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 is believed to connect the brain directly to the area of a problem and allow an assessment to take place 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.
The Bowen Technique is 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?
It is always advisable to see your GP before seeking support from Bowen therapy to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Bowen Technique aims to balance the whole person not just the symptoms. Complementary therapies such as Bowen, alongside medical care, can help improve the quality of life and bring comfort to clients living with certain chronic conditions. Clients presenting with the following conditions may find Bowen is able to help them cope better with their symptoms:
- 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, so if you would like to know if Bowen can support you with your symptoms, please contact me 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.
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 to support clients suffering 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, my clients often report feeling mentally lighter, more relaxed and less anxious, about their daily stressors.
Please ensure you have visited your GP before seeking help from complementary therapy in order to rule out any underlying medical issues.
