The Bowen Technique

The Bowen Technique allows the body to reset and heal itself.
A Bowen treatment consists of a series of gentle moves on skin (or through light clothing), with the client usually lying on a bed or comfortable treatment couch. A treatment session usually lasts from half an hour to an hour and frequently results in a deep sense of overall relaxation, allowing the body to recharge and balance itself.

Recent studies have shown the beneficial effects of deep levels of relaxation on our immune and hormonal systems. However, the Bowen Technique can also be extremely effective for musculo-skeletal problems such as back pain, sports injuries and many other ailments and discomforts.

There are many theories as to how the Bowen Technique works, but none that completely explain its holistic effect and often outstanding results. The body is a highly complex unit dependent upon the balance of all its aspects. Whilst the orthodox medical profession still tend to take a symptomatic view of disease, Bowen is truly holistic in its approach. One Bowen move may address the entire system producing maximum results with minimal intervention. Unlike some other hands-on disciplines, the Bowen Technique does not impose a particular approach on the client. Instead, it encourages a gentle response which empowers the body's own resources to heal itself. Bowen moves are, in themselves, a study in delicacy, being light, gentle and very precise. Frequent pauses between moves give the body time to respond and benefit.

Bowen work is Holistic

The Bowen Technique may very well be one of the single most important tools we have to facilitate healing of the whole body. The moves bring about incredible results by penetrating to a deep cellular level, incorporating the body's unique ability to heal itself. With the release of toxins and old patterning, the moves begin to accomplish holistic balance almost immediately.

Since the Bowen Technique addresses the body as a whole unit rather than just the presenting symptom, it embraces the physical, chemical, emotional and mental aspects of each person receiving a treatment. The Bowen practitioner is merely a catalyst, setting the stimulus in motion for the body to heal itself. Because the human body is so amazing, self healing can often be achieved with minimal outside influence. A Bowen treatment, whether to address a specific problem or maintain a healthy body, is the essence of simplicity.

Problems Bowen may be able to address include:
Allergies - Asthma and other respiratory problems - Bell s palsy - Constipation and diahrrea - Digestive upsets - Dizziness - Dyslexia - Ear aches and infections - Foot problems (plantar fascitis, bunions) - Frozen shoulder - Headaches (migraine, sinus) - Hernia and heartburn- Kidney and bladder disorders including incontinence - Knee and hip restrictions - Menstrual and other female problems - Pelvic (tilt, leg length, hip imbalance) - Prostate - Repetitive strain injury (RSI) - Sciatica - Skeletal and muscular problems from lumbar to neck - TMJ and grinding of the teeth

Is it suitable for me?
1. Bowen Therapy is safe to use on anyone, from newborn babies to the elderly
2. Bowen can address many conditions from sports injuries to chronic and/or organic complaints.
3. There is no vigorous manipulation used with Bowen.
4. The gentle moves stimulate energy flows, empowering the body's own natural resources to heal itself.
5. Bowen improves joint mobility and clears the body of debris, balancing cellular physiology and tissue integrity.
6. Utilizing Bowen Therapy produces an ntegrated body response, thereby improving circulation, lymphatic and venous drainage, and helping assimilate nutrients and eliminate toxins.
7. Bowen facilitates improvement of a broad range of conditions, and balances the body's energy to create homeostasis at the cellular level.
8. This technique allows the body to repattern energy fields to address physical, mental and emotional issues.
9. Substantial relief is frequently achieved after only one session.
10. The precise location of each Bowen move correlates markedly with the latest research on the meridian energy system, acupoints and trigger point therapy.
11. Certified Practitioners of Bowen stringently adhere to a professional code of ethics.

