The Bowen Technique

The Bowen Technique ("Bowen") is a gentle, non invasive hands-on treatment that works in synergy with the body to restore balance on a structural, physical, emotional and energetic level.

The human body has the incredible ability to self-heal and Bowen stimulates the body to do so. Bowen facilitates healing by affecting the body's autonomic nervous system, which creates homeostasis at the cellular level. Bowen addresses the body as a holistic whole, rather than focusing on the presenting symptom(s), it embraces the individual physical, chemical, emotional and mental characteristics of each client.

Bowen is gentle technique that uses rolling moves on the skin over the connective tissue. By combining moves, both in placement and in combination, the practitioner is able to address the body as a whole or target a specific problem. A unique tool of the Bowen practitioner is 'tissue tension sense', meaning that a practitioner is able to identify stress build-up in muscle groups and then utilise Bowen moves to release that tension. When a Bowen move is made, the brain is encouraged to ask the body questions in order to establish what remedial actions are required in response to the move. This communication between body and brain enables the appropriate response to occur in the body, ensuring balance and healing flows to the specific area.

Positive effects may also be felt in other areas of the body as longstanding toxins are released, the metabolism is stimulated and equilibrium is restored to the whole body. It is common for a client to experience improvements in symptoms that relate to a secondary issue that was not the primary purpose of the Bowen treatment. This illustrates that the brain is able to recognise additional imbalances in the body and create the appropriate curative response.

Due to its gentle approach Bowen is also frequently used on pregnant women, babies, the elderly, pre and post operative and in palliative care

The following is list of some of the conditions that Bowen may be able to assist:

During the Treatment

The treatment will be conducted through light, loose clothing using gentle movements that are inherently relaxing. Following a set of moves being made there will be a pause in which the body is given the space and time to initiate a curative response. You will be given a pamphlet to take away, containing post treatment information to enable you to benefit from the cumulative effect of Bowen.

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The History of Bowen Therapy

Bowen originates from Australia and was founded by Tom Bowen, who demonstrated from an early age a gift in bodywork and massage, treating colleagues who had suffered some form of injury, word soon spread and clients materialised from far and wide. It was often said of Tom that he could take one look at an individual and 'see' what was wrong and where the problem stemmed from. In addition he only needed to do a few simple moves, allowing the body to rest for certain periods, before 'seeing' that the body had started to change.

It may be that it was this pressure of work that explains why Tom never formally wrote down guidelines or notes on his technique. His approach to therapy was based mainly on his deep intuition and understanding of what an individual needed and his technique evolved over time. As a result, many of his theories and methods of treatment may have appeared somewhat unique although the results continue to speak volumes for their power, validity and effectiveness.

The task of recording his methods was left to 'his boys', a select few people who worked with Tom and learned through direct observation and guidance. Tom allowed them to observe his work for just one morning a week, saying that he'd only show them 10% of what he knew and it was up to them to find out the rest! These 'boys' were all physical therapists in some regard, most of them having osteopathic or chiropractic training and backgrounds. It was this formal training, which gave them access to Tom's clinic and helped them to compare methods.

One of these men was Oswald Rentsch who wrote in depth about the technique and, after Tom's death in 1982, started teaching the Technique to others using a more formal, structured approach than Tom had practised. It is interesting to note that the people who learnt from Tom Bowen had different views of his work and it seems possible that he even varied his method according to who was working with him. For example Kevin Ryan, another disciple of Tom Bowen, also went on to develop Tom's work but in a markedly different format.

Tom's research and study in the human body did result in his realisation that his technique worked by opening up the body's own energy pathways and allowing it to begin the healing process itself. This has become the key premise behind Tom Bowen's Technique of healing and all subsequent development has been undertaken with this powerful principle in mind.

Call now to arrange Bowen treatment on 07956 172 929

Testimonials

"Following major knee reconstruction surgery for torn cruciate ligaments, I was left with residual pain, bruising and swelling; normal every day tasks became a challenge. After 3 treatments of Bowen the bruising and swelling had disappeared the pain almost ceased and I was able to do more than I could ever expected. I cannot recommend Bowen therapy enough to assist with the healing process post sports injury or operation."
- J. Scarfe

"I work full-time and sit at a desk using a PC for the majority of my time at work. I started suffering from an aching pain in my neck which gradually travelled down to my wrist. I also suffered from pins and needles. This happened over a period of a few months. I became very concerned that I might be suffering from some sort of repetitive strain injury (RSI). I sought advice from my GP but was then referred to Ferenc by a colleague at work. My GP had offered to prescribe pills for the pain but I don't really like to take that option if I can help it. I had never heard of Bowen Technique before and I have to admit that I was a bit sceptical of it but at this point felt I had nothing to lose. I received several treatments from Ferenc in the comfort of my own home. For me it felt more comfortable to have the treatment in my own home and my own surroundings. The treatment itself was extremely relaxing and I felt very calm and relaxed afterwards. I did not see an improvement immediately but after a couple of weeks, the pain was gone. This was several months ago and I have not experienced any problems since. I still sit at a desk the majority of the day and use a PC and I fully believe that it was the treatment I received from Ferenc that helped my recovery. I would not hesitate in referring him or using him again"
- J. Barrett

"I had pulled my deltoid muscle playing water-polo, I spent a month in pain not being able to raise my arm above shoulder height without pain. Although it was getting better, there was still pain raising my arm up above shoulder height which I need to throw the ball. On seeing Ferenc, he lay me down for a 45 minute Bowen treatment, by the end of it when he focussed on my arm, the pain just went.  Fantastic, I would highly recommend a visit, I should have gone sooner!"
- W. Greenhouse