FAQs
WHAT CAN IT TREAT?
Many acute and chronic conditions respond favorably , this list is by no means comprehensive, but it gives an idea of the wide ranging applicability of the Bowen Technique.
Back Pain/ Sciatica
Neck/ shoulder problems /Whiplash
Frozen shoulder/ tennis elbow
carpal tunnel syndrome/ RSI
Sports injuries
Tension/ anxiety/ insomnia
Respiratory conditions/ asthma
Hay fever/ sinusitis
Migraine/ headaches
Digestive problems/ IBS
PMT / Menopausal symptoms
Eczema/ skin problems
Jaw problems
Common Pregnancy ailments
Knee Problems
Scoliosis
Leg cramps
Bed wetting
Stroke
Chronic Fatigue
Muscle spasms
Joint Pain/stiffness
WHAT IS BOWEN & HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Bowen technique was originally developed in the 1950’s by Australian Tom Bowen who believed that the body has the ability to adjust, adapt and heal itself.
Bowen is soft tissue release therapy it combines a series of anatomically placed moves to ensure that the connective tissue which surrounds all organs and muscles in the body is relaxed and the muscles are working in the correct combination and length. With the structure balanced, function WILL follow.
The muscles which hold our bodies in correct alignment can sometimes be compromised by poor posture, physical injury, emotional trauma or constant stress. The tension created can irritate or damage nerve endings which often results in symptoms of pain.
The Bowen practitioner makes small rolling type moves over the skin at very precise junctions of the muscles, ligaments and tendons. This unconsciously connects the brain to the source of the problem bringing about awareness of tension in specific areas and triggering adjustments which help the body re-balance itself. This relieves tension and reduces pain.
During a treatment there are brief periods where the client is left to rest whilst the practitioner leaves the room. This lets the body assimilate and respond to the information. Immediate relaxation of the muscle is often seen in clinic and can bring about relief in a short period of time.
WHO CHOOSES BOWEN?
Its simplicity and effectiveness makes Bowen suitable for all ages and throughout pregnancy. Increasing numbers of health and sports professionals are turning to Bowen to treat muscular, skeletal or nerve imbalance, injury, chronic conditions or acute pain.
Athletes and dancers use Bowen because it can increase flexibility and reduce muscle pain and fatigue. The bowen technique is being used at high level sports clubs in this country including Rugby and premier Football clubs.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TREATMENT?
The treatment takes place as you lie on a therapy table, treatments generally address the whole body as well as presenting problems and the first treatment inclused taking a full case history of past and present illnesses, injuries and operations. This is followed by a full assessment where the practitioner will make observations about the clients body looking for poor posture and alignment and different ranges of movement.
The practitioner will then start the treatment by making a series of rolling type moves over soft tissue around the spine,short breaks will be introduced and the client will be left resting while the practitioner leaves the room for a couple of minutes. This allows the body to absorb the gentle moves that have been performed.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Bowen can easily be performed over light clothing but you may be asked to remove clothing down to the underwear on the first treatment to enable an accurate assessment.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I HAVE TO HAVE?
The practitioner will want to see the client for either 2 to 3 treatments consecutively over 2 or 3 weeks as it will most likely take up to 3 treatments to see if the client is responding to the treatments. For more chronic conditions it makes sense that it may take a few more treatments to make a change of some kind and then further treatments on a monthly or bi monthly basis may be required. In some cases when the condition is sudden and serious like in a stroke the approach becomes little and often so could be anything up to 3 x a week for a period of time but every case is different.
HOW LONG IS A TREATMENT?
The first treatment take up 60- 90 minutes whilst we gather the information required and the following treatments take up to 45 – 60 minutes.
DOES BOWEN HELP WITH PREGNANCY?
Many of the problems associated with pregnancy can be treated with Bowen both before and after birth. The advantage of Bowen over most other alternative therapies is that pregnant women can be treated sitting up or lying on their side. It is also completely non invasive. Most of the symptoms associated with pregnancy can easily be relieved and the treatment is extremely relaxing.
IS BOWEN GOOD FOR CHILDREN?
Bowen can be extremely effective on children and is particularly well know to work well for children who have Cerebral Palsy, Dyspraxia, Aspergers and ADHD and Autism.
It has also been known to work well with infant colic ,bed wetting, Eczema, Asthma, Allergies and sleep disturbances.
Most Children loved to be touched and so the gentle touch of Bowen with the fact that children are basically already open and relaxed makes them very receptive to this Technique bringing about effective results .