Bowen Therapy
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The Bowen Technique is a very gentle modality which is appropriate for people of all ages and in all degrees of health and can provide relief for many types of injuries and other health problems, both acute and chronic. It does this holistically, via the body's innate healing mechanisms. The practitioner's moves deliver signals to the nervous system at specific locations (on muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves), and the body responds in its own time, within its vital capacity. It is important to note that Bowen Therapy is not massage.
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Rather than focusing on a single complaint, Bowen addresses the entire body, by restoring balance via the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls over 80% of bodily functions and is very susceptible to external stressors. Most people today live in a constant state of high stress and sympathetic ANS over-stimulation (fight, flight or freeze mode). Healing can occur only after the ANS shifts from sympathetic to parasympathetic dominance (rest, relax and repair mode). The Bowen Technique can assist with that shift.
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A typical Bowen session generally lasts from 45 to 60 minutes. A 'session' involves one or more 'procedures', each of which consists of several sets of 'moves'. The moves are gentle, but purposeful, and can be done through light clothing. Between each set of moves, the practitioner pauses for as many minutes as are needed for the client's body to begin responding. As the nervous system begins to adjust the tension level in the muscles, the practitioner senses when the client is ready for the next set of moves. In contrast to other hands-on modalities, where the practitioner imposes correction on the client through manipulation, Bowen Technique facilitates the body in healing itself, with minimal intervention.
Because of the body's continuing response to Bowen Therapy for up to 10 days following treatment, other forms of manipulative therapy are discouraged for approximately five days after a session, as they may interfere with the efficacy of the work.
