The Nervous System & Bowen Technique
Scientific studies show that the Bowen Technique moves affect the autonomic nervous system. As this system controls about 80% - 90% of our body systems, this helps to explain why Bowen moves on the periphery of the body can affect all body systems.
It is assumed that golgi tendon organs (which lie in the tendons themselves and are sensitive to resistance in the muscle, dictating how much force or resistance is needed to lift something) start a sequence of nervous signals in which the body balances itself.
Structure of the Peripheral Nervous System
The peripheral nervous system, which resides outside of the central nervous system, serves the limbs and organs. It is not protected by bone, as the central nervous system is within the cranial and spinal cavity, so is left exposed to toxins and mechanical injuries.
It is divided into the somatic and autonomic nervous system.
Somatic Nervous system
The somatic nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system that is associated with the voluntary control of body movements.
Autonomic Nervous system
The autonomic nervous system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that is associated with the involuntary response to external and internal environments, e.g. heart rate, digestion, respiration rate, salivation, perspiration, urination and sexual arousal. These maintenance activities are primarily performed without conscious control or sensation. This, in turn is divided into two branches, the sympathetic and parasympathetic.
These two systems function in opposition to each other.
The sympathetic division can be looked at as being the accelerator, it typically functions in actions requiring quick responses. It is the division that prepares the body for action and situations that arouse fear, anger and excitement i.e. it is the system that gives us protection against perceived danger. It is our "fright or flight" response, characterized by the tensing of muscles, raised blood pressure and the secretion of adrenaline. It is the response that would have given us the ability to run from the tiger in days of old when we may have been out hunting for food.
It can be likened today in our 'civilized society', as the stress response to mental and psychological predators, i.e. is my job secure, do I have enough money to feed the kids, pay the bills, etc.
Parasympathetic Nervous system
So many people today are stuck in this "fright or flight" response unable to switch back into a state of "rest and relaxation", which is our parasympathetic nervous system response.
They are not sleeping well at night, which is when our body relaxes and repairs itself. Having to down numerous cups of coffee just to wake up in the morning is common place, along with consuming vast amounts of suger and now the very dangerous 'energy drinks' just to sustain themselves throughout the day. All of this puts tremendous stress on our nerves and adrenal glands as they constantly secrete their hormones to try and keep our bodies in a state of balance. Eventually they can no longer keep up and so begins the slippery slope of dis-ease. The human vehicle shuts down, physically, mentally and emotionally.
The parasympathetic nervous system is our system of 'rest and relaxation', it typically functions in actions that do not require immediate response.
After we have fled from the tiger and realize we are now safe, this part of the nervous system kicks in and all the energy that went to the arms and legs to help us escape can now go back into the body to continue all the other vital functions that keep us alive. The heart rate and blood pressure goes down and the breathing normalizes, it stimulates the producion of digestive enymes and stimulates the process of digestion. We feel safe and all our chemical and hormonal secretions can function optimally again keeping us in balance and harmony with our environment.
When we no longer have to worry about whether or not we have a job to go to tomorrow, paying the bills, feeding the kids etc. we find it much easier to sleep at night and function in the world without the need for constant stimulants and anti-depressants.
There is peace and a meditative state can be reached.
A Bowen treatment helps to produce a parasympathetic surge that affects the whole body.
Clients often report a deep sense of relaxation and it is not uncommon for people to fall asleep or to go into trance states. With this technique the brain will prioritorize what it feels is the first step to a clients healing process. Even though the initial reason for coming for a session may be due to a specific injury, for example, a frozen shoulder, if the brain feels that there is something else that needs to be addressed first, the body will respond to it's wishes. Quite often this may mean that the client will start to sleep very well. Sometimes for the first time in a very long time. As was mentioned before, when the body rests and relaxes this is when the true healing begins.