I haven't had this treatment personally but my Mum had it to treat sciatica which had been an ongoing problem for many years. It has been the only thing that has given any real relief for her in a long time. Working in a medical profession I am interested in many types of alternative therapy and thought I could pass on a little bit of info about the Bowen technique.
~<>~ A BRIEF HISTORY ~<>~
The Bowen technique was developed by Thomas A. Bowen after the 2nd World War. He wasn't trained in any sort of medicine but he was interested in alleviating human suffering and he began to notice that when he made certain moves on the body, it had particular beneficial effects.
In 1974 he was introduced to a massage therapist Oswald Rentsch, who studied Bowen's technique and documented everything, as nothing had been written down about his work before. Bowen opened a clinic and by 1975 saw about 13,000 patients a year, treatments were 7 days apart and most people only needed 2-3 treatments. It was not until his death in 1982 that Rentsch began to pass all this information on and teach the technique to others.
The Bowen technique works by "resetting the body to heal itself". The manipulation is a series of gently rolling connective tissue moves, using light touch and can be done through clothing. The pauses between these moves give the body time to benefit from each move. The practitioner can find stressed areas in muscle groups and release that stress. This results in a deep sense of relaxation, and healing seems to occur by affecting the body's autonomic nervous system, which creates homeostasis at a cellular level, (brings the bodys natural chemical levels back to normal).
Autonomic nervous system - The part of the nervous system which controls body functions that are not under concious control eg: heartbeat.
The technique is a COMPLIMENTARY technique which means that it is and can be used alongside traditional medicine and alternative therapies. It is not recommended that any other manipulative therapies are done after a session though as this can affect how it works.
~<>~ BENEFITS ~<>~
It is safe to use on anyone including newborn babies and elderly. Can treat many conditions, (see below). There is no vigerous manipulation. Improves joint mobility, improves circulation and lymphatic drainage which helps to get rid of the body's toxins. Relief is frequently achieved after only one session.
~<>~ SO WHAT CAN IT TREAT ~<>~
Allergies Asthma and other respiratory problems Bell's palsy (paralysis of facial muscles) Constipation and diarrhoea and other digestive upsets Dizziness Frozen shoulder Headaches, migraine Knee and hip and pelvic problems Menstrual problems RSI (repetative stress injury) Sciatica (pain in sciatic nerve felt in the back of thigh, leg or foot) Skeletal and muscular problems
If you would like any more information on the Bowen technique or would like to find a qualified practitioner the best website to visit is. www.thebowentechnique.com The website explains all about the therapy and lists everyone qualified in the UK.
~<>~ Hope this information helps someone ~<>~
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interesting, but would have been more useful, had you experienced treatment yourself. did your mum benefit? ;o) nat
Bowen-Lanarkshire 27.06.2003 17:06
This is good information, even though you have never received bowen Therapy before. I am a Bowen Practitioner in the Lanarkshire area of Scotland. You have given good precise information and the website of E.C.B.S (european college of Bowen Studies) Is the best to give out. I was quite impressed by what i read but would have probably suggested you received a Bowen Treatment beofre you listed the op as if you have never been treated then it's hard to have an opinion of it. There are lots of conditions that respond well to Bowen and Sciatica is one. I have treated a 93 year old lady withit and she only needed one treatment to feel relief from it. My website is www.BowenLanarkshire.co.uk, even if you do not live in my area, have a look at the website, it gives lots of useful information. Bowen generally starts at £25 - £40 per session, depending on the area.
paww 28.02.2003 19:01
Good op. Very interesting I have never heard of this before. Sound good though How did your Mum get on?
Penny
Feb 6th, 2003
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