Mike Williams from The Center for Massage and Natural Health in Asheville , NC wrote this amazing explanation of Bowen Therapy after several conversations with me while I was teaching there about this system of bodywork . Thank you Mike! I honestly could not have done a better job myself. Actually, I’ve tried over and over! This just puts in so that I believe everyone can understand. Enjoy, and thank you Mike!
BOWEN in plain language:
We know that our body responds and reacts to about 6 million signals coming to and from the brain every second. This is a beautiful yet very complex communication that enables our bodies to function. Bowen therapists believe that the fascia system is heavily involved with this process. Fascia wraps around all of our muscles, tendons, ligaments, and organs and provides a protection layer and a communication vehicle between the brain and our body systems. In the communication process, there are times when the body may incorrectly learn and adapt new patterns that create unnecessary tension that becomes locked in place. This may cause the client to experience structural or emotional misalignment. Traumatic events such as injuries, or even systemic patterns that emerge (e.g. sitting at a computer with forward posture) are examples of how the fasica may learn to hold on to incorrect tension. Unnecessary tension creates misalignment that can result in dysfunction. In these situations, the body needs to un-learn these incorrect patterns to that it can re-learn correct patterns. Bowen bodyworkers help the body to unlearn patterns through light touch of the fascia. This sets into motion the unwinding of unnecessary tension patterns that are observed in each client. As a result of this unwinding, the body is able to return to correct patterns and significant and positive healing shifts may be achieved. Examples of shifts include, pain reduction, improved mobility and range of motion, reduced anxiety, improved sleeping patterns, improved breathing, and overall function of the mind-body connection.
During the Bowen treatment, the body presents evidence of muscular tension and the therapist can unwind this through a series of light touch maneuvers. These actions signal the brain to recognize and unwind the tension and to release the affected areas by communicating through the fascia system.
The best way to experience Bowen is by participating in 3 weekly sessions over a 3 to 4-week period. Each session takes about 20-45 minutes and may last up to an hour. After these three sessions, the client and therapist will be able to determine what shifts have taken place and then can work with the therapist on maintaining this new balance. Often a maintenance sessions every 4-6 weeks are helpful.
Bowen is not a specific treatment for a specific condition. The treatment is a method of unwinding the patterns that may be interrupting the normal function of the body. All clients should fully disclose all health issues that they are dealing with. As a rule, due to the light touch of the Bowen technique It really cannot harm the body. That said, it is important that all clients fully disclose their medical history so that the therapist and client may determine how the technique may be most helpful. Awareness of the whole body and the external factors a client is experiencing enables improved body scanning and better awareness of shifts that occur as the client participates in the various sessions.
Mike Williams
Owner- Center for Massage & Natural Healing