Targeting Primary Dysfunction with Graham Pennington:

Graham Pennington, Australian Bowen Therapist, Naturopath, and Acupuncturist and Author of “A Textbook of Bowen Technique”, delivered yet another stellar instruction of further advances in the world of Bowen Therapy.

I recently attended his new class, Targeting Primary Dysfunction, in Chicago.  It was a unique, one-off, opportunity not to be missed by any of us who are passionate about Bowen Therapy.  Once again, his instruction, knowledge, and experience has brought my practice up several levels in efficiency and effectiveness.  He has been immersed in and enthralled by the challenge of restoring people’s body’s to proper form and function through the Bowen Technique (as many of us are), maintaining a robust practice for the last three decades, constantly focused on the study of the body and its patterns.  As he states, (and I completely agree) ‘as one delves into this practice on a daily basis, over many years of practice and study of the human body, certain “patterns” of dysfunction become more and more apparent’.   Graham has been able to categorize these patterns and recognize their origin.  With each patient, his constant search is for “the primary cause of the dysfunction”.

Through his practice, he has identified a long list of ‘usual suspects’ and he has recognized an “order of priority” exists with regard to the origins of the “primary dysfunction”.

Using his system of priority, we can clearly see “what comes first”, what is primary and what is secondary, and what is simply compensatory.  With this knowledge, we are able to “target” our treatment to the root cause of each pattern of dysfunction.  We can do some simple (and sometimes not so simple) assessment techniques and rather quickly (usually) we can determine the root cause.  As an engineer, I understand the concept of “root cause” and how vitally important it is in the success of any research or inquiry.

If we go about treating a person’s symptoms we may get some immediate benefits but it is likely we won’t achieve long lasting results.  That is the very important distinction.  In order to get lasting results the root cause must be ferreted out and addressed.  Graham has done this and through his teachings he has enabled us to target/hone in on the “Primary dysfunction” and address that directly.  The rest of the dysfunctions or abnormalities or imbalances for the most part simply “unravel” on their own.  The secondary patterns, the compensatory patterns are just that secondary and compensatory- they dissolve in the midst of addressing the Primary Dysfunction.  It is brilliant work which I am thrilled to have benefited from (and so are my clients!).

Bravo Graham, and thanks for sharing!

~from Penny and her clients! We salute you!