The Bowen Technique, also known as Bowenwork or Bowen Therapy, is a dynamic system of muscle and connective tissue therapy developed by the late Tom Bowen of Geelong, Australia.

The body-mapping systems and the patterns of moves that Tom Bowen developed are elegant and profound. Generally only a few sessions are needed to resolve all but the most serious complaints. This is because Bowen does not merely relieve symptoms, but addresses the root causes of most physical complaints.

Tom Bowen recognised these underlying roots to include:

       Asymmetrical muscle tensions, often in whole-body patterns of distortion
- Bowen balances the postural muscles of the body, removing tension and allowing a sense of ease. Clients often compare a general balancing session as 'Pilates without doing Pilates'.

       Constricted, dehydrated fascial tissues
- The unique Bowen moves release fascial tension/constriction enabling rehydration of tissues.

       Imbalances in the cranial system, especially the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- The specific moves developed by Tom Bowen for the TMJ rebalance the joint, benefiting bruxism and often engendering a spontaneous realignment of the jaw itself without manipulation.

       Corresponding imbalances in the sacral-coccygeal-innominate system
-  Bowen gently rebalances this system benefiting pelvic and other conditions such as sacroiliac pain. 

The unique Bowen ‘moves’ utilized in a session deliver small but measured inputs to the body, stimulating the body to balance and heal itself.

Bowen balances postural muscles and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which has two branches – the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) involved in the fight, flight or freeze response and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) which is involved in rest, relaxation and repair mode where digestion and healing take place.

Bowen is gentle enough to be used on the new-born to the elderly and infirm. The technique is gentle yet its effects on body systems can be quite profound.

Bowen can be utilized to great effect on both acute conditions such as sporting injuries and chronic conditions like lower back pain, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.

Children’s problems such as anxiety and bedwetting usually resolve in 6 - 8 sessions in combination with specific dietary modification. In the case of other children’s disorders, other interventions may be necessary as well.

Bowen elicits a whole body response.

Unlike massage or other manipulations that try to force a change, the combination of gentle Bowen moves simply reset your body to heal itself. The results are profound and lasting, and usually apparent within two or three sessions.

Bowen Therapy is not massage, chiropractic, or acupressure, but rather a system of stimulating body reflexes. Simple yet precise movements are executed across muscles, nerves and connective tissue. This gentle contact causes the neuromuscular system to reset all related tension levels, promoting natural healing. The relief is profound and lasting, affecting nervous, muscular, digestive, respiratory, glandular and energetic systems.

A Bowen Session
The technique is generally gentle, non-invasive and can be performed through light clothing. Some moves for specific conditions are best performed directly on the skin.

Bowen sessions take from 15 minutes in the case of young children and up to 45 minutes for an adult depending upon the response of the person being treated and of course the condition for which treatment is sought. Bowtech trained therapists will perform Bowen on babies for free as their immature nervous systems require very little stimulation (Appointment will be necessary).
             
The Bowen technique itself is comprised of a series of precise and profoundly elegant moves (usually from 2 - 8 specific moves) which stimulate energy flow, promoting relaxation by balancing the autonomic nervous system and activating the body's natural healing mechanism.

Between each series or set of moves, there is a critical pause, which allows the body time to assimilate the moves and begin to respond.

Whilst Bowen is considered a complementary therapy and will not interfere with other therapies, it is recommended not to undergo manipulative therapies for 4 days before, and up to 5 days after a Bowen treatment, as this allows the body time to make the relevant adjustments. Bowen keeps working in the body well after the session.

Who Can Benefit From Receiving Bowen?

Just about everyone will benefit from a Bowen session. It has been found to provide gentle, fast and effective relief for many conditions including:-

 Sports Injuries
 Stress & Tension Symptoms
 Back Pain & Sciatica
 Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) such as Carpal Tunnel & Tennis Elbow
 Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
 Neck & Shoulder Problems including Frozen Shoulder
 Knee & Ankle Problems
 Respiratory Conditions including Asthma & Hayfever
 Menstrual Irregularities
 Migraines & Headaches
 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia
 Childhood Disorders including bedwetting
 Bowen is safe to use during Pregnancy (Specific moves are contraindicated).

Bowen Therapy has produced amazing results around the world and advocates a "Less is More" approach – particularly with chronic complaints.

To most people receiving Bowen for the first time it is extremely gentle yet surprisingly effective.

The benefits of receiving Bowen are not confined to the physical presenting problem but extend to all levels of being. Often, complaints that were not primarily the cause of seeking treatment will resolve.

For more information on how Bowen may be able to help you, or to make an appointment, please call the clinic during business hours.

For Appointments,
Please contact Gregory de Montfort or Rosemary Boon at:-