Bowen Therapy is a dynamic technique involving a system of muscle and connective tissue moves that trigger within the body a ‘reset’ process. Sometimes called the homeopathy of bodywork, it utilizes subtle inputs to the body which stimulate the body to heal itself, often remarkably. 

It  is a way of working with the connective tissue, tendons, fascia and circulation to release tension, stress, and tightness, rebalancing the musculoskeletal system. A 'whole-body' tune-up, it engages the nervous system, circulation and energy flow, calming the stress response and relaxing the body as a whole. It is wonderful for stress and tension relief, as well as injuries, strains, sprains, pain and functional disturbances of the body.

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The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls over 80% of bodily functions and is highly sensitive to stress. Most people today live with a level of chronic stress and nervous over-stimulation which over time can upset the balance and self-healing processes of the whole system. The ‘healing process’ is only activated and works optimally when the body is not stressed and competing for resources. When we move out of stress-mode, back into a relaxed state, rest, digest, restore, and repair mechanisms are strengthened. Not only do we feel better, but the body can catch up on its maintenance needs.  Bowen greatly supports this process.

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Developed by Tom Bowen in Geelong, Australia in the 1970s, the effectiveness of the technique has seen its popularity spread worldwide. It has even been adapted to treat animals, and is gentle and safe for anyone to receive, including babies, children, pregnant women, adults and the elderly.

 

How does Bowen work?

Through a range of systematic ‘moves’ at specific locations on the body, the Bowen Technique activates the body’s homeostatic system to reset and rebalance the muscles, tissues and fluids, supporting the body’s healing through many different health issues, both acute and chronic. Working holistically, the specific points and trigger zones activate and stimulate the central nervous system, the body's central healing system. The moves activate the neural connections to muscles, organs, tissues, fluids, vessels, channels and systems, having a corrective and energising effect on the whole body. As the fascial sheath around muscles and organs are released, the web of connective tissue that covers the body’s interior, is awakened and integrated in a more useful way. In doing so it can release emotional holding patterns, stimulate circulation, improve blood and lymphatic flow, stimulate lactic acid release from within muscles, and support a general relaxing, rebalancing and clearing of the system as a whole.

 

The specific series of moves deliver signals to the nervous system at specific locations (on muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves), which is then followed by ‘rest’ period which gives the body time to respond before moving to the next series of moves. This allows the specific vital capacity of the individual at the time to respond, so in cases of great debility, the wait period will be extended to allow for the slower response of a depleted or overloaded system.

 

Bowen is a ‘whole body’ treatment, which supports the body’s own ability to bring about optimal alignment, healing and recovery. Rather than focusing on a single complaint, practitioners address the body as a whole. The moves work by balancing the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls over 80% of bodily function and is extremely sensitive to stress. Most people today live in a constant state of chronic and unerring stress, causing the sympathetic nervous system to remain too long in a state of over-stimulation (ie: fight, flight or freeze), which becomes debilitating over time as the body can’t heal or restore itself in this state of high alert. Healing can only occur in the body after the ANS shifts from sympathetic dominance – the stress state - to parasympathetic dominance – the state of rest, digest, repair and recovery. The Bowen Technique supports this shift, and in doing so, allows the body the space to repair, recover and restore itself, naturally.

 

How does Bowen activate the Healing Response?

During a session, the client often drops into deep relaxation or falls asleep, and gut sounds (peristalsis) may be heard as the digestive system moves into digest and cleanse mode (supported by the release of the SNS into PSNS mode). Both of these changes are indications of a shift from a stressed state (fright (worry)-flight-flee-fight-freeze) into a relaxed state (rest-digest-restore). This shift from sympathetic nervous system dominance (stress, strain, worry, anxiety) to parasympathetic nervous system dominance (calm, relax, release, let go) explains, in part, how a Bowen session improves many body conditions, not just the muscles. PSNS dominance is a state that stimulates the recovery and completion phases of healing. Stress, strain, trauma and injury stalled it, a reason that the pervasive and chronic nature of modern day stress leads to chronic debilitating health conditions. A good example of this is a client who came for treatment of a painful arm injury, and discovered by the third session her reflux was gone, she was sleeping better, and was less activated and annoyed by the things going on in her life.

 

What happens in a Session?

A typical Bowen Technique Session generally lasts from 30 to 50 minutes. After an initial assessment, clients lie on a bodywork table or or may be seated in a chair if preferred, for comfort. Each 'session' involves one or more 'procedures', each consisting 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.

 

What happens after the session?

The body responses to the session occur over the 7-10 days following the session. In contrast to other hands-on modalities, where the practitioner imposes correction on the client through manipulation during the session, the Bowen Technique sets up a process which enhances and supports the body’s self-healing mechanisms.

 

Monitor your symptoms - As the Bowen sets up a 'whole-body' effect, some people may experience a stir-up or ‘detox’ after their session. It is important to trust your body to do what needs to be done. A flare is not a failed session, it is a successful session, and the body will do what needs to be done to move you forward.

 

If a person is chronically unwell, has been under high stress for a long time, has been using food, alcohol, cigarettes, medications or drugs, or is dealing with a chronic illness, trauma or injury, this process may bring about symptoms as the body upregulates the healing response and moves wastes and toxins out. The symptoms you experience signals that change is occurring.

Stiffness, discomfort, headache, aching, feeling ‘fluey’, and fatigue are the usual signs that the body is actively engaged in the healing process. How you feel after session can be a good reflection of how blocked or in need of a detox you are. Be gentle with yourself and rest as much as possible. Following the guidelines below is important.

 

Why should I have no other ‘physical therapies’ during Bowen treatment?

Because body responds to the session over the following 7-10, other forms of manipulative therapy (massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, physio) are best postponed for at least five days after a session, as they can disrupt the signals set up in the session.

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How many Sessions will I need?

Everyone is different, but generally speaking, the healthier you are, the fewer sessions you need, and the more unwell or depleted you are, the more sessions your body will need. Four sessions are a minimum. Ten sessions in people with chronic issues. Once you have achieved your goal/s, then a maintenance session every one to three months is beneficial. 

 

Supporting the healing process also means ensuring that you are eating the right diet for your body, and all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and co-enzymes that your body needs to function are in optimal supply. If you haven’t had a nutrient or food screening at the clinic yet, it is a good idea to book in for one, as the information you will come away with will enhance your healing resources and process.  Book a Naturopathic Initial for this assessment.