The human body is fully equipped with all the facilities and processes it needs to maintain good health and repair damage. However, specific conditions can upset the body's ability to repair itself. Bowen Technique has been shown to be a particularly effective way of assisting the body to recover its usual will, and ability, to heal itself.

The Bowen Technique was developed by the Australian Tom Bowen in the 1950's. He developed a procedure involving gentle manipulative moves that are applied to soft tissue, specifically fascia. This sends messages via the brain deep into the cells, causing them to retrieve their memories of a relaxed, balanced state of well-being, and consequently they initiate self-healing that comes from the very core, exactly according to the body's original blueprints.

The treatment is characterised by two important and complementary phases; a series of hands-on manipulation of the body that set up the messaging process, followed by 2 minute rest periods that allow the body to respond effectively.

The various series of carefully calculated and precisely applied moves of the Bowen Technique produce a profoundly relaxing effect on the muscles via the autonomic nervous system. With the interference of built-up tension relieved, the body systems and processes return to balance and are better able to fulfill their innate abilities of self-healing.

To achieve long lasting results with acute or long term chronic conditions, the focus is on balancing the whole body as well as addressing specific problems areas. A thorough assessment insures that the cause of the problem is analysed and that while the symptoms will be alleviated, the cause of the problem is addressed as well.

During the treatment, which lasts between 30 to 40 minutes, the therapist will use the thumbs and forefingers to apply a series of selected rolling moves over muscles, ligaments, tendons fascia and joints, occasionally even over nerve bundles. The client soon achieves a particularly relaxed state and will find the treatment comforting and completely non-invasive. In order for the body to heal completely, it is necessary to have a follow up treatment between five to ten days after initial treatment. The amount of follow up treatments will depend on the body's ability to heal. Typically two or three follow up treatments are required to be free of pain permanently.

Because of the gentle nature of the Bowen moves, they can be applied directly to the skin, but are equally effective when applied through light and loose clothing. The client will be treated while resting or sitting on a comfortable massage bed.

Because of the safe and gentle nature of the Bowen moves that involve only light pressure, the technique is suitable for infants to the aged, and can even be administered during pregnancy. Children benefit from treatment as it helps them to feel calmer and more in control of their bodies after treatment.

see A Bowen Technique Session in Pictures

about Fascia

Informative talk about Bowen by John Wilks
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSNI9Nd3cpg (Part 1)
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQwmCUyMjpM&feature=relmfu (Part 2)

Short demonstration of a Bowen Treatment by John Wilks
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03p1YP6zhUo&feature=relmfu (Part 3)

Demonstration of a Bowen session with information about Bowen
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2XRGFWD89k&feature=fvwrel

Glossary of Bowen Technology Terms -   click here

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Teaching the body to heal itself

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