What is the Bowen Technique?
The Bowen Technique is also known as Bowtech – the Original Bowen Technique and Bowenwork. Bowen is a dynamic and subtle system of muscle and connective tissue therapy that facilitates the body in healing itself, with minimal intervention. Originally developed by Tom Bowen in Geelong, Australia, Bowen therapy is now utilised throughout the world and taught in many countries.
Bowen technique can be performed on humans or animals and gives beneficial results in many areas of the body. The technique provides a reorganisation of the muscular system of the body to bring about increased energy levels and pain relief. Bowen can also affect the skeleton, internal organs as well as stimulating the lymphatic system, acupressure points and trigger points. Bowen Therapy is at the core a holistic treatment modality that combines both a physical and energetic component to support health, vitality and wellbeing.
How Can Bowen Therapy Help Me?
Bowen therapy can help with many diverse conditions throughout the body. Many people seek Bowen Therapy for pain and associated structural and musculoskeletal issues. These include the following conditions:
Back pain and sciatica- Neck and shoulder problems
- Leg, knee and foot problems
- Pelvic and groin pain
- RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Sports and injuries from accident
- Migraine and headaches
- Anxiety, stress and tension
Other issues that Bowen therapy can help with include digestive issues, hormonal issues and immune dysfunction.
How Does Bowen Work?
As a soft tissue therapy, the Bowen technique primarily works by disturbing the fascia or connective tissue of the body – encouraging it to reset itself to a balanced state. Bowen is a very gentle therapy and does not involve cracking of joints or insertion of needles. The therapist uses fingers or thumbs in a rolling action to carefully and gently move over muscles, tendons and ligaments. The brief resting periods between the sequence of moves allows the muscles and nerves to absorb the information and respond accordingly.
Can Bowen Help My Horse?
Bowen therapy that is specific for horses is known as Equine Muscle Release Therapy (EMRT). Equine Bowen therapy is useful for a wide range of conditions in horses – both functional and more pathological. It can address both acute and chronic conditions. Click to learn more about Equine Muscle Release Therapy (EMRT).
What To Expect?
Most Bowen sessions for people usually last from 15 to 45 minutes. Clients usually lie on a massage/bodywork table or bed, or may be seated in a chair if required, for comfort. A session involves using specific procedures and muscular based moves. The moves are gentle, but purposeful, and can be done through light clothing.
In between each move, the practitioner will pause for a short while to allow the client’s body, muscles and nerves to begin responding. The practitioner will then continue with the next sequence of moves. A session will be individualised according to what the client needs and may involve balancing the entire body or will target a specific area.
