Bowen Technique - Overview

The Bowen Technique was developed in Australia by Tom Bowen in the 1940’s. Tom Bowen died in the early 80s but his approach is now known throughout the world. The technique is a gentle, subtle and relaxing “hands on” treatment which is suitable for adults, children, babies and the elderly.

The practitioner uses their fingers and thumbs to make rolling-type movements over soft tissue, muscle or tendons on precise points on the body. This ‘disturbs’ underlying energy and structure. Via the nervous system the brain receives and interprets the information then initiates natural healing responses.

During the treatment there are a series of short breaks where the client is left resting to allow the body to absorb and respond to the gentle moves. The rest period gives the body time to make the fine and subtle adjustments which help to relieve tension, reduce pain and initiate the healing process.

How it may help
The Bowen Technique aims to balance the whole person not just the symptoms. Although the majority of people come to this form of treatment to resolve muscular problems, the Bowen Technique is also applicable to other health issues.

• Back and neck pain
• Knee problems
• RSI
• Frozen shoulder
• Tennis elbow
• Sports injuries.
• Any injury or accident
• Asthma and other respiratory problems
• Hay fever
• Headaches and migraine
• Sinusitis
• Kidney problems
• Some people use the Technique as a means of stress management and health maintenance, seeing their therapist regularly 2 –4 times a year.

Contraindications
There are no real contraindications for Bowen Technique. However, as with all therapies, our therapist will take a full case history to try and ensure that the treatment programme is tailored to the individual's needs. Your GP may be contacted with your permission if this is in your best interest.  It is also important to follow any after care instructions the therapist advises. 

Success Stories and Testimonials

News and Star, 4th June 2007. Two of Freda's clients talk about their amazing recoveries. Click here to read the News and Star article.

"I pulled my back and was in great pain, I was recommended to try the Bowen treatment. Which I did, I walked into Cumbria Therapies hunched over in pain. After only 1 treatment I walked out tall thinking: 'fantastic I could dance on water'."
Ann, Carlisle

Hay Fever
“I have been a hay fever sufferer from the age of fourteen.  I have used every traditional form of treatment available (antihistamine pills, nasal sprays, steroid injections, etc) without success.  As a result I have suffered from the debilitating effects of hay fever throughout every summer of my adulthood.

The Bowen technique is a complementary therapy which, together with the continued use of traditional medication, is said to reduce the symptoms of hay fever.  I was amazed by the effects that three brief applications of the technique had on me - the symptoms that I suffer from were immediately reduced.  As a result, I am enjoying the summertime for the first time in many years.

In conclusion, I would thoroughly recommend the Bowen technique as a key part of any programme aimed at minimising the effects of hay fever.”
Mike, Carlisle

Sciatica
"Dear Freda, just a heartfelt thank you note. I had a really busy night at work last night, spending all 9 hours standing and walking around and NO PAIN AT ALL.
I only realised when crawling into bed with the small of my back aching from the prolonged forward leaning that my hip,leg and feet had not even twinged.

I have been singing your praises so thought should say so to you as well. Thanks again'. Fiona Watson, Carlisle

 
A typical session
An appointment will take approximately 45 – 60 minutes, the first session is slightly longer as this involves taking a full case history. Treatment can be performed through light clothing i.e. T-shirt, very loose fitting trousers or directly onto skin. It is important to understand that the practitioner is merely setting up conditions in the body that will allow changes to occur, it is the body itself that is doing all the work. To receive maximum benefit it is recommended that other physical therapies are not mixed with the Bowen Technique, for example, reflexology, massage, physiotherapy. 

Cost / Number of sessions
The number of treatments will vary from person to person according to age, how long the individual has suffered from the problem and the general health of the individual. Children respond very quickly, whereas the elderly will usually require several treatments. Four to five treatments at weekly intervals are often sufficient to achieve lasting relief from long standing problems.