What is The Bowen Technique?

The Bowen Technique originated in Australia, where it was developed by Tom Bowen over 40 years. In 1975, he was investigated by the Federal Commission on Alternative Therapies and they found he was successfully treating 13,000 patients a year. He taught only a few people, who continued his work after he passed away in 1986.

Bowen has an 80% success rate

The Bowen technique balances the body to allow it to heal itself. It consists of a series of precise moves on specific points of the body. These moves are light and can be done on skin or through light clothing. There are essential short pauses between sets of moves to allow the body to fully integrate the stimulus received. This stimulus triggers the parasympathetic nervous system and puts the body into a state of deep relaxation. In this state the body is reminded how to heal and balance itself. It begins to correct itself and continues to respond for several days afterward unless interrupted by injury or strong external stimulation, including trauma, heat and bodywork. Sessions are commonly spaced seven days apart.

What is a Bowen Technique session like?

At the first session your therapist will assess your health and discuss a treatment plan, which may change according to the bodies' responses to treatment. They will also discuss 'Do's & Don'ts' ie. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, walk a minimum of 15 minutes a day, avoid extreme heat or cold and avoid other physical or healing therapies of at least two weeks after treatment, this is so the bodies own healing and the energy flow prompted by Bowen is not interrupted.

The gentle but precise moves are done on skin or light clothing. You may feel nothing during treatment but most hydrated people will feel a variety of sensations such as tingling, heat or cold, pulsing or moving aches & pains. These sensations are monitored and the therapist will wait until they subside before continuing.

Everybody is different so how they feel varies considerably. They may feel achy for a few days while the body eliminates toxins and corrects itself, they may feel instant effects, feel great the next day or after their following treatment. Conditions will often resolve in one to three sessions, some conditions may require more.

One of the wonderful principles of this modality is that 'less is more'. The essence of Bowen is simple, yet highly effective. The moves are light , and it only takes a few precisely located moves to achieve profound results. Bowen is also holistic, working to heal the body not only physically, but on the mental and emotional levels as well. As the body progresses through its healing cycle, it experiences the release of stress, toxins, and old patterning which inhibit the body from achieving complete health.

What are the benefits of The Bowen Technique?

Bowen triggers an improvement in joint mobility and muscle flexibility; an improvement in the circulation of lymphatic and venous fluids; better assimilation of nutrients and the elimination of toxins; a reduction of physical, emotional and mental stress; and a better overall flow of energy through the entire body. Bowen has been found to significantly help people with frozen shoulder, neck & back pain, knee, ankle, wrist & elbow problems, headaches & migraines, pelvis misalignment, scoliosis, respiratory problems including colic & asthma, digestive disorders, hormone/reproductive system conditions, bedwetting, jaw problems, sciatica, ADHD, lack of energy and stress & anxiety. In fact there is no condition the Bowen technique will not address.

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