WHAT IS THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE
It is a system of subtle and precise mobilizations called "Bowen moves" over muscles, tendons, nerves and fascia. The moves are performed using the thumbs and fingers applying only gentle, non invasive pressure. A treatment consists of a series of specific sequences of moves called procedures, with frequent pauses to allow time for the body to respond.
The art of Bowen is somewhere between the art of Zen calligraphy and Homeopathic medicine. The practitioner must strive to do the minimum of moves or procedures to trigger in the body the desired self healing response. Doing too many mobilizations could actually be counteractive. The sicker the patient is or the more acute the condition is, the less is done during the session and the less pressure will be used to do the moves, the more profound the effect will be on the body. One motto of the technique is "Less is more" and the therapist must sense when enough has been done.
WHAT IS A BOWEN MOVE
To get a sense of what a move done over a muscle feels like, place your right thumb over the center of your left biceps as you keep your left arm relaxed in it's natural position along the side of your body:
1. Moving the thumb horizontally, draw the skin slack gently from the center of the muscle to its medial edge (towards your chest).
2. The muscle is challenged for several seconds by applying a gentle lateral pressure (away from the chest) against its medial edge. Here the muscle fibers and its fascia are disturbed from their neutral position and slightly stretched.
3. Pressing gently towards the core of the muscle and using the skin slack available, roll your thumb laterally (away from the chest) across the biceps just like a bicycle wheel rolling over a speed bump. As the thumb roll over and across the muscle gently compressing it, it will react by springing back to its neutral position.
This typical Bowen move is the core of the technique and can be applied with some adaptation throughout the body in specific locations and in prescribed sequences to affect specific body systems (digestion, lymph circulation, respiratory apparatus...) or body parts (pelvis, TMJ, shoulder, knee...). Sounds simple! Well it is simple, but the practitioner must develop with practice a keen sense of the tension in the tissue. This will tell him exactly where stress has built up in the tissue and how much pressure to use, where and when to do a move to release that stress.
D I S C L A I M E R
The healing modalities portrayed on this website have not been evaluated for their efficacy by the FDA, AMA, or any government/medical agency, and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness, injury, or ailment. If you have a history of, or are currently experiencing a medical problem, it is highly recommended that you first consult with your physician and discuss with him/her, all of the treatment options that are available. The information contained on this website is intended as a general reference and/or for educational purposes only. The healing modalities should not be construed as making any medical claims or as a substitute for consulting your physician or getting conventional medical exams or treatments.
