Category Archives: The Bowen Technique

PAIN

PAIN IS EXHAUSTING. Chronic pain is even worse. It robs us of the joys of life and makes us wonder if we will ever feel vibrantly alive and happy again. I have been there! And I can certainly empathize with all of you that are going through it right now.

My work addresses musculoskeletal and nerve impingement pain in all its forms. Back pain, joint pain, all forms of nerve impingement whether it be sciatica, tennis elbow, plantar fascitis, or TMJ just to name a few.  When it comes to these kinds of problems in the body nothing, and I mean NOTHING, works like the form of Bowen Therapy that I practice.

Nobody knows better than I do as a practitioner in the USA that this work deviates completely from the Western understanding of how the body works. Here in the US if the knee hurts it is the knee that is the problem. And the answer is to address the knee. This is an example only, simply to demonstrate a point. So the knee is treated.  An MRI probably happens. A diagnosis is made,  There is deterioration in the knee. The knee needs to be repaired.  Maybe physical therapy is recommended- again targeted at the knee. Physical therapy does not resolve the issue and you end up in an orthopedic surgeon’s office to determine the options. Surgery is typically the answer. So you get arthroscopic surgery to repair some damage. Or a total knee replacement is recommended. When surgery and rehab are completed, you find yourself having other problems: either the pain has moved to the other knee or to a hip. You see where I am going with this: one problem becomes another and another and more surgical interventions are recommended. And the saga continues seriously affecting your quality of life.

What if the knee wasn’t the problem? Could it be that the knee is just taking the brunt from some problem somewhere else in the body? This is where Eastern and western medicine go in different directions. Western medicine looks at the body as compartmentalized pieces and parts. If the knee hurts, it’s the knee. It is not looked at as intimately connected with the rest of the body. The idea that a problem in the neck can serve to disturb the function of the knee is ludicrous. From an eastern view although all parts are connected intimately- one part serves another regardless of how far apart they are. So, with this in mind- yes, a pinched nerve in the neck can and may well affect the knee (or other distant areas of the spine).

In Bowen Therapy (which was developed by an Australian Osteopath that studied acupressure and Meridian theory, Thomas Ambrose Bowen) one learns just how intimately widely distant areas affect each other. For instance, connections in the jaw and just under the jaw are directly connected with the opposite end of the spine- the coccyx or tailbone. Western medicine does not recognize this. I like to use the analogy of a wet towel being wrung out and clamped at both ends. As long as the clamps are on the remainder of the towel remains twisted. Releasing those clamps, the rest of the towel (or spine) can unwind. Therein lies the “magic”. Release both ends of the towel (ie spine) and the whole thing unwinds! Nerve impingement is released,  bones and joints are allowed to move to their neutral position, function is restored, and pain is no more.

The other beautiful thing about this work is once it’s done, it’s done! Maintenance is always a grand idea. but once the dysfunctional pattern is eliminated from the body (and we have visual and tactile assessments for this), it is done! There is no need for weekly (or more often) treatments.  Given the proper signals in the proper locations, the body most readily responds.

This is what I do and it is my passion! It is brilliant remedial medicine and I thank my mentor physician Graham Pennington in Australia for enlightening me and showing  me how to help people restore form and function and live happy lives everyday.

God Bless.

Client Testimonial 2/2021

Bowen Therapy is one of the most incredibly amazing treatments that I have ever received. The following is a text message that I sent to Penny Michaels who is my Bowen therapist after my third session with her:

Hi Penny it’s Jill T. I just wanted to thank you for helping to make me feel so good today. ❤️ I feel like a new person, the pain in my hip is totally gone right now, I hope I can keep it that way. I slept like a rock too. Bowen always does that for me, gives me a good nights rest and a deep sleep.

I forgot to tell you yesterday, after the previous Bowen treatment that the range of motion in my right arm and wrist has increased incredibly. For example if I bend my elbow and reach behind my back, my mobility is 10 times what it was. That is such a nice feeling and even being able to flex and bend my wrist is such a blessing.

Also after that previous Bowen treatment, I would periodically feel adjustments in my bones taking place, without even trying or barely moving. In fact yesterday when I got home and got out of my vehicle I felt an adjustment take place. Thank you again so much for all that you have done so far and I look forward to more wonderful things to come in the future!

