bowen therapy

What is Bowtech – The Original Bowen Technique?

Bowen Technique allows the body to reset and heal itself. A Bowen session consists of a series of gentle moves on skin (or through light clothing), with the client usually lying on a bed or treatment couch.

A session usually lasts from ½ hour to 1 hour, and frequently results in a deep sense of overall relaxation, allowing the body to recharge and balance itself.

The Bowen moves are, in themselves, a study in delicacy, being light, gentle and very precise.

The Bowen Technique is not necessarily a ‘long-term’ program. Most clients find that a small number of sessions are adequate even for long-standing complaints.

How Does Bowen Technique Work?

Simply stated, Bowen technique allows the body to reset and heal itself. The work consists of a series of gently rolling, connective tissue moves. There are frequent important pauses between these moves which give the body time to benefit from each set. By combining moves, both in placement and in combination, the practitioner is able to address the body as a whole, or target a specific problem. A unique tool of the Bowtech practitioner is ability to address the body as a whole, or target a specific problem. Another unique tool of the practitioner is ‘tissue tension sense’, meaning that the practitioner is able to discern stress build-up in muscle groups and then utilize Bowtech moves to release that stress.

Relaxation

Bowen Technique may very well be one of the single most important tools we have to facilitate healing of the whole body. The moves bring about incredible results by penetrating to a deep cellular level, incorporating the body’s unique ability to heal itself.

With the release of toxins and old patterning, the moves begin to accomplish holistic balance almost immediately. Since Bowen Technique addresses the body as a whole unit rather than just the presenting symptoms, it embraces the physical, chemical, emotional and mental aspects of each individual receiving Bowen.

Simplicity

The Bowtech practitioner is merely a catalyst, setting the stimulus in motion for the body to heal itself. Because the human body is so amazing, self-healing can be achieved with minimal outside influence. A Bowen session, whether to address a specific problem or maintain a healthy body, is the essence of simplicity.

What Bowtech Is Not!

Sometimes it’s easier to explain this technique by stating what it is not!

    Bowtech is not Massage. Rubbing or prolonged palpation around a Bowen move can weaken the effect. The moves go no deeper than fascia on superficially accessible muscles, and only with gentle pressure.

    Bowtech is not Acupressure. Some of the areas of focus will coincide with acupuncture points, but there are so may acupoints that some overlap does occur. With the Bowen ‘points’ however, one simple move across the structure is all it takes.

    Bowtech is not Chiropractic. No manipulation of the skeletal system is made. Most practitioners and many clients observe vertebral movement, but this is evidence of the body realigning itself and a Bowen session working.

    Bowtech is not Directional ‘Energy Work’. Given its parameters, even energy work can be intrusive. Practitioners can focus too much on accomplishing their own desired results which may or may not coincide with the client’s needs. Instead, practitioner are taught to focus only on doing a precise movement accurately, and then physically leaving the room.

    Bowtech is not Physiotherapy or Neuromuscular ‘re-education’. Stretch reflex, Golgi reflex and reciprocal enervation may be involved in the muscular releases, but these occur on a cellular level and expand out physically. In fact, people may fall asleep during a session and may not feel the effects for several days. These factors distinguish Bowtech from remedial exercises or movement training that some people need for long-term injury recovery.

    Bowtech is not Trigger-Point Therapy. Some points are unavoidably similar even though the referral zones are different. Most trigger points are found in the core of muscles, while Bowtech moves are usually made where two muscles or muscle groups overlap. This and other factors seem to make Bowtech most similar to fascia work but …

    Bowtech is not Fascia Release. With each Bowen move, the fascia is rocked and minutely ‘disturbed’, but not forcefully separated. After a series of Bowtech sessions, adhesions tend to loosen, scar tissue frequently softening and shrinking on its own, because impediments to the natural healing process are removed.

    Bowtech is not Lymphatic Drainage. Bowtech does stimulate lymphatic releases, in that sinuses will often drain during sessions; breast lumps may shrink or be gone within a few weeks, and excess fluids are usually eliminated within the week. Bowtech does not, however, use the percussion or vigorous stroking of lymphatic massage, although there is a bit of gentle teasing done around the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM).

    Bowtech is not an Emotional Release Modality. The intent of a Bowtech session is not to effect emotional release. However, some people report dramatic lightening of spirit and a subtle but pervasive refocusing of troublesome emotional patterns. Many body-workers consciously focus on the interface between physical and emotional, trying to touch on that which is hidden behind a protective wall of hyper tense musculature. Excessive pressure is not needed. Bowtech confirms that the best access is gained by the least threatening approach.