fine adjustments, which help re-balance, relieve tension and reduce pain.
Unique in the field of bodywork, The Bowen Technique is a very effective therapy, and many people are initially surprised at how such a gentle therapy can generate such remarkable results.
The Bowen Technique is completely safe and appropriate for everyone – from newborns to the very elderly and frail. Most often, surprisingly few sessions are needed to successfully treat complaints, even if they are chronic or long-standing. Each treatment normally lasts around 45-60 minutes and can be performed through light clothing or on skin.
What can Bowen treat?
Bowen Technique aims to balance the whole person not just the symptoms. That said, common problems which people come for help with include:
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Neck pain and restrictions
- Frozen shoulder/ general shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow,
- Sports injuries
- Knee pain
- Ankle strains / sprains
- Asthma / breathing problems
- Hip/pelvic pain misalignemnt
- IBS/digestive problems
- Anxiety/panic attacks
- Infant colic
- Pregnancy back pain
- Strokes
This list is by no means exhaustive. if you don’t see your symptoms listed please call for a chat.
Bowen for Sport
An increasing numbers of sportsmen & women are turning to the Bowen Technique to treat acute injuries and relieve persistent/chronic conditions. The Bowen Technique is now being used at many sports clubs in the UK, including some Premiership rugby and football clubs, including Leeds Rhinos:
“I am approaching the later years of my career and Bowen has helped my body to recover quicker after games and intense training. It’s great”. Jamie Peacock Leeds Rhinos
“Although sceptical prior to receiving Bowen treatment the effects have been nothing but positive. Following competition it is extremely effective at relieving the tension and improving recovery in the neck and upper back areas”. Matt DiskinLeeds Rhinos
The Bowen Technique can be instrumental in improving player fitness, accelerating recovery and preventing injuries – all of which can positively effect success on the pitch, track, pool, court – in any sports arena. And in the case of an acute injury such as a sprain or strain, the immediate application of Bowen can put an athlete back in the game more quickly. However the healing process will still be accelerated even if injuries are treated some time after they happen.
Bowen and work –related stress / injuries
Many people in the work-place suffer a whole host of aches and pains, which are caused by stress, long working hours, poor posture, sitting or standing for long periods of time, or repetitive movements.
Bowen may help with lower and upper back pain, neck pain, shoulder tension, RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome, anxiety and headaches. These are just a few of the health problems that have become common place in the work environment. A lot of people just put up with these ailments or take medication, without regard to the long-term effects that these conditions may have on their body. Carrying pain and tension around all day every day, can also have a significant effect on your mental health, with more and more people suffering stress, depression and a feeling of not being able to cope. After receiving Bowen treatment, many people report feeling mentally lighter, more relaxed and less anxious, about their daily stressors.
“ Whenever I’ve had any back or neck problems, the Bowen Technique has always successfully put an end to them as well as aligning my body and increasing my energy. I can’t recommend it highly enough,” Jerome Flynn, Actor
