Frequently asked Questions and Answers
The Bowen Technique was introduced to the UK during the 1990s; it has regularly been shown to help clients with problems that have affected them for many years.
What is the Bowen Technique?
The Bowen Technique is a non invasive, holistic therapy. This form of bodywork involves the therapist using primarily fingers or thumbs to gently challenge muscle, tendon, ligament and fascia. These moves are interspersed with short periods of rest.
What does it treat?
Conditions which have been reported to respond to the Bowen Technique are:
- Back pain, neck pain/whiplash
- Jaw problems
- Frozen shoulder
- Tennis elbow
- Respiratory problems
- Migraine and recurring headaches
- Knee problems
- Menstrual problems
- Repetitive stress injury (RSI)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sciatica
Will the treatment hurt?
It is very gentle. Only light pressure is needed to effect a movement of the tissue. There is no manipulation, massage, high velocity movements or equipment required.
What should I wear?
The moves can be performed through light clothing if the client wishes.
How many treatments are required?
If you have never previously experienced Bowen, three treatments are usually required to effect change. The recommended time between treatments is five to ten days, with seven being the optimum. After this time your progress will be reassessed. There are exceptions. Someone with brain damage such as a stroke victim can be treated more often as the brain is trying harder to interpret the Bowen moves.
What is happening to me when I am having the treatment?
The moves create a disturbance of the fascia/muscle, and the brain needs to take action and respond. For this reason there are breaks in the treatment when the therapist will leave the room for short periods to give time for the brain to respond to the message given. This is very important.
Can Bowen treat acute conditions?
Yes. Very little pressure is needed for the moves to be effective. Some acute conditions can be resolved with one treatment. For example, a baby with colic.
Will I have a reaction to the treatment?
Reactions to treatment are not uncommon and can include tiredness and an increase in original symptoms. Any reaction is usually short lived within 48 - 72 hours. Following your treatment you will be told of the importance of gentle movement and drinking plenty of water. At the following appointment it is common for clients to tell their Practitioner that areas not directly treated have also responded to the treatment.
Who will benefit from Bowen?
Adults and children of all ages. Bowen not only encourages rebalance of the body, but it used to help manage stress and maintain your health. It is also excellent as a sports enhancer.
Can it help children with special needs?
These children can benefit from Bowen. It has been found helpful for alleviating conditions such as dyspraxia, learning difficulties and ADHD. These are a few examples. The Bowen move stimulates sensory awareness. This information is processed by the brain and relayed back to the sensory systems and modifies movement (co-ordination) and behaviour (eg concentration). Think of the skin being the front of the brain. For more information click onto http://www.bowentherapy.org.uk/bowen-for-kids.php.