In essence – your bodies muscles know where they need to be in order to be relaxed and pain free. Bowen Therapy provides a gentle signal to your body so it can start the process of returning muscles and tendons to their blueprint relaxed state. This in turn can assist bones to hold their positions too.
The human body has an all pervasive web type network that surrounds each tendon, muscle, bones and even our organs. This weblike structure is called ‘fascia’ – it is also in sheet form – it’s around everything and even through our soft tissue – it’s what holds our bodies together!
This ‘fascia’ has a memory of where your body is most relaxed so when your Bowen Therapist gives this fascia the right prompts – your muscles begin to return to where they need to be. This is what your body naturally want so Bowen Therapy actually works ‘naturally’ with your body to help ‘reset’ your body.
It is only recently that modern medicine has recognised that ‘fascia’ makes up what can be termed as a system that looks after our ‘Biomechanics’. Fascia is what holds us together and allows us to live our lives and be active!
There are many theories about the physiological mechanisms by which the Bowen Technique brings about the results for which it is famous. In addition to the rebalancing of the ANS, described earlier, Bowtech moves and procedures may reset the body to heal itself by activating, through the nervous and endocrine systems among others, the following mechanisms:
Stretch reflex / The Bowen 'Move'
A Bowen move is a gentle. It starts with a slight muscle ‘challenge’ or stretch which gently turns into a rolling of the muscle over the belly of the muscle or where the muscle joins your bone (tendons).
Many Bowen moves work around joints that also contain receptors like your muscles, which, by these activities, tell the body / nervous system what is happening as regards position, tension, length or stretch, so thus reminding it, via the fascia, where that muscle should be. Fascia plays a dominant role in coordinating our muscles and maintaining our bodies structural integrity and thus our posture.
Most moves are done either at the origin, insertion or belly of muscles where receptors are located, informing the nervous system on the state of tension, length or stretch in the musculotendinous tissue. These receptors are stimulated during the ‘challenge’ and the ‘rolling’ part of the Bowen move which changes the stimulus received by the nervous system. This can change a pain/muscle spasm loop.
Joint proprioceptors / Around joints
Many moves are done around your joints (such as knees, shoulders etc) and are an integral part of your treatment. In and around your joints there are ‘proprioceptors’ which are sensory receptors that respond to any stimuli from within your body. When a Bowen move is performed over this area, a signal is received by the nervous system which in turn invites the muscles, tendons and ligaments to return to normal position and function. There is no need for forceful manipulation – Bowen Therapy works effectively with your body’s natural inclination.
All moves done around a joint directly affect the joint capsule and ligaments that are richly innervated with proprioceptors. Here again, stimulus will be received by the nervous system, inviting normalization of the joint function without the need for forceful manipulation. Research (Carter, Bernie, 2002, ‘Clients experiences of frozen shoulder and its treatment with Bowen technique’, Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, v. 8, pp. 204-210) has confirmed increases in the range of motion in restricted joints.
Fascia
Each Bowen move is done at the level of the superficial fascia and affects the relationship between the fascia and the nerve, muscle or tendon being mobilised. Fascia plays a major role in muscle co-ordination, postural alignment and overall structural and functional integrity. All of these are negatively affected when the fascia stiffens, contracts, torques or dehydrates. Following a Bowtech session it is not uncommon to see adhesions loosen up, scar tissue soften and posture and mobility improve without harsh mobilisation or stretching.
Additionally, another fascinating aspect to receiving a Bowen Therapy treatment is the influence it can have on our lymphatic (drainage) system which also stimulates our immune system. Detoxification can occur which will improve the body’s ability to function at a cellular level. Every area of the human body receives benefit from a Bowen session – even our organs and emotions.
Segmental viscerosomatic spinal reflexes
Several Bowtech moves engage these reflexes. They produce referred reactions to the internal organs through stimulation of the skin, muscles and nerves, and the intimate neurological relationship that exists between soft tissues external to the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities and those within them.
Harmonic vibration or resonance model
Bowenwork moves set up vibrational patterns which bring the body back into balance and harmony.
Lymphatics
Some Bowtech procedures activate draining of the lymphatic system stimulating the immune system.
Detoxification
Often initiated during a Bowen session, thereby improving the body’s ability to function at a cellular level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long is a Bowen Treatment?
Typically a Bowen treatment will last up to an hour and more longer if a Health history is required – usually on your first visit. The presenting condition will usually dictate how long a treatment will last. Notably – between Bowen moves there is about a 2 minute wait to allow the body to gather the signal and begin the healing process.
Additionally – where appropriate – I will always teach my clients simple ‘moves’ they can do, on themselves, over the following days to assist the healing process.
How many treatments will I need?
This will always vary based on the presenting condition, the length of time a person has the health concern and your body’s response to Bowen. A minimum of 2 treatments is highly recommended to be able to secure your body’s healing direction. From this point good communication with me, your Therapist, is essential so you receive just the right amount of treatments according to your circumstances. Many people have found that a regular or maintenance treatment keeps the body tuned and healthy – ready for action!
What clothing do I wear?
Ideally, Bowen moves are best performed with direct contact to the skin. However, your sense of comfort and modesty are a prime concern. Bowen can be performed thru very light clothing or a sarong (provided). It is recommended that a thin cotton top such as a singlet and shorts/running shorts be worn for each treatment if underwear only is not desired. Clothing such as denim or similar and lycra make it too difficult to perform effective Bowen moves. At all times during the treatment you will be covered to maintain your modesty and a comfortable body temperature.
How much does a treatment cost?
Each treatment, no matter the length, will cost $75.00. Because of the nature of Bowen Therapy and the necessary wait times between moves, I am able to treat 2 people at a time, so bringing a partner for treatment will reduce the cost to $70.00 each. This is available at the Redland Bay home clinic only as there is limited space at the Victoria Pt clinic. Eftpos is available at the Vic Point clinic, but the Redland Bay clinic is cash only.
Does Bowen Therapy receive Health Fund recognition?
Yes – Bowen is ‘Health Fund’ friendly. All available health funds that offer Bowen on their list of coverage are available in this clinic. Please ask us if your medical insurance is linked to treatment costs.