What to expect
When you arrive we will discuss what led you to seek treatment, and any problems and symptoms you are experiencing. If you have not been able to complete a client intake form in advance we will also fill this out together.
I will then carry out an overall body assessment both off and on the couch - (or chair if you are unable to lay down) before beginning treatment. Treatment can be carried out through light clothing, and both assessment and treatment are non invasive.
What Is The Bowen Technique?
The Bowen Technique is a light touch, gentle form of bodywork. It has very few contra-indications so is truly suitable for everyone - from newborn to the elderly, healthy to infirm.
Bowen is holistic in its approach - taking the whole body into account. This is important as other areas of the body are often impacted by discomfort or injury.
Bowen Therapy stimulates the nervous system to rebalance, and helps the body break out of high stress and move into a rest and repair state, so many find it deeply restful.
Often, people choose to continue treatment after the initial presentation has improved or resolved for 'maintenance' to keep them functioning at their best.
What Does It Help?
Some problems listed below can be resolved, others eased, improved or managed with a treatment plan.
Muscular skeletal issues - back/ neck/ shoulder pain, joint pain, jaw (TMJ) discomfort, injuries, general muscle ache, hamstring problems, foot and ankle pain.
Digestive issues - IBS, constipation and digestion issues
Chronic problems - Fibromyalgia, migraines, ME and more
Respiritory challenges - Asthma, hay fever and sinus problems
General wellbeing - Improve posture, flexibility, circulation, lymphatic drainage and energy levels. Sleep habits usually improve and stabilise and levels of stress and anxiety significantly reduce.
Pregnancy - Common pregnancy symptoms such as low back pain, nausea and sickness, headaches and more.
Babies/ children - Colic, digestive problems, an unsettled or restless baby, ear ache, sleeping problems and more.
How does it work?
Bowen Technique uses small rolling movements over specific points, primarily with fingers and thumbs. A session is characterised by pauses or breaks in between sets of moves, which allows you body time and space to process the signals being sent. The moves work along the nerve pathways and with connective tissue, sending signals to many connected structures and muscles. The body has an amazing ability to heal itself, and when the treatment dialog includes the body's own systems change can be profound and longer lasting.
Bowen does not use force or manipulate hard tissue. This light nature means it is suitable for those with a sensitivity to pressure.
The body responds to treatment in many different ways: the fascia may become more mobile, tension may decrease or increase to even out long lines of tension, there may be an improvement of the function of many different body systems (including the lymphatic system, circulatory system, digestive system and nervous system), there can be a reduction in inflammation and more.
Where did it come from?
Bowen is based on the work of Tom Bowen (1916 – 1982) from Australia. Tom used information and principles from osteopathic, chiropractic and acupuncture disciplines to develop a way of working that has evolved over time to what it is now. Tom allowed 6 people to study alongside him, and these took the technique and developed it further, and so it spread around the world.
Other Therapies
I will soon be adding other therapies that will be carefully selected to integrate well with Bowen, and may be included in your treatement - see training. Your treatment program is fully tailored to your individidual needs, and I am committed to expanding my knowledge to better help you to achieve the best health possible.