I hope you have a blessed day my very talented and intuitive friend!❤️

Jill T

** I would like to add to this conversation, that I also felt incredible changes take place and results even after my very first visit. In fact you see, even during the sessions I can feel openings being created in certain parts of my body and it’s almost as if though there is a rush of adrenaline that occurs within. I always tend to sleep better and very deeply after Bowen treatments. My nervous system seems to calm down and I don’t feel as tense and over anxious about things, in other words, I am at peace within myself. I’m sure anyone can relate that when you are in pain your body is always tense and all you can think about is your pain, so Bowen Therapy not only relieves the pain but also the tension and anxiety that comes with it that takes over your central nervous system. So in turn I am also able to think more clearly. The benefits that this treatment and along with Penny’s amazingly incredible intuitive talents allow me, are above and beyond. There are so many aspects of the treatment that allow the body to heal on many levels. I have been suffering for several years with this debilitating neck pain that was causing issues down my arms and into my hands and also back, groin, knee and hip pain. Penny has helped me to relieve so much of my pain, that at one point I was taking sometimes 4 to 6 Advil a day (prior to seeing her)and after my 2nd visit, I was literally able to stop taking the Advil all together.
It is so very interesting how Bowen therapy affects the body. At least for myself I can describe it as such. Sometimes after a session of treatment, my muscles will be very sore almost as if though I did an intense work out after not having done one for a long time. But the following day I will feel like an entirely new person and all my pain will be gone. Then I describe it as an unraveling. Before you can get your next session which would be seven days after words, I will feel the areas where I had pain come and go. Almost as if though they are opening up and then dissipating. I know it sounds strange and hard to conceive of, however it’s almost miraculous how this treatment works. I urge you not to hesitate trying Bowen Therapy treatment with Penny Michaels, you won’t regret it! ❤️😊

Case Study #5

I chose this case because it turned out to be quite complicated and took me more sessions than is normal- 6 total. Usually done 1 week apart sessions are unique- whatever presents the day of the session is what we address, This case showed me how the same symptoms can be caused by widely varying distortion patterns in the body:

60 yr old female client was bed-ridden with severe “sciatic-type” pain after traveling on business. She had had 2 knee replacements in which during  one surgerygthe quadriceps was cut through to pull the hip down,

The first session assessment showed left short leg with symptoms appearing not only in hip and leg but opposite shoulder pain as well. Patient had severe pain on standing.  During treatment knees showed no response until more lateral palpation was done. In addition, palpation of right mid deltoid showed significant adherence. Appropriate maneuvers were employed.

On the second session different areas of the shoulder showed problems and were treated as well as ankles. pelvic, and knees.

The third session the client reported pain less, hip better, but pain in ankles.. No sciatic type pain. The client showed tonal symmetry. The shoulder pain had moved to the anterior deltoid. Appropriated protocols were employed including ankles and knees.

The fourth session included more ankle work. At this point there was no sciatic type pain and the client was moving around more comfortably for short periods of time.

The fifth session included 1/2 hour deep tissue massage for continuing shoulder restrictions.

At the sixth session the client presented with no pain and complete functionality- able to walk and resume normal activities including tennis. A final “tune up” session was performed and the client has been totally functional and pain-free since the, – checked 5 months later.

Brief Definition of Bowen Therapy

So for those of us that are not in the business of bodywork, here is a brief description of Bowen Therapy:

Bowen Therapy is a form of physical therapy governed by the massage profession. It is a hands-on technique for the purpose of eliminating pain and restoring function.  It is mostly a very light touch to release restrictions in the soft tissue of the body allowing hard structures to realign and nerves to decompress. Bowen Therapy is a unique and very effective modality for any musculoskeletal dysfunction or nerve impingement. Some conditions remedied by Bowen Therapy:

  • sciatica
  • TMJ
  • low back pain
  • knee pain
  • tennis/golfer elbow
  • plantar fascitis
  • neck pain
  • migraines

Case Study #4

A sixty year old woman presented with severe low back pain and ankle pain. She had strained her back lifting a kayak. Using visual assessment techniques her left leg appeared short (due to the hips being pulled unevenly through soft tissues strains) and the test for cervical involvement showed positive. Palpation of the cervical and jaw area revealed adhesions in the right TMJ which were released using The Bowen Technique. Further palpation of the spine revealed a dislodged coccyx (to the left)- this was released and the client was left to rest for a few minutes. Reassessment showed the legs even and a negative test for any further cervical involvement.

The client returned a week later stating that she had had so much pain the day after treatment that she went to the Emergency room and was given pain medication. During the second session again the coccyx deviated to the left and there was a positive test for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. These issues were addressed using The Bowen Technique and the client was instructed to return in a week.

On the third session the client stated that she had been feeling much better and was able to resume most of her normal activities. The client presented with the same deviations in the right jaw and left coccyx. Appropriate techniques were used to release these restrictions along with secondary protocols for the pelvis and ankles.

