Bowen Technique Training

Introduction to Bowen

A little goes a long way!

"The single most important hands-on healing technique and stress release in medicine."
Medical doctor and researcher JoAnne Whitiaker: Director, Bowen Training and Research Institute, Florida USA

"...it felt like petrol was being put back in my tank and I could feel the stress seeping away"
Bear Grylls, Adventurer from Channel 4 series Born Survivor.

"Whenever I've had any back or neck problems, the Bowen technique has always successfully put an end to them as well as aligning my body and increasing my energy. I can't recommend it highly enough."
Jerome Flynn, Actor

"Quite simply one of the most straightforward and effective 'hands-on' therapies available."
Jane Alexander, Daily Mail

Simply stated, the Bowen technique resets the body to heal itself. It creates a deep sense of relaxation and healing seems to occur by affecting the body's autonomic nervous system, which creates homeostasis at the cellular level.

It's a very gentle technique and rolling type moves are performed on the skin over the connective tissue. It may be done through light clothing and no oil or lotion is used. There are frequent important pauses between these moves which give the body time to benefit from each set. By combining moves, both in placement and in combination, the practitioner is able to address the body as a whole or target a specific problem. A unique tool of the Bowen practitioner is ‘tissue tension sense’, meaning that a practitioner is able to discern stress build-up in muscle groups and then utilise Bowen moves to release tension.

When a Bowen move is made, the brain is encouraged to ask the body questions in order to establish what remedial actions are required in response to the move. This communication between body and brain enables the appropriate response to occur in the body bringing balance to the specific area.

Effects may also be felt in other areas of the body as equilibrium is restored. For example, it is quite usual for a client to come back for a second treatment and report that his shoulder pain is reduced, but also his digestion is working better or his hay fever is improved even though these symptoms may never have been mentioned to the therapist in the first treatment. This demonstrates the brain is able to recognise further imbalances in the body and set up the appropriate responses in order to rectify them.

The Bowen Technique is a catalyst in enabling the body to heal itself.
- Julian Baker, Prinicpal Instructor and Director of ECBS

Connective tissue is an integral part of us and tension in one area of the body can be released that also has a releasing effect elsewhere. With the release of toxins and old patterning, the moves begin to accomplish holistic balance almost immediately. Since the Bowen Technique addresses the body as a whole unit, rather than just the presenting symptom, it embraces the physical, chemical, emotional and mental aspects of each person receiving a treatment.

The Bowen technique helps many problems including muscle pains and spasms in the back, neck and legs, whiplash, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and R.S.I. Patients with M.S. have reported increased energy and improved flexibility in the limbs. The minimal approach allows people with M. E., tension, stress, depression, fatigue, autism and ADHD to also respond very favourably. Migraine, headaches, sinus problems, TMJ dysfunction or jaw problems, asthma and respiratory difficulties and hayfever, infertility and during pregnancy have often shown remarkable benefit too.

The human body has the incredible ability to self-heal and this can often be achieved with minimal outside influence. The Bowen practitioner is merely a catalyst, setting the stimulus in motion for process of self healing to occur. A Bowen treatment, whether to address a specific problem or maintain a healthy body, is the essence of simplicity.

The Bowen technique is referred to as a "complementary" modality. This means it will enhance and complement - not interfere with - other medical attention. The application other manipulative therapies immediately after a Bowen session can undermine the effectiveness of the continuing Bowen work. Waiting a week before commencing additional body treatment is therefore recommended.

“Excellent, many thanks. Already extremely pleased, not only in my choice of career therapy but also my choice of school - excellent, professional, efficient and helpful. Thank you.”
Chrissie H