| Revitalise > Therapies >The Bowen Technique |
|
| |
|
The Bowen Technique |
|
| What
is the Bowen technique? |
|
| The
Bowen technique is a hands-on remedial therapy that uses
small, rolling moves over soft tissue (muscle, tendons,
ligaments etc.) to promote the body’s own healing
process. It is gentle enough to be used safely for any
age group from infants to the elderly, following operations
or injury such as a twisted ankle, and also during pregnancy.
Treatment is a pleasurable experience, being both relaxing
and energising. |
|
| What
can it help? |
|
| Because
Bowen technique treats the whole person, a wide range
of health issues have responded well to this subtle yet
powerful therapy. |
| |
- back and neck pain
- sciatic pain
- “repetitive strain injury” (r.s.i.)
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- frozen shoulder
- infant colic
- bedwetting
- menstrual cycle issues
- infertility
- menopausal
- symptoms
- skin conditions - eczema - acne
- fibromyalgia” -
- sports injuries - tennis and golfer’s elbow
- migraines - headaches
- jaw and face pain
- respiratory conditions - asthma - sinusitis -
- allergies - hay fever
- low energy - chronic fatigue syndrome -
- myalgic encephalomyelitis” (m.e.)
- intestinal disorders
- stress
- learning and physical disabilities - “attention
deficit
- hyperactivity disorder” (a.d.h.d.)
|
|
| What
does the treatment involve? |
|
The
Treatment is straight forward and non-intrusive. Each
session is tailored to the individual and lasts around
45 minutes to one hour. Usually the client will lie on
a therapy table, although it is possible to treat effectively
with the client sitting in a chair. The therapist uses
thumbs and fingers to perform the moves at precise points
on the body - most can even be carried out through light
clothing. Sometimes one session can be enough to generate
a marked response, but generally a minimum of two are
needed in order to give the body a chance to appreciate
this subtle work - sessions being at roughly weekly intervals.
An important feature of the technique is that during the
session the therapist will usually leave the room periodically
for a few minutes to allow the body to absorb the moves.
Also emphasis is placed on the importance of drinking
an appropriate amount of water (about 2 litres per day
for an adult) in order to allow all bodily processes to
occur.
Most people will notice a response over 3 or 4 sessions;
some conditions may require more. |
|
| Where
does it come from? |
|
|
Thomas Ambrose Bowen, born 1916 in Geelong, Australia,
developed the Bowen Technique. His insight seems to
have come from a natural ability for reading the body,
combined with interest in sports and sports therapy,
and work related injuries in the cement works where
he was a carpenter and general hand until he established
himself as a therapist. He was a modest man and he never
advertised, but by the time he was in his forties he
ran a busy practice during the day and often did home
visits in the evenings. |
|
| How
does it work? |
|
It
is not fully known how the Bowen Technique works, but
much can be understood from what happens in the body during
and after a treatment. The moves used by the practitioner
generate changes both locally and systemically, encouraging
blood flow and lymphatic drainage, stimulating the nervous
systems, balancing hormones, boosting the immune system
and lowering blood pressure. Also the move seems to cause
a minor disturbance in the tissues, affecting the way
the brain perceives and interacts with the body. This
draws focus to areas that may be in need of attention
and leads to an activation of the body’s innate
healing ability.
Due to it’s subtle nature, Bowen Technique does
not mix well with other physical therapies such as massage,
reflexology or physiotherapy, but it can be used in harmony
with certain others.
To discuss this
or any other aspect of the Bowen Technique, please contact
Sim Hill at Revitalise |
|
| E-mail
Now or call the reception on 01273 738 389 |