During the fourth and final session the client stated no pain during the week and a return to normal activities. She presented with complete tonal symmetry therefore a standard basic protocol was used and the client was released.

I used this case study because the client had such a rough time after the first treatment. This happens on occasion as the body is shifting, attempting to rebalance and release all of the soft tissue restrictions. In traditional Chinese medicine this is referred to as a healing crisis. It happens with about 20% of clients and is typically short-lived, a couple hours to a day. We consider a healing crisis a positive thing as we are being shown that the body is self-regulating.

Case Study #3

Client came in after 6 months wearing an orthopedic boot due to fracture of right foot.  The chief complaint was low back, hip and left knee pain.  Visual assessment revealed asymmetry in leg length with the left hip contracted making the appearance of a short left leg.  Palpation showed restrictions in the right jaw.  Following release of the jaw reassessment showed the coccyx deviated to the left.  Once the coccyx was released, additional protocols for the ankles, knees, and pelvic was employed.

The client returned one week later reporting everything felt good.  Another release of the jaw and coccyx was performed along with the ankle procedure.

On the third visit the client presented with tonal symmetry and no discomfort so treatment was terminated.

NOTE:  Often after being required to wear an orthopedic boot the Bowen Technique is required to get the hips in balance (as the boot creates a “longer” leg).  The hips remaining in imbalance creates torque and uneven load on the knees and if left untreated this dysfunction creates deterioration in the knees and pelvic structure.

 

Bowen Therapy for Complete Healing!

The Bowen Technique (submitted to Massage & Bodywork Magazine Feb 2020)

The Bowen Technique

The Bowen Technique is a soft tissue therapy developed in Australia in the 1980’s by an Osteopath named Thomas Ambrose Bowen. Today the technique is practiced in over thirty countries and taught in more than twenty.

The four basic tenets of Osteopathy may be summarized as follows:

1-The human body functions as an integrated, interrelated whole unit.

2-Structure and function share a reciprocal relationship.

3-There exists in the human body an innate capacity for self-regulation and healing.

4-Therapeutic intervention is based upon an understanding of these three points.

Structure and Function

In his book A Textbook of Bowen Technique Mr. Graham Pennington, Australian Bowen therapist, Naturopathic physician, and Acupuncture physician writes:

From the perspective of a Bowen therapist, we are particularly interested in recognizing the interrelationships that exist between the nervous system, muscle tension and the skeletal system, and how the interplay of these factors can create or compromise the structural integrity of the spine and its related structures. The following points illustrate this complexity:

-The tension within a muscle or tendon is produced by the nerve which supplies it. The nervous system is ultimately responsible for the tension of the muscles and tendons.

-The muscles and tendons exert force upon the bones and joints and thus abnormal tensions in the body may lead to joint dysfunction.

-Joint dysfunction at the spinal level (vertebral subluxation) may result in changes in the way the nervous system operates. The resulting nerve dysfunction may generate abnormal tensions in the muscles and tendons…and so the cycle continues.

-On the one hand, the structural integrity of the spine may be disturbed by the presence of a vertebral subluxation, but, on the other hand, dysfunction of the related tissues can result in the development of a vertebral subluxation.

The relationship between function and structure is particularly important to the Bowen therapist, who seeks to identify and correct dysfunction within the various systems of the body. Observation of symmetry forms the basis on which the therapist can develop  specific therapeutic interventions and target them to resolve any abnormal tissue tensions. Correctly applied, these interventions restore function and associated symmetry.1

Fascia

Fascia is currently being widely researched as it is now evident that it plays a key role in the structure and function of the body.  French surgeon Jean-Claude  Guimbertear’ s ground breaking discovery that fascia, due to its piezoelectric nature, governs thousands of processes throughout the body- a true engineering system. ‘Strolling under the skin’ 2, a documentary made by Dr. Guimbertears and his colleagues, visually depicts the tremendous array of processes that occur in the human tissue simply due to the pressure of the scalpel. Blood vessels disappear and others appear, fluid exchange occurs- all due to the piezoelectric nature of the fascia.

The Bowen Technique relies heavily on this fascial system.  Piezoelectricity is defined as the electric polarization in a substance resulting from the application of mechanical stress.  The fascia consists mainly of collagen and elastin- both peizoelectric materials.   For bodyworkers this translates to the application of pressure applied to the fascia creates an electrical impulse that is sent to the brain.  The brain in response sends a host of chemical messengers back to the origin of the electrical impulse with the result being the restoration of homeostasis. During a Bowen session the client is visually and tactally assessed.  Functional asymmetry is determined followed by treatment.  At the end of the session a reassessment is performed to determine that functional symmetry has been restored.  Structure and function have been restored.  Pharmaceutical and surgical intervention is no longer required.

