Bowen Technique

Call 07771611506

What is Bowen?

Bowen therapy, also referred to as Bowen Technique, Bowenwork or Bowtech, is a hands-on therapy developed by Tom Bowen in Geelong in Australia. This technique involves a therapist manipulating muscle and connective tissue through using their hands to deliver small but measured rolling movements on specific parts of the body. These movements are believed to stimulate the body to heal itself.

How does Bowen work?

Little is know about how Bowen treatment works because to date, there’s limited funding to provide scientific evidence about how Bowen works or its clinical effectiveness. There are however a several theories about the physiological mechanisms involved in Bowen Technique.

It is believed that Bowen stimulates the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and endocrine system to re-balance itself. The ANS has two parts to it, the sympathetic nervous system, the fright, flight or fight mode and the parasympathetic nervous system, the relax, rest and repair mode. Many of us live lives that are in heightened stress where the sympathetic nervous system is overs stimulated i.e. the fright, flight, or fight mode and commonly referred to as ‘stress’. Prolonged stress as we now know has negative health effects eg heart disease, high blood pressure, bowel symptoms, headaches etc and does not allow the body to rest, heal and recover. Bowen seems to facilitate the movement in the ANS to shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic dominance so that the body can repair itself. 



Maria Ciaccio Bowen1

The following mechanisms are thought to be involved in this process of re-balancing the body:

  • Stretch receptors

Bowen moves are applied at the origin, insertion or belly of muscles where receptors are located. These receptors when stimulated inform the nervous system of changes happening in the muscles and tendons. Bowen moves may change pain/muscle spasm loops.

  • Joint proprioceptors

Bowen moves are performed around joint capsules and ligaments which is where the receptors are located. Research (Bernie Carter, 2002, ‘Clients experiences of frozen shoulder and its treatment with Bowen Technique’, Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, Vol 8, pp. 204-210) has confirmed Bowen increases the range of motion in restricted joints.

  • Fascia (see also “How does ScarWork work?”)

Bowen moves stimulate superficial fascia that communicates nerves, muscles, and tendons around it. A growing body of evidence is revealing the role of fascia in muscle co-ordination, postural alignment, and the body’s overall structural and functional integrity. Fascia can become stiff, contracted, torqued and dehydrated and Bowen can loosen up adhesions, soften scars, improve posture and mobility when the fascia is stimulated.

  • Segmental viscerosomatic spinal reflexes

Several Bowen moves engage with these reflexes to produce reactions in organs.

  • Acupuncture and meridian points

Many Bowen moves occur over several acupuncture meridians thereby stimulating the meridians and their meridian points and similar to acupuncture may explain the effects created on internal organs.

  • Harmonic vibration or resonance model

Bowen sets up vibrational patterns which bring the body back into balance and harmony.

  • Lymphatics

Some Bowen procedures activate the draining of the lymphatic system and thereby stimulating the immune system.

  • Detoxification

This is often stimulated during a treatment session thereby helping the body to function at a cellular level.  

 

Maria Ciaccio Bowen2

Maria Ciaccio Bowen3

What happens in a treatment?

Your initial appointment lasts for 75 minutes and is held in a private, relaxing, safe, and comfortable environment. During this session you will be asked about your medical history, symptoms you currently have, any previous surgeries or injuries, and to clarify your goals for treatment. Follow-up sessions are for up to 1hr.

Throughout your treatment you will be an active participant in the decision making and during treatment in giving feedback on treatment techniques so that we work together in facilitating your goal to achieve optimum recovery or to address a specific problem.  

Treatment is offered directly onto the skin or through loose clothes so that area of your body will need to be exposed to deliver the treatment. No creams or lotions are used on your skin. At all times, your body will be covered so that your modesty and dignity will be maintained. Every care taken to ensure you are mentally, emotionally, and physically comfortable throughout the treatment. 

After moves are performed you will be left alone in the room to avoid distraction while your body accepts and responds to the stimulus just given. As the muscles relax and circulation improves you may notice sensations such as warmth, tingling, pressure, lightness, and heaviness. Changes within the treatment session are subtle and may become more noticeable hours or days after your treatment. step away or out

The amount of work done within a session will be determined by your condition. Fit and healthy clients will be able to receive more; those suffering with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may only receive a few moves each time as they build their resilience. Children often don’t need much work at all as their body’s response rate appears to be much faster. A parent or carer will be asked to be present during any session for children under the age of 16 and vulnerable adults.

At the end of your treatment session feedback will be given and an aftercare leaflet emailed to you for reference.   

 

How many treatments are needed?

It is found that 3-6 session are most beneficial, depending on your condition. Some clients find improvement holding after only one or two sessions. For others, it may take longer, perhaps between 3 to 6 sessions. Ideally the first 3 sessions are held within 4 weeks. Clients with ongoing chronic conditions often continue with therapy on a regular basis to maintain their wellbeing.

Are there side effects?

There are no known side effects from Bowen therapy. Bowen stimulates the nervous system and endocrine system so that the body can respond and in doing so it re-balances the body. This healing response may cause some clients to experience some of these symptoms, in varying degrees, as the body readjusts itself. 

  • tingling
  • tiredness
  • soreness
  • stiffness
  • headaches
  • flu-like symptoms
  • increased pain
  • pain in another part of the body

Maria Ciaccio Bowen5

Maria Ciaccio Bowen6

 

What can Bowen be used for?

Bowen may be helpful in recovery from many conditions, from traumatic injury to chronic illness.  Some of the conditions that often respond well to Bowen include:

  • Back pain and sciatica
  • Digestive and bowel problems
  • Earache and TMJ problems
  • Migraines and other types of headaches
  • Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Hip, knee, foot & ankle problems
  • Menstrual and hormonal irregularities
  • Neck and shoulder problems (including frozen shoulder)
  • Groin pain, pelvic tilt, and uneven leg length
  • Respiratory problems and hayfever
  • Repetitive Strain Injury, carpal tunnel and tennis elbow
  • Sports and other traumatic injuries

How do I make an appointment?

You can get in touch by phone or text 07771 611506. Payment for treatment is made at the time of booking. Paypal offers you the opportunity to spread the cost of treatment over 3 months. Once payment has been received a form will be sent to you to complete prior to your appointment.