Case Study One: Bowen for Pregnancy and Childbirth:

I have been very fortunate to discover the wonders of Bowen very early on during my first pregnancy. Although I was lucky enough not to suffer from pelvic problems or back pains the first time round, I still found Bowen very effective in relieving general aches and pains associated with pregnancy. Sal treated me in labour and again shortly after I had given birth to help realign the pelvis and hips and this was a wonderful relief. She also treated my son almost immediately after he was born to release any tensions held within his neck and spine. He slept well!
I am well into my second pregnancy now and have had my fair share of Sciatica and Carpal Tunnel this time! Again I have been having regular Bowen treatments and this has really helped with the sciatic pain, sometimes it feels immediately better and sometimes I feel the benefit the next day but it definitely works. You can forget your fancy pillows, support belts etc…the best pregnancy gadget I have found is a Bowen therapist!
No matter how pregnant you are it can help you feel more comfortable and prepare your body for birth and post birth recovery, not forgetting the benefits you baby can get from a session too!

Case Study Two: Bowen for Injuries:

For several years my sister had been telling me I should try Bowen, she swore by it. I really meant to, it was on my 'yes I must fix that up' list. One day it was made very easy, it was on the board at Earthways 'Bowen with Sal' If memory serves, my distress at the time was that it hurt to walk for the last three weeks, my hamstrings were preventing me from straightening my leg, and the chiropractor hadn't found the magic incantation to make this go away.
The day after the Bowen treatment I was walking normally, like it never happened. My chiropractor, who himself works with the IOC and Chelsea FC and I also rate highly, was impressed. I quickly transitioned to a private patient of Sal's. I found Bowen a little strange at first; most of the treatment types I've experienced (more than a few) are fairly immediate and direct if they're going to do anything, and often seem to involve a degree of 'violence'. Bowen in contrast is quite subtle, often not directed to where the perceived pain is, and the result usually builds up over the next few hours or the next day, for me anyway. I think this is indicative of the level at which Bowen works in the body, more of a 'reprogramming' than symptomatic.
Bowen seems to compliment very well the work of the chiropractor and also the injury rehabilitation clinic, both of whom are encouraged by how well it works for me, my body being what I'm told is one of the most challenging and 'unusual'. I particularly find that Bowen is often able to address things that other treatments struggle with exactly what I want in a complimentary therapy.
For the first time in more than two years of injury I am starting back into sports getting fit again, and I am quite certain that Bowen has and continues to be a major part in getting me back to this stage.


