ENERGY & BODYWORK THERAPY – BOWEN THERAPY

What is Bowen Therapy?

Bowen Therapy is an effective technique in structural and spinal therapy for lasting pain relief and rejuvenation. As a soft tissue therapy, light touch cross-fibre “moves” are applied along the spine and at specific points on the body designed to release muscle, ligaments, tendons, fascia and nerve. Bowen Therapy initiates a process of natural auto-regulation to occur in the spinal column and consequently throughout the whole body, resets the soft tissue, opens energy pathways and activates the rest, relax and repair response for healing. This gentle technique can be applied to an extensive range of conditions from musculoskeletal tensions and pain, to digestive, respiratory and menstrual disorders, joint discomforts, stress and emotional depression, and accident or sport injuries.

The manual “moves” activate the parasympathetic nervous system and allow the body to detect the stresses and release the tension. The body can then gradually recognize and restore its self-regulating functions from which it can stabilize its metabolism and neuromuscular functions. After each sequence of moves, a pause in the session provides  the body an opportunity to fully respond to and integrate the moves for maximum results.

Bowen Therapy is a genuine holistic modality that aims to address the whole person. Regardless of age or physical condition, not only can it be effective for most acute and chronic health issues but can also provide a profound relaxation technique.

Benefits of Bowen Therapy:

Bowen Therapy does not aim to “treat” specific conditions, but rather to stimulate the body to activate its own healing mechanism and integrate the physical, chemical emotional and mental aspects of the person receiving the treatment. In doing so, the technique:

• contributes to overall good health
• is preventative, as it allows the nervous system to remain longer in parasympathetic mode which enables body to “detect” imbalances that may be asymptomatic and to reactivate functions before and when illness takes hold
• most commonly affects systems of respiration, digestion, sleep, circulation, as well as arterial pressure and pulse, lymphatic circulation, and the endocrine and immune systems
• stimulates the human body to activate its own healing mechanisms rather than “treat’ specific conditions

Following list is drawn from statements made by Bowen clients who have found relief from their ailments as diagnosed by doctors:

• Relieves physical and emotional tension
• Lessens symptoms of diseases/conditions
• Improves overall health, well-being & energy levels

Thomas Bowen, the originator of Bowen Therapy, developed this unique method through his work as a Manual Therapist in Australia. From the 1950 to 1980’s, his reputation grew for helping many who had not found relief from other practitioners and techniques which drew the attention of many health-care professionals interested in this method.

Bowen was inspired by the principles that the body has the ability to self-regulate, that structure governs function and everything is interconnected. He believed that the ideal therapeutic technique was one that stimulates the system to rebalance malfunctions resulting from disrupted tissue and the disruption of any one tissue disrupts the function of the entire system. Through this technique, he set to restore the structural integrity of the body in a way that would allow for optimal performance.

An inquiry by the Australian Government in 1975, determined that Thomas Bowen was successfully treating 13,000 patients each year using Bowen Therapy and reported results of an amazing 80-90% success rate, usually with one to two sessions.

After Tom Bowen’s passing in 1982, the legacy of his work continued through his students and today Bowen Therapy is practiced in 31 countries and taught in over 20 having trained 15,000 practitioners worldwide.

A 3-part interview with Bowen Practitioner John Wilkes

http://www.nsthealth.com
http://www.mercola.com/back-pain.aspx
http://www.mercola.com/nst/neurostructural-integration-technique.htm