The Bowen Technique is unlike any other form of hands-on therapy. There is no pulling or cracking of joints, no insertion of needles and no manipulation. The technique consists of a sequence of very precise and gentle moves over muscles and soft tissue interspersed with periods of rest in order for the treatment to be absorbed. The treatment entails no searching consultation as it is holistic (treats the whole body) and it is generally a pleasant and relaxing experience with no known adverse side effects.
The human immune system is a complex and wonderful mechanism that has evolved over millions of years. It enables the body to fight injury and invading infections and viruses with an awesome array of natural in-built healing aids. Sadly, due to this high tech. world and the stresses that come with it, we now often have very complex health problems which are seemingly beyond our healing processes.
Treatment using the Bowen Technique aims to support and boost the natural healing capabilities of the body. Bowen therapists believe that the body has the ability to adjust, adapt and heal itself.
The Bowen Technique was developed by Tom Bowen (1916-1982) Geelong, Australia. He had an uncanny ability to read bodies and correct and adjust abnormalities which caused pain. The therapy was first brought to England in 1993.
Tom Bowen developed the technique over many years and there are many theories as to how it works. He said that it was the movement of bad energy coupled with the increased flow of blood and lymphatic drainage that caused the often spectacular return to full health.
When a survey was done on alternative medicine by the Victoria State Government in the early '70s it was established that Tom Bowen was actually treating in excess of 250 patients a week (13000 a year). This with a success rate of about 88% after only two or three treatments.
Tom Bowen was modest about his work and never advertised.
Research scientists are eager to discover the secrets of this most dramatic healing phenomena and your doctor may be unable to tell you much about Bowen Therapy.
The treatment takes about three quarters of an hour and in some cases some relief from pain can be experienced on the first visit. Many people state that over the next 3-4 days they experience reactions as the body accepts the therapy and realigns itself. The healing process continues for about seven days until treatment is continued. Long term relief from chronic and acute pain can often be achieved in three or four visits.
Many patients (particularly sportsmen) have a Bowen treatment on a regular basis in order to maintain good performance.