BOWEN THERAPY TECHNIQUE FACTFILE

Definition: Named after its creator Tom Bowen
Founded: Early 1950s In Australia
Therapy Type: Bodywork

WHAT EXACTLY IS BOWEN THERAPY?

Bowen Technique | The Wellness Directory Bowen therapy reflects and analyses the body as a whole. The technique aims to regain equilibrium as well as reintegrate the body’s physical and energetic systems, which relinquish any blockages within the body. It is believed that these blockages disconnect us from our natural state of optimum health and thus total freedom.

This holistic based therapy is carried out through a series of gentle and specific movements called ‘Bowen moves’ which are movements over muscles, nerves, tendons and fascia. During the detailed cycle of movements, referred to as procedures, the therapist will pause regularly enabling the body to send neurological signals to the brain. These neuro messages result in an instantaneous reaction of the muscle relaxing and also in pain reduction.

The Bowen therapy technique ultimately encourages the body to heal itself and to bring it back into a state of wellbeing through such electrical signals being received by the nervous system. Subsequently, the body is able to redeem normal movement within joints, tendons and muscles. The series of movements performed by the Bowen therapist also alleviates spasms in muscles and enhances blood and lymph circulation.

IS BOWEN THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?

Bowen Therapy may alleviate the following physical and mental conditions:

Abdominal Pain/Stomach Cramps
Allergies
Anxiety/Panic Attacks
Arthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis
Back/Muscular Pain
Blood Pressure
Breathing Problems
Chrohn's Disease
Chronic Pain
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Digestive Disorders
Dizziness
Ear Ache/Infection
Frozen Shoulder
Headaches/Migraines
Heart Burn

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Muscle Cramps
Muscular-Skeletal Pain
Neck Pain
Osteoporosis
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Rheumatism
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Shoulder (Joint) Pain
Sinusitis
Spinal Injury/Disc Problems
Sports Injuries
Sprains
Stomach Cramps
Stress – Emotional/Physical
Whiplash

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM BOWEN THERAPY SESSIONS

Bowen treatment sessions are approximately 30-45 minutes in length and generally take place in a warm, tranquil and relaxing environment. Therapy can be carried out place on a massage bench or in a seated position. Pregnant women may be supported through pillows or cushions and some Bowen therapists use a specific reclinable treatment couch.

During the initial consultation your Bowen therapist will discuss current health issues including your medical history to help assess your suitability to the treatment. From here, your therapist will explain how the technique works and determine your individual course of treatment. The therapist will usually make rolling style movements over the muscles of your body using their thumb and fingers. It is advisable to wear light clothing for your session as the therapy can be performed through clothing however no oils are used during therapy. The therapist may occasionally leave the room during your session to allow a pause and for the body to adapt, relieve tension and ease any pain. Pain relief may be noticeable after the initial session although two or three sessions are normally sufficient in achieving lasting relief. Furthermore, conditions that have been present for a prolonged period of time have also been known to react positively to Bowen therapy.

The Bowen Therapy Technique is suitable for all ages, children through to the elderly, due to its gentle approach.

FINDING A QUALIFIED BOWEN THERAPIST

Most people find Bowen Therapy deeply relaxing and enjoy the tension it releases throughout the body. It is also extremely safe when carried out by a qualified therapist. It is wise to carry out some research and select a therapist who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as Bowen NZ. Bowen Therapists are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment. These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.

The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified Bowen Therapy Practitioners within your region. We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.

Click Here to Find All Bowen Therapy Technique Practitioners »