What is Bowen?
The Bowen Technique is an effective remedial therapy.
Bowen therapists treat people holistically, making gentle precise rolling movements over the muscles and other soft tissues. People present with a wide range of aches and pains, injuries and health problems. There are no contra-indications to treatment.
The Bowen move is very gentle and can be performed through light clothing. As there is little in the form of manipulation, Bowen can be a useful therapy for the very ill or frail.
The subtle moves increase local blood and lymph circulation, encouraging and stimulating
the body to change. Bowen treatment is not usually
mixed with other physical therapies, e.g. osteopathy,
massage, chiropractic etc. A gap of 7 days is usually left between
Bowen and any other physical therapy so that the subtle information
supplied to the body during a Bowen session can be processed and integrated. If you have any
doubts, please ask your local Bowen therapist and they will happily discuss your
individual needs.
Treatment usually takes from 30 to 45 minutes and can be performed
through light clothing. After treatment, the patient will be advised to
drink lots of water to help their recovery.
The Bowen Technique is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If there is a possibility of fractured or broken bones, then your Bowen practitioner may refer you to your GP or hospital for verification before treatment can commence.
Bowen for Children
Treatment Duration
Most treatments for children will last anything from 15-30 minutes. Sometimes the treatment
will take place on a couch, sometimes whilst on a parent's lap - the therapist will make
allowances for the nature and behaviour of each child, especially if remaining still is not an option!
Although sometimes only a few treatments may be needed to help (for instance) a
chest infection or sore neck or back, there are many conditions in which Bowen may be
needed over a long period of time.
For those with Cerebral Palsy, Autism or chronic conditions, we have found that weekly or fortnightly sessions
over much of the year to be of great benefit. Some children respond rapidly, whilst others take
more time. We are all individuals.
Many children (and parents) benefit from a few regular treatments every year, to maintain their
health as they grow.
Other conditions responding well include ADHD, asthma, bed-wetting, constipation, dyspraxia, growing pains, headaches and muscular-skeletal issues including posture, balance and co-ordination.
Common Benefits noted by Parents
From those with cerebral palsy (from those with mild to severe cases):
From those with autism (from those with mild to severe cases):
Where did it originate?
The Bowen Technique was pioneered in Australia by Tom Bowen (1916-1982). He was a gifted therapist who frequently achieved very good results within one or two treatments for many common conditions.
Several schools have been set up in Australia, Europe and America to help spread the methods that he pioneered.