BOWEN THERAPY

What is Bowen Therapy?

Bowen is a soft tissue release technique which uses very gentle pressure. It seeks to address the root cause of issues, which are often in a different location to where the symptoms are found. It is a whole-body, holistic therapy, which has been seen to be effective in a wide variety of conditions; acute and chronic, structural and organic.

Bowen is suitable for all ages, from infants all the way through to the elderly and very frail. Due to its gentle nature, infants and the elderly often find this technique easier to tolerate and more beneficial than other, more high pressure techniques.

The treatment technique has a calming effect on the body, via the autonomic nervous system, which creates the perfect environment for the body to "reset" and begin to heal itself, restoring structural integrity. It also increases blood flow to areas, and improves lymphatic drainage, both of which can speed up the healing process.

Bowen does not seek to force change upon the body; rather it asks the body to recognise and make the changes necessary to bring it back to homeostasis (our body’s internal balance). Clients report experience of pain relief, improvement of function and movement, improved sleep, reduced stress levels and recovery of energy.

The understanding of Bowen is evolving as further research is carried out, but there are many close connections to Traditional Chinese Medicine models, such as acupuncture points and meridian lines. Indeed, many of the Bowen moves carried out are done so over the same points.

What to expect:

A Bowen treatment usually takes 45-60 minutes, and the technique can be carried out through light, loose clothing.

A Bowen treatment consists of "sets" of moves, which are conducted with short breaks in between. These breaks allow the body to process the information given, and to begin to respond, and are often when clients feel very relaxed and sleepy.

To get the most from Bowen, an initial block of 3 treatments is advised, each 5-10 days apart.

What can Bowen help with?

There are very few instances in which a Bowen treatment could not be carried out. Its gentle nature means it can be used in many situations where other techniques are contraindicated (not allowed/advised to be carried out).

Bowen Therapy can be beneficial in addressing:

Sports injuries, sprains, fractures
Back/neck pain and sciatica
Hip/Knee pain
Frozen Shoulder/Shoulder Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic Pain
Jaw problems/TMJ Syndrome
Scoliosis and Postural Problems
Foot and Ankle Problems including shin splints, plantar fasciitis and tendonitis
Asthma, Chronic Respiratory Issues, Hayfever and Allergies
Constipation, Bloating/Wind
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) / Crohn's Disease
Indigestion and Reflux
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, Stroke/Brain Injury
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Nerve injury and neuropathic pain
Lymphoedema
Poor circulation
Stress/anxiety
Sleep Issues
Headache and Migraine
Eczema and Psoriasis