The Bowen Technique is a gentle, holistic, remedial therapy. It was developed by Thomas Bowen in Australia over 40 years ago. A full treatment involves a series of gentle, rolling movements over the edges of muscles, tendons and ligaments in very strategic places in the body. These movements are thought to use the body's network of fascia / connective tissue to encourage re-balancing, pain reduction and tension relief.
The Bowen technique is a very gentle form of myofascial release, which is widely recognised and used by Physiotherapists. Bowen is suitable for adults and children, from newborn babies to the elderly.
A typical session will involve moves over many areas of the body from the back of the head down to the knees. The Bowen technique usually treats the whole body in the first session. Extra moves focussing on specific areas can be added in later treatments.
When receiving Bowen therapy, you will notice that the therapist will carry out a few of the rolling-type moves, and then there will be a pause, or break, for a couple of minutes before the next series of moves. These breaks are a vital part of the treatment. It is thought that the brain starts to register what has just happened, processing the tiny vibrations transmitted through the fascia (like the sound vibrations passed along the string stretched between two yoghurt pots when playing 'telephones' as a child), and begins the healing and rebalancing process in this time.
The technique can be done over the top of light clothing. You may only need to remove shoes, coat and belt!
Most people find receiving Bowen therapy deeply relaxing, which is beneficial in itself.
Please also see www.bowentherapists.com (Bowen Therapy Professional Association website) or www.thebowentechnique.com (website of European College of Bowen Studies, where Hilary trained) for more details and lists of symptoms which have been reported to respond to the Bowen Technique.