Therapy name: Bowen Technique
Regulatory Body: Recognised by the Federation of Holistic Therapists in the UK.
Efficacy: Back and neck pain, tennis and golfers elbow, respiratory conditions, fibromyalgea, frozen shoulder, headache, sports injuries, lymphatic drainage, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, stress
Overview: The Bowen Technique is a focussed form of ‘hands-on’ bodywork that prompts the body to reset and heal itself.
How it works: As humans we create appropriate responses to most situations. We determine appropriate responses to stimuli. Bowen moves are not painful and there is no friction or rubbing, therefore the response mechanism is thrown into a degree of confusion as to what the appropriate response should be. Breaks in treatment allow the nervous system time to establish the correct response. During this time the body can gather other information also and therefore other areas of the body may also respond to treatment.
What to expect: The therapist makes Bowen’s unique set of moves using thumbs and forefingers; this is alternated with leaving the client to rest for a few minutes. The resting time allows the body to respond and make the changes needed for healing. This treatment is gentle and relaxing, most of it can be performed through light clothing. Lasting relief from even long-standing pain and complaints can often be achieved through two to four treatments at weekly intervals.
Known Contraindications: Reactions to treatment are not uncommon and include tiredness, increase in original symptoms, stiffness, headaches, flu like symptoms, increased dream activity.