The Bowen Technique is a therapy that is incredibly gentle yet effective for people with a range of health problems. It is suitable for people of all ages and conditions including babies, the elderly and the severely ill. There are no contra indications, making it ideal for people whose health prevents them from having other forms of therapies. It does not involve any massage, force or hard tissue manipulation, and you could be forgiven for wondering how such light movements could have any effect. The Bowen Technique's success and effectiveness is evident from the testimonials and case studies that you can read on this website.
A treatment takes about 45 minutes. The therapist makes a series of light moves at specific points on the body using fingers or thumbs. After each set of about four moves there is a break of at least 2 minutes when the therapist leaves the room. This break allows the client’s brain to connect with the move and to begin the body's process of rebalancing. This ongoing process of adjustment can manifest itself in any number of ways and at any time after a move has been made, with benefit often experienced within 2 to 4 treatments which are given at weekly intervals. Although acute muscular skeletal problems such as back pain and shoulder imobility may respond quickest and most effectively, people with chronic or more organic problems may also benefit from Bowen. Some people have maintenance treatments once every 4-6 weeks for balancing, relaxation or stress management. Such regular maintenance may also have a protective effect for people particularly prone to work- or sports-related injuries; or have an enhancing effect on sports performance.
A Bowen therapist does not diagnose; claim to treat or cure a specific condition; or prescribe/alter medication. The Bowen Technique in not an alternative to conventional medical treatment. As it is a complementary therapy, in some instances it may be necessary to contact a client's GP.
The founder of the technique was Tom Bowen, born in 1926 in Australia. Although not formally qualified, he was naturally gifted with a self-taught unique technique which helped thousands of people to overcome or learn to cope with a wide range of injury, illness and disability. According to a Government Report into Complementary Therapies in the 1970s Tom Bowen was treating around 13000 people a year. In Australia, where it is now well established, the Bowen Technique is taught to final-year osteopathy students. In 1992 the Bowen Technique was introduced in the UK.
