The Bowen technique was developed in Australia during the 1950s based on drawing together a range of existing therapies.  The approach of this therapy is to encourage the body to rebalance and heal itself, and so rather than attempting to treat specific ailments, the technique focuses on the body as a whole and aims to restore harmony

Bowen technique uses direct touch and is therefore a hand’s on healing technique but is also seen as being holistic in approach, drawing on the power of the mind and body to bring about deep levels of healing.

How does Bowen technique work?

Bowen practitioners believe that the Bowen technique works by stimulating and balancing energy flow within the body.  To enable the body to have access to the resources it requires healing. To produce it effect it challenges the body and then allows time for the body to respond.  In this way it is a very gentle and comforting healing modality.  The post treatment period is considered to be as important as what occurs during the session as the body continues its work of re-establishing harmony and it is this process rather than the intervention of the practitioner, which brings about results.
Once an overall sense of deep relaxation has been achieved, the body is able to manage its own its own restorative process. Healing seems to occur by affecting the body's nervous system, which induces balance at the cellular level.

What does Bowen technique involve?

After an initial assessment which; may occur at or prior to the first session a series of session’s will be planned. Each session will last about one hour and consist of a series of gently rolling connective tissue moves, using a light touch. Each move targets the whole system, in a gentle and relaxing way to with minimal force and so the treatment is usual comfortable. Throughout each session here are pauses during which the practitioner leaves the room, to allow the body time to respond and benefit. The treatment is usually carried out whilst the client is lightly clothed, and no oils or creams are used.

What is Bowen good for?

As well as initiating a deep state of relaxation and encouraging general healing and well being, the Bowen technique is also effective for a wide range of specific conditions.  It is believed to be particularly effective in treating sports injuries, skeletal and muscular problems. Bowen is also believed to be helpful for the following conditions:

• Allergies

• Respiratory problems

• Digestive problems

• RSI

• Migraine, headaches

• Sciatica frozen shoulder and nerve pain.

• Pain management

• IBS

• Stroke

• Whiplash

• Infant colic

• PMT

Other diseases that have shown improvement from using the Bowen technique are multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.

What are the side effects and when should it be avoided?

Because the Bowen technique is gentle is has very few side effect, and works well alongside conventional medical treatment. Some Bowen Therapist believe that while it is an ideal compliment to medical treatment it should not be used at the same time as some other holistic therapies; it does however work well alongside homeopathy, herbal medicine and flower essences.

What are the benefits?

Recent studies have shown the Bowen technique to have general beneficial effects of deep levels of relaxation on our immune and hormonal systems.