How Does Bowen work?
A gentle HOLISTIC technique - soft tissue therapy
Specific moves made on ligaments, tendons or muscles
Sends signals to the brain via the neurological pathways & the fascia.
Activates the body’s ability to heal itself thereby stimulating an immediate healing process.
Activates the meridians, and the electromagnetic field of the person
Activates and balances the chakras nadis marmas
Reactivates the recovery process in situations which have plateaued
Bowen restores balance via The Autonomic Nervous System (Ans)
The ANS controls over 80% of bodily functions and is very susceptible to external stressors.
ANS in a SYMPATHETIC state - FIGHT /FLIGHT/ FRIGHT
Uncertainty, powerlessness, avoidance, fight
Healing occurs only after ANS shifts from SYMPATHETIC PARASYMPATHETIC - REST / RELAX / REPAIR
The Bowen technique seems to catalyse that shift.
Usually puts the client in a deep relaxation state, releasing stress shifting towards the parasympathetic
NO heavy manipulation of joints or bones as in chiropractic
Muscles are NOT SQUEEZED as in massage.
NOT based on meridians and does not resemble acupuncture or acupressure.
NO HEAVY PRESSURE as in Rolfing or deep- tissue work.
NOT necessary to evoke emotional response as in mind - body therapies.
Gentle, rolling movements over the soft tissue
The stimulations activate a powerful systematic response - therefore a few minutes pause is observed to allow them to be integrated.
Soothing rhythm - clients often fall asleep at some point.
Benefits are usually apparent within 2 to 3 sessions depending on condition
Bowen results are lasting and profound.
A Typical Bowen session
A typical Bowen session lasts from 15 to 45 to over an hour depending on reactions taking place in the body and also time taken for in-depth consultation. Clients usually lie on a massage/bodywork table or bed, or may be seated in a chair if required, for comfort.
A 'session' involves one or more 'procedures', each of which consists of several sets of 'moves'. The moves are gentle, but purposeful, and can be done through light clothing. Between each set of moves, the practitioner pauses for as many minutes as are needed for the client's body to begin responding. As the nervous system begins to adjust the tension level in the muscles, the practitioner senses when the client is ready for the next set of moves.
A common approach in a session is to balance the entire body by addressing the lower back, then the upper back, and then the neck. To minimize the need for disturbing the client's rest, all procedures that address the back of the client are completed before turning over for procedures that are done with the client lying on his/her back.
In contrast to other hands-on modalities, where the practitioner imposes correction on the client through manipulation, Bowen Technique facilitates the body in healing itself, with minimal intervention. Because of the subtle nature of Bowen Technique, and the body's continuing response to it over several days thereafter, other forms of manipulative therapy are discouraged for up to five days after a session, as they may interfere with the efficiency of the work.