The work of Tom Myers , author of the book Anatomy Trains3, maps out the main fascial lines in the body teaching us the important connections throughout the body.  In recent years due to several important discoveries it has become evident that the meridian system may in fact run through these fascial lines.  This work is evolving our knowledge of how the human body is put together and how it truly functions on an anatomical, mechanical, chemical and energetic level.

As Mr. Myers quotes in his book, “the close relationship between acupuncture and  similar meridians and the anatomical basics of these continuities is inescapable.”   Significant overlap between fascial lines and energetic continuities of the various meridians are obvious. Additionally, Mr. Myers states that Dr. Helene Langevin and others have shown that connective tissue winds around the end of the acupuncture needle when it is rotated in place, creating detectable mechanical tissue effects.  3Drawing these fields of study together we find a “unified field” theory appears and we begin to understand the intricacies of the body’s self-regulation with proper mechanical stimulation.

Meridian Theory

Graham Pennington’s evolution of the Bowen Technique resulted in his most recent class titled “Targeting Primary Dysfunction” in which he introduces meridian theory  into the technique.  As an acupuncture physician he understands how deeply connected these bodies of work are.  As he states “meanwhile East and West continue to collide…”   Many scholars now believe the meridians of Chinese medicine are actually ‘pathways’ through the fascia.  In his book, A Textbook of The Bowen Technique,  Mr. Pennington declares that fascia serves to provide structures which transmit mechanical tensions, whether generated by muscular activities or external forces through the body.   Andrew  Taylor Still “Philosophy  of Osteopathy” (1899)….”all… nerves go to and terminate in that great system, the fascia.”  Osteopathic theory holds that, in a state of health, fluids  flow freely from one fascial compartment to the next states Mr. Pennington.  As a result of traumatic injury the fascia may twist, constrict, and compress.  The exchange of fluids through the fascial medium becomes compromised.  Osteopathic treatments (as in the Bowen Technique) attempt to unravel these fascial strains to re-establish fluid continuity throughout the body.

“By its action (the fascia) we live and by its failure we…die” Andrew Taylor Still, founder of Osteopathy 

The Bowen Technique

Many Bowen therapists follow a standardized approach to treatment. Today however, the technique has evolved because of some brilliant therapists such as Mr. Pennington. Mr. Pennington teaches these advanced techniques worldwide and has a handful of students who also teach his work. The first vast difference between the original Bowen method and today’s technique used by Mr. Pennington and his students is the visual assessment which allows for a more intelligent approach and effective outcomes. Fascial strains occur in the body and result in asymmetrical patterns. These asymmetries can be seen visually as leg length discrepancy. Leg length discrepancies are a key aspect of this visual assessment. As we now know the fascia dictates the stresses and strains put on the various tissues. These stresses and strains result in functional asymmetry throughout the body. Mr. Pennington’s technique uses this information to determine where in the body the restrictions are so that they can be targeted and released using the Bowen “move.” The Bowen “move” is unique in its simplicity and complexity. It is a very simple move across muscles and tendons yet the complexity comes with palpation skills which develop over time with intention and practice. This tactile recognition skill is the second difference between the original technique and that used by Mr. Pennington and students. Tactile recognition is the ability to delineate between various conditions of the tissue being palpated. The condition of the tissue determines the speed and depth of the Bowen move that is required. Tissue that has become hardened or stuck requires more time and depth than tissue that is soft and pliable. Differences in temperature of the tissue also lend information. The quality of the move determines the quality of the electrical signal sent to the brain and Central Nervous System. Every “move” is an assessment. Continual assessment during the treatment is a must to determine the course of treatment. Being able to put the pieces of the puzzle together along the way during treatment is what allows the therapist to determine the appropriate approach to treatment and to achieve desired results. Applying these skills to the practice exponentially increases the success of the therapy.  Once identified, the asymmetry can quite simply be remedied using The Bowen Technique. Important fascial connections are addressed in a hierarchal order and the body is systematically brought back into balance, aka symmetry.

