FAQs: The Bowen Technique

What is The Bowen Technique?
The Bowen Technique is a remedial therapy tool. That is, it is used by therapists to mainly help people who are in pain or discomfort for one reason or another. It is a gentle therapy that works over the soft tissue of the client and features lots of rests in between moves to allow the body to start working with the information. Developed by Tom Bowen, many valid forms of his work exist in the world today.

Who was Tom Bowen?
Thomas A. Bowen (1916-1982) developed this technique in Geelong, Victoria. After serving in World War 2, he became interested in ways to alleviate human suffering and began to notice that certain moves on the body had particular effects. The Bowen Technique is unique in that it was developed without its originator having any previous training in any modality or discipline. In fact, he frequently stated that his work was 'simply a gift from God.' Over a period of several years he developed the system as it is used today.

Does Bowen work on meridians or acupuncture points?
While one can see that there are points that are on or very close to acupuncture points, this is not the approach that is taught. Many practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine comment on the moves and their relationship to meridian points, but there is nothing consistent enough to draw comparisons. Tom Bowen drew much of his knowledge from books and an understanding of meridian points seems quite probable.

Is Bowen a form of massage?
The treatment is performed through light clothing. No oils or prolonged pressure is used. A series of simple, gentle moves across muscles and connective tissues creates a harmonic resonance that balances the autonomic nervous system. There is no rubbing or friction in the move, which uses the movement of skin to effect a rolling type of action over the muscle.

How many sessions will I need to have?
For a condition like a stiff back or neck three sessions may suffice. This does of course vary from individual to individual. Other treatments will vary in duration.

What disorders does the Bowen Technique help?
Working in harmony with the body, the Bowen Technique is incredibly effective for any muscular, skeletal or nerve imbalance, injury, chronic condition or acute or chronic pain. The Bowen technique does not normally treat specific conditions, however individuals have found that it has helped bad backs and necks, Bowen also is extremely effective on more complex or organic problems, such as Asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine and stress. It has also been found helpful in very serious or acute conditions, where an injury has just occurred.

Links

The Bowen Association
PO Box 4358
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 3GX
Tel 0700 BOWTECH (0700 269 8324) (national rates apply)
website:www.bowen-technique.co.uk
email:- office@bowen-technique.co.uk

The Official European home of
The Bowen Technique
38 Portway, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1QU
Tel +44 (0)1373 461873
website:www.thebowentechnique.com

Books

THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE BY JULIAN BAKER
This is the first book ever published on this remarkable technique and explains in detail the concepts and principles behind the therapy that is becoming more and more widely used. Now into its second edition the book carries an introduction from Tom Bowen's daughters.

Julian Baker is Europe's most experienced Bowen teacher, having been using The Bowen Technique for over twelve years. He is Principal instructor of the European College of Bowen Studies, Europe's most established of Bowen based body work and lectures and tours widely throughout the UK and Europe.

Resolve 20th January 2003