The Bowen Technique allows the body to reset and heal itself. A Bowen treatment consists of a series of gentle moves on skin (or through light clothing), with the client usually lying on a bed or comfortable treatment couch. A treatment session usually lasts from half an hour to an hour and frequently results in a deep sense of overall relaxation, allowing the body to recharge and balance itself. Recent studies have shown the beneficial effects of deep levels of relaxation on our immune and hormonal systems. However, the Bowen Technique can also be extremely effective for musculo-skeletal problems such as back pain, sports injuries and many other ailments and discomforts. There are many theories as to how the Bowen Technique works, but none that completely explain its holistic effect and often outstanding results. The body is a highly complex unit dependent upon the balance of all its aspects. Whilst the orthodox medical profession still tend to take a symptomatic view of disease, Bowen is truly holistic in its approach. One Bowen move may address the entire system producing maximum results with minimal intervention. Unlike some other hands-on disciplines, the Bowen Technique does not impose a particular approach on the client. Instead, it encourages a gentle response which empowers the body's own resources to heal itself. Bowen moves are, in themselves, a study in delicacy, being light, gentle and very precise. Frequent pauses between moves give the body time to respond and benefit. Bowen work is Holistic The Bowen Technique may very well be one of the single most important tools we have to facilitate healing of the whole body. The moves bring about incredible results by penetrating to a deep cellular level, incorporating the body's unique ability to heal itself. With the release of toxins and old patterning, the moves begin to accomplish holistic balance almost immediately. Since the Bowen Technique addresses the body as a whole unit rather than just the presenting symptom, it embraces the physical, chemical, emotional and mental aspects of each person receiving a treatment. The Bowen practitioner is merely a catalyst, setting the stimulus in motion for the body to heal itself. Because the human body is so amazing, self healing can often be achieved with minimal outside influence. A Bowen treatment, whether to address a specific problem or maintain a healthy body, is the essence of simplicity. Problems Bowen may be able to address include: Allergies - Asthma and other respiratory problems - Bell s palsy - Constipation and diahrrea - Digestive upsets - Dizziness - Dyslexia - Ear aches and infections - Foot problems (plantar fascitis, bunions) - Frozen shoulder - Headaches (migraine, sinus) - Hernia and heartburn- Kidney and bladder disorders including incontinence - Knee and hip restrictions - Menstrual and other female problems - Pelvic (tilt, leg length, hip imbalance) - Prostate - Repetitive strain injury (RSI) - Sciatica - Skeletal and muscular problems from lumbar to neck - TMJ and grinding of the teeth Is it suitable for me? 1. Bowen Therapy is safe to use on anyone, from newborn babies to the elderly 2. Bowen can address many conditions from sports injuries to chronic and/or organic complaints. 3. There is no vigorous manipulation used with Bowen. 4. The gentle moves stimulate energy flows, empowering the body's own natural resources to heal itself. 5. Bowen improves joint mobility and clears the body of debris, balancing cellular physiology and tissue integrity. 6. Utilizing Bowen Therapy produces an ntegrated body response, thereby improving circulation, lymphatic and venous drainage, and helping assimilate nutrients and eliminate toxins. 7. Bowen facilitates improvement of a broad range of conditions, and balances the body's energy to create homeostasis at the cellular level. 8. This technique allows the body to repattern energy fields to address physical, mental and emotional issues. 9. Substantial relief is frequently achieved after only one session. 10. The precise location of each Bowen move correlates markedly with the latest research on the meridian energy system, acupoints and trigger point therapy. 11. Certified Practitioners of Bowen stringently adhere to a professional code of ethics. Case Study One: Bowen for Pregnancy and Childbirth: I have been very fortunate to discover the wonders of Bowen very early on during my first pregnancy. Although I was lucky enough not to suffer from pelvic problems or back pains the first time round, I still found Bowen very effective in relieving general aches and pains associated with pregnancy. Sal treated me in labour and again shortly after I had given birth to help realign the pelvis and hips and this was a wonderful relief. She also treated my son almost immediately after he was born to release any tensions held within his neck and spine. He slept well! I am well into my second pregnancy now and have had my fair share of Sciatica and Carpal Tunnel this time! Again I have been having regular Bowen treatments and this has really helped with the sciatic pain, sometimes it feels immediately better and sometimes I feel the benefit the next day but it definitely works. You can forget your fancy pillows, support belts etc…the best pregnancy gadget I have found is a Bowen therapist! No matter how pregnant you are it can help you feel more comfortable and prepare your body for birth and post birth recovery, not forgetting the benefits you baby can get from a session too! Case Study Two: Bowen for Injuries: For several years my sister had been telling me I should try Bowen, she swore by it. I really meant to, it was on my 'yes I must fix that up' list. One day it was made very easy, it was on the board at Earthways 'Bowen with Sal' If memory serves, my distress at the time was that it hurt to walk for the last three weeks, my hamstrings were preventing me from straightening my leg, and the chiropractor hadn't found the magic incantation to make this go away. The day after the Bowen treatment I was walking normally, like it never happened. My chiropractor, who himself works with the IOC and Chelsea FC and I also rate highly, was impressed. I quickly transitioned to a private patient of Sal's. I found Bowen a little strange at first; most of the treatment types I've experienced (more than a few) are fairly immediate and direct if they're going to do anything, and often seem to involve a degree of 'violence'. Bowen in contrast is quite subtle, often not directed to where the perceived pain is, and the result usually builds up over the next few hours or the next day, for me anyway. I think this is indicative of the level at which Bowen works in the body, more of a 'reprogramming' than symptomatic. Bowen seems to compliment very well the work of the chiropractor and also the injury rehabilitation clinic, both of whom are encouraged by how well it works for me, my body being what I'm told is one of the most challenging and 'unusual'. I particularly find that Bowen is often able to address things that other treatments struggle with exactly what I want in a complimentary therapy. For the first time in more than two years of injury I am starting back into sports getting fit again, and I am quite certain that Bowen has and continues to be a major part in getting me back to this stage.

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