What Is The Bowen Technique?
The Bowen technique, also known as Bowen therapy, is a gentle, non-invasive form of holistic treatment for a wide variety of ailments, including sports injury, migraines, muscle tension, and more. It was created by Tom Bowen of Geelong, Australia, in the 1950s. Bowen worked on his clients with this technique from the time of its inception until his passing in the 1980s. His implementation of Bowen Therapy brought successful relief to over 85% of his patients, proving its effectiveness. While he worked on developing this therapeutic technique over the course of a decade, it was officially brought over to the United States in the early 1990s. Since its arrival, the Bowen Technique has successfully relieved pain and inflammation in patients across the country. The primary purpose of this technique is to relieve muscle tension and promote healing and alignment within the body. The capabilities of this therapy are quite incredible. It has been shown to promote improvement in both physical and neurological conditions. For example, patients who have Parkinson’s, severe migraines, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and Fibromyalgia have all reported improved symptoms after visiting a Bowen Therapist.
Some of the other notable benefits and areas of improvement are:
- Improved posture
- Reduced muscle constriction
- Flexibility
- Improved joint mobility
- Accelerated injury healing
- Alignment
- Improved sleep
- Post-op recovery
- Sciatica
- TMJ
- Hormonal issues
- Vertigo
- Anxiety and depression
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Carpal tunnel
- Chronic fatigue
- Stress related symptoms
- Insomnia
- Pelvic tilt
- Acute injuries
How Does Bowen Therapy Work?
The primary goal of the Bowen Technique is to incite the body’s natural ability to heal. It targets the nervous system and promotes homeostasis within the body. Specifically, small, intentional hand movements of Bowen Therapist are utilized to target individual areas of the body. This specific muscle release technique stimulates energy flow, which promotes relaxation and pain relief. Once the body has received the signal to relax, it moves from a state of alarm to a state of healing. The body’s systems work overtime during this state of alarm period, which can cause increased inflammation. Once the inflammation begins to decrease, pain levels simultaneously recede.
Bowens Therapy is especially beneficial because of its ability to target the entire body at once. It restores balance via the autonomic nervous system, which single-handedly controls over 75% of the body’s functions. Especially in current times, the body and mind are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress. This keeps our bodies in a state of fight or flight for extended periods of time, which is detrimental to overall health. Additionally, healing can not occur during this heightened state. It is vital that the body moves from the sympathetic nervous system dominance to parasympathetic dominance for healing to initiate. The Bowens Technique is quickly and efficiently able to take the body into this lowered state of stimulation.
The treatment itself is comfortable, pain-free, and some patients liken it to a form of massage. In addition, it promotes a deep level of relaxation that may even induce sleep.
What To Expect from Bowen Technique
At your first appointment, Bowen Therapist will collect some information regarding why you’re seeking treatment in order to best help you. We will discuss any physical pain or tension, stressors, and relevant previous medical history
During the session, you will lie in a comfortable position. Light clothing is suggested to receive the stimulation’s full effect. The entirety of the appointment will last between 35 to 50 minutes. During this time, your goal is to simply relax and allow the therapy to begin its work. The therapy itself is gentle, and no pain is to be expected.
After your first session with Bowen Therapist, you’ll likely experience immediate results. This can vary, and some clients report significant improvements within a few days to a week. However, most clients do report an immediate feeling of relaxation upon completion of their appointment.
Because of the specificity of the work, it is important to avoid other modalities such as cryotherapy or acupuncture. Allowing the body time to adjust to this new form of stimulation is vital to the overall experience. In addition, it is important to remember that the body’s systems require supplemental elements to heal properly. Remembering to drink plenty of water is especially important before and after your appointment.
The Bowen Massage gently guides the body toward healing and can drastically improve your quality of life.
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