What is Bowen Technique?
The human body is indeed an amazing organism. I have seen nothing short of miraculous changes in the body when clients have been told by their doctors and other therapists they will, "have to learn to live with it." Whatever that "it" might be. After applying the Bowen "moves", the body solves the mystery symptoms.
Bowen is a gentle and effective manual therapy that balances tension patterns in the body, resulting in deep relaxation. It is performed on skin or sometimes through light clothing. The practitioner performs gentle moves at specific locations (on muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves) which deliver signals to the nervous system. It affects not only the musculoskeletal framework, but also the fascia, nerves and internal organs.
The body's integrated response to Bowen Technique improves:
- Circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Joint mobility
- Elimination of toxins
- Assimilation of nutrients
- Posture
During sessions, clients often quickly drop into deep relaxation or fall asleep and loud peristalsis (gurgling in the stomach) is often heard. Both of these responses are indications of a profound release from stress showing that the body has shifted into a parasympathetic nervous system response. Almost as if it is saying "I feel calm and safe now" and therefore can release any tension and digestive function.
These changes do not appear to last for just a few hours but continue to help change peoples patterns of response to stress in an ongoing basis. This may well explain why some people use this technique as a powerful tool for emotional and spiritual growth as well as for physical conditions.
Bowen can be used alongside any medical treatment you may be having. Clients have reported an ability to quite often reduce some medication they may be taking, over time. This is something that would, of course, have to be monitored by their doctor. Bowen will not interfere with other healing modalities, however doing other manipulative therapies could have an effect on a Bowen session and undermine the effectiveness of the work. It is advisable therefore to not have other forms of treatment close to having a Bowen session.
Clients usually lie on a massage table or bed, or can be seated in a chair ( in particular pregnant women, the elderly or people who are unable to lie down comfortably on a bed or massage table).
There are frequent pauses between the various moves when the practitioner may leave the room. These pauses allow the body time to respond and integrate the moves allowing the healing process to begin. This is why it is important for the client to relax quietly so that the brain can "hear" the information that is being given. This is also why no music is played and talking is kept to a minimum unless the client has a need to express something to the practitioner.
When to expect the benefits
It is not unusual for clients to feel immediate benefit in their bodies during and after a Bowen session. However, it is just as likely that benefit may not be felt for a few days to a week and sometimes longer after the treatment. Recent injuries tend to correct themselves fairly quickly as compensating patterns have not had time to establish themselves in the body yet. Long standing conditions may take longer as may long term degenerative conditions. Some conditions may need on going periodic sessions to help with symptomatic relief.
I am not curing anything in your body, but I am, through the Bowen moves inviting your body to dance with the information I am giving it. To remember the original blueprint of health and fluidity in the fascial tissues, muscles, joints and organs.
As much as I would like to see your body move into an optimal state of health, whatever that may mean for you, after a first session, only your brain will decide what it wants to do, and when, in it's own sweet time. We didn't lose our health and vitality overnight, nor is it gained back overnight either, although I have seen miraculous changes in the body after just one treatment.
My responsibility is to pay attention to the signals your body gives out and let it direct me. Just as there seems to be an unseen force directing the Universe, so it is with the human body.