Bowen is Australian in origin and is named after its developer, Tom Bowen. Although he never did any formal training, a public enquiry conducted by the state government of Victoria reported that he treated around 13,000 a year. He had an 80 percent success rate in symptoms that were associated with a wide range of conditions. Bowen became more widely known outside Australia in the 1980s.
Bowen is a light touch therapy and is suitable for all ages. There is no manipulation or deep tissue work as Bowen works on the fascia layer – the structure of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels and nerves, binding some structures together and allowing others to glide over each other. The moves are usually done over light clothing.
Bowen therapists generally use their fingers and thumbs in gentle rolling movements along the muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissue at precise points on the body. A distinctive feature of Bowen is that there are pauses in between moves in order for the body to reset itself and make the changes it needs to start the healing process.
Bowen can be helpful for pain management, back pain, sciatica, ‘tech neck’ general aches and pains and so on. It can help with sleep problems, low mood and relaxation.
“Maintenance” Treatments
I have been an aromatherapist for over 30 years and a Bowen therapist since 2002. It is fascinating how Bowen has continued to evolve since I qualified, and I love seeing how my clients can benefit from the treatment. I work holistically, aiming to treat the whole person, not just the problem they present with on the day.
I encourage clients to plan “maintenance” treatments once we have dealt with whatever they came to see me with. This is because everyone carries on doing what they’ve always done – be it gardening, sitting at the computer, driving a lot, carrying a heavy handbag, and so on. I always say, “You put your car in for a service once or twice a year. Why not do the same for your body?”
I am at the Beehive Wellness Centre in Chester on Thursdays. Landline: 01978 759300; Mobile 07765 865238.
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