What is it?
THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE is a simple, gentle, but powerful
technique, developed in Australia by the late Dr. Tom Bowen. It
involves a system of gentle but accurate movement over various
parts of the body. There are groups of points, which are used in
specific sequences to treat different areas of the body.
How does it work?
This wonderful technique works by relaxing soft
tissues (i.e. muscles, connective tissue (i.e. fascia, the
substance that binds and supports organs and muscles etc.),
ligaments and tendons)). With the relaxing of the soft tissues,
muscle tension and stress are decreased. This releasing of tension
etc. in the body takes pressure off blood vessels, nerves and the
lymphatic system. This increases the circulation of blood,
lymphatic fluid, and promotes a better nerve supply throughout the
body.
The increased in blood flow, increases the amount of oxygen,
nutrients and other substances (needed for optimal cellular
function) that can be transported to the tissues.
As cellular metabolism occurs, waste products are
produced. These wastes are released from the cells
into the surrounding lymphatic system.
The Lymphatic System is responsible for the removal of wastes from
around the cells of the body, and transporting these
wastes to areas where they can be removed from the
body. It also has a role in our immune function, as well as
transportation of some nutrients. Therefore better circulation of
lymphatic fluid means there is a more efficient removal
of metabolic wastes (the substances produced in the body by normal
cell function, and are either of no further benefit to the body,
or are toxic) from the body. It also means our immune system
will become stronger, helping us to fight illness, infections etc,
more effectively.
The releasing of pressure off the nervous system allows for a much
stronger and more efficient nerve supply throughout the entire
body. This means cellular function can be greatly increased.
Also, decreasing the pressure from the nerves can greatly reduce
the nerve pain, which may have been associated with the pressure.
The major function of the BOWEN TECHNIQUE is to
allow the body to realign itself (in it’s own time), without
there being a need for force (as is the case with some other
physical therapies). This is due to the BOWEN TECHNIQUES
ability to relax the soft tissues at a very deep level. Once the
pressure is taken off the muscles, nerves etc., the joints can
realign themselves (in their own time), to the correct position,
thus further contributing to an increase in blood, lymph and
nerve supply etc., as mentioned previously.
What can it treat?
THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE has proven to be very
successful in treating all muscle and joint problems
e.g. pain and
stiffness in the neck, shoulders and arms (including frozen
shoulders, tennis and golfer’s elbow, and repetitive strain
injuries etc.), hip, knee, ankle and foot problems (eg. hammer
toes, bunions etc.).
There are many other areas in the body that can greatly
benefit from the therapy. Some of these include asthma and
other breathing disorders, kidney problems, headaches, hormone
related migraines, mastitis (sore/tender breasts), bowel problems,
and children with bed wetting problems. These are just some
of the many conditions that have been successfully treated with
the BOWEN TECHNIQUE.
