The Bowen technique itself is comprised of a series of precise and profoundly elegant moves which stimulate energy flow, promoting relaxation and activating the body's natural healing mechanism. Fingers and/or thumbs are used to make light moves drawing the skin slack over tendons, ligaments or the edges of muscles. This position is held for a moment, to energize, then the skin is lightly rolled back to complete the move.
Bowen is different to other forms of body therapy.
A session may last from fifteen minutes to an hour. Most often, a surprisingly few sessions are needed to alleviate complaints, whether structural or functional, even if long-standing. And the results hold for a long time, generally until there is a re-injury.
Benefits of Bowen
In Bowen, the routine of applying the moves and then leaving the room is unique and necessary. These short pauses between sets of moves allow the body to fully integrate the stimulus received. This stimulus triggers the parasympathetic nervous system and puts the body into a state of deep relaxation. In this state the body is reminded how to heal and balance itself. It begins to correct itself, striving toward finding homeostasis and achieving a total sense of health and well-being.
One of the wonderful principles of this modality is that “less is more.” The essence of Bowen is simple, yet highly effective. The moves are light, and it only takes a few precisely located moves to achieve profound results. Bowen is also holistic, working to heal the body not only on the physical plane, but on the mental and emotional levels as well. As the body progresses through its healing cycle, it experiences the release of stress, toxins, and old patterning which inhibit the body from achieving complete health.
Bowen helps to balance and stimulate the flow of energy through the body. For many people Bowen therapy interrupts what is known as the “pain-spasm” cycle that occurs with an injury. Once this cycle is broken both pain and muscle spasm begin to subside and patients experience substantial relief from many of their symptoms such as: an improvement in joint mobility and muscle flexibility; an improvement in the circulation of lymphatic and venous fluids; better assimilation of nutrients and the elimination of toxins; a reduction of physical, emotional and mental stress; and a better overall flow of energy through the entire body.
encourages relaxation
improves circulation
re-balances tensions in the muscles
releases stress and trauma
improves musclo-skeletal problems
helps to restore the movement of energy within the body
