The Bowen Technique

The Bowen Technique

The Bowen technique is a powerful non-invasive myofascial release technique, pioneered by Australian born, Thomas Bowen (1916-1982). It involves the therapist using fingers or thumbs to move over muscle, ligament tendon and fascia in various parts of the body. The work is very subtle, relaxing, and gentle, involving no hard or prolonged pressure.  There are thousands of stretch receptors in the skin and muscles. Bowen moves the muscle in a specific way sending sensory information via the nerves to the spinal cord and brain. The brain then processes these signals and starts the self corrective feedback mechanism, this can effect the way the body holds itself encouraging us to return to our natural postural blueprint.  Compensation patterns are released and improved.

During a session the client will lie on a therapy table or bed, although the work can be effectively carried out with the client in a chair. Most of the work can be performed through light clothing, although some therapists prefer to work on skin.  An initial treatment will address the whole body.  As a general rule moves will be made over the lower and mid back and legs, the upper back and shoulders before finishing with neck moves with the client supine (face up).

A feature of the work is that between sets of moves the therapist will leave the room or step away to allow the client to rest. This is a key element of Bowen and is a defining aspect of the technique as well as being one of the most important. The break allows the body the opportunity to create a decision about what action needs to be taken in response to the moves given and gives the nervous system a chance to establish the correct actions. In the process, the body can gather other information and it is common for areas not being directly treated to respond to the treatment.

A session will last generally around 45 minutes. Treatments should be scheduled for between five and seven days apart and an initial set of three treatments is recommended to establish whether the client is likely to respond to treatment.  I have seen many ailments respond well to the ailments listen bellow.

Some of the conditions that may respond to Bowen:

• Poor mobility
• Allergies
• Asthma and other respiratory problems
• Back problems
• Bell’s palsy
• Constipation and diarrhoea
• Digestive upsets
• Ear problems/dizziness
• Fluid retention
• Foot problems (such as plantar fascitis and bunions)
• Frozen shoulder
• Headaches (migraine, sinus)
• Hernia and heartburn
• Bedwetting, incontinence
• Jaw problems (grinding of teeth, misalignment, etc.)
• Knee and hip restrictions
• Menstrual and other female problems
• Pelvic tilt, leg length, hip imbalance
• Prostate
• Repetitive strain injury
• Sciatica
• Skeletal and muscular problems from lumbar to back
• Sports injuries
• Tennis/golfer’s elbow

£60 – for 1 session

To find out more contact me today at debbie@escapetowellbeing.co.uk

Mobile: 07557 879309