“We seek to find the site at which we can deliver a targeted intervention that will activate and benefit the nervous system and illicit a profound healing response from the body.” –Graham Pennington

The pathology (examples: disc herniations, torn meniscus, tennis elbow, plantar fascitis, migraine, back pain, knee pain) results from compressions in the fascial system clamping down on nerves creating pain, dysfunction and deterioration. Restoring symmetry using The Bowen Technique balances the tensional forces in the various planes of fascia and releases the compression on various nerves eliminating pain. The result visually is leg length symmetry validating the therapists success in restoring symmetry to the body. The number of treatments required to remedy a chronic or acute situation vary but often a handful of treatments is all that is necessary to remedy the condition. This is another remarkable trait of The Bowen Technique. Once a client comes in for treatment (once per week typically) with no pathology and visual assessment shows symmetry is still in tact, the condition is remedied. The pathology no longer resides in the body and the condition no longer exists. There is no need for further treatment. This distinguishes The Bowen Technique from virtually all other therapies. Most therapies in practice today provide only temporary relief treating symptoms but never accomplishing healing. With The Bowen Technique a true remedy is accomplished. Maintenance appointments are encouraged to keep the body in alignment.

Notes

1. Graham Pennington, A Textbook of the Bowen Technique, 2012, A Comprehensive Guide to the Practice of Bowen Therapy. Www.bowenseminars.com

2. Dr. Jean-Claude Guimbertears, “Strolling under the skin”, 2015 , www.youtube.com.

3. Thomas W. Myers, Anatomy Trains, 2014, Myofascial Meridians & Movement Therapists.www.myersmyofascialmeridians.com

 

About Penny:

As an engineer, educator and bodyworker for thirty seven years Penny Michaels brings a unique combination of science, technology, and bodywork skills for an intelligent conversation on the state of bodywork. She teaches nationally as an NCBTMB Approved Provider for Continuing Education to massage therapists through The Cortiva Institute. She holds private practice in Vero Beach, Florida. Visit her website at www. pennymichaels.com to read more of her articles and email her.

The Body Is One Whole, Not Pieces and Parts

It is very unfortunate for us Amercians who were taught about all of our anatomical pieces and parts but were never taught about the interconnectedness of all these pieces and parts.  Today, in Western medicine, the condition of a  foot for example, has nothing to do with the condition of the neck. And the gallbladder certainly has nothing to do with a vertebral subluxation at thoracic vertabrae T12-L1. A podiatrist is not going to look to your neck to fix an ankle problem-ever! But guess what? A Bowen Therapist would! And, yes, a Bowen Therapist just may be able to remedy your sciatica by working on your jaw.

I know, this is where people think we”oh brother, here we go…” but at least read on a little about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before closing your mind.  I use TCM as an example because hopefully it at least carries enough weight for some consideration outside “The Box.”  It’s been around for many thousands of years, much longer than Western medicine.

“TCM, above all, sees the human body as an organic whole, a complete system made up of physical structures, emotions, mind, and spirit. It does not separate your body into parts, nor does it just treat one part of your body. In the TCM view, everything in the body is seen as woven together into a seamless whole; all parts have a relationship with one another.” (www.tcmworld.com)

It is the same with  Bowen Therapists.  We understand that the connective tissue structures in the body are continuous and interconnected in a multitude of ways.  The very same connective tissue that runs down the right side of the head also runs down the left side of the body.  Low back pain can absolutely be caused by a problem in the cervical (neck) AND vice-versa!

It would behoove us Westerners to embrace this idea.  We would benefit greatly- we would be taking less pharmaceuticals and having less surgeries and enjoying all of our pieces and parts working and playing together in one WHOLISTIC , highly functioning and painfree body.

Time for a Tune-up!!

Bowen Therapy is great when you’re hurt, for sure.  It’s also a good idea for maintenance- you know, self care.  We do lots of great things for our bodies here at The Boulevard- tennis, workouts at the gym, stretching, maybe even yoga??  Nothing better than yoga and stretching to help keep us balanced and fully functional and pain-free: EXCEPT Bowen!!

Just like we take our cars in for regular maintenance or we regret it later- same goes for our bodies! If we don’t keep them “balanced and lubed” we are going to regret it later- with injuries.  Trust me, nobody loves stretching and yoga more than me, but Bowen Therapy balances our bodies like nothing else!

Our soft tissues that we hardly even notice- are the most important structures that need to be balanced tension-wise so that we can remain fully functional and pain and damage-free.   Soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and FASCIA (no need to understand the structure just the function) are what keeps the bones where they need to be and gives our joints the room they need so that nerves don’t get impinged, pain doesn’t happen, and we are able to play as much tennis as our hearts desire!

Structure and function have a reciprocal relationship and if our structure isn’t balanced, function deteriorates and we are in pain and not on the courts.  Then there are pills and doctors and oh no- surgery.

So, you want to be one of those “lucky” people that never gets hurt?? Come in for a tune- up regularly!

Yours in Health & Happiness,

Penny