What Is Bowenwork™?
Bowenwork™ is a very unique bodywork modality. It uses small, but measured inputs to the body, which stimulate the body to heal itself. Gentle moves done on muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves send signals to the nervous system and the body does the rest, responding in its own time, as it is able.
Bowenwork™ does not focus on a single complaint. It addresses the entire body, by restoring balance to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls most bodily functions and is very sensitive to external stressors. Most people today live in a continual state of high stress. Healing can occur only after the ANS is taken out of the high-stress sympathetic mode ("fight or flight") and shifted to the parasympathetic mode ("rest and relaxation"). Bowenwork™ seems to promote that shift.
Bowenwork™ sessions generally last from 45 minutes to an hour. The moves are gentle, but specific, and can be done through light, loose clothing if the client prefers. Clients usually rest on a massage table or bed during the treatment, and some procedures may be done as the client stands or sits.
Between sets of moves, the practitioner takes a pause by leaving the treatment room and allowing the client's body to respond to the work. After the nervous system begins to adjust the tension level in the muscles, the client is ready for the next set of moves.
In massage and other forms of bodywork, the practitioner imposes corrections on the client through the technique performed. In contrast, Bowenwork™ allows the body to heal itself with minimal intervention. The body continues to respond to a session for four or five days. Because of this continuing response, other forms of bodywork performed up to four days before, or five days after, a Bowenwork session may interfere with its effectiveness.
History Of Bowenwork™
Tom Bowen, (1916 - 1982), began developing his technique in the 1950s in Geelong, Australia. He developed his technique without having any formal training in the sciences or bodywork and frequently stated his work was "a gift from God". In the 1970s, he handpicked 6 men to follow him and study his technique. One of these men, Oswald Rentsch, at Tom's request, began to teach the technique to others following Tom's death. Ossie and his wife, Elaine, founded the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia in 1987, and have practitioners in over 50 countries around the world.
For further information, please go to the international website of the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia at www.bowtech.com or the US website at www.bowenwork.com.
What can Bowenwork be used for?
Bowenwork can be performed on most people, including pregnant women, babies and the elderly. It is beneficial for a wide range of conditions, from acute to chronic, depending on the individual's capacity to heal. Many clients report that a session is very relaxing and some even fall asleep during treatment.
Just some of the conditions that often respond well to Bowenwork™ include:
Back pain and sciatica
Digestive and bowel problems including diarrhea and constipation
Earache and TMJ problems
Migraines and other forms of headaches
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Hip, knee, ankle and foot problems
Menstrual and hormonal problems
Neck and shoulder problems
Pelvic tilt
Respiratory problems including asthma
Carpal tunnel and tennis elbow
Stress
Bowenwork™ is a very unique bodywork modality. It uses small, but measured inputs to the body, which stimulate the body to heal itself. Gentle moves done on muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves send signals to the nervous system and the body does the rest, responding in its own time, as it is able.
Bowenwork™ does not focus on a single complaint. It addresses the entire body, by restoring balance to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls most bodily functions and is very sensitive to external stressors. Most people today live in a continual state of high stress. Healing can occur only after the ANS is taken out of the high-stress sympathetic mode ("fight or flight") and shifted to the parasympathetic mode ("rest and relaxation"). Bowenwork™ seems to promote that shift.
Bowenwork™ sessions generally last from 45 minutes to an hour. The moves are gentle, but specific, and can be done through light, loose clothing if the client prefers. Clients usually rest on a massage table or bed during the treatment, and some procedures may be done as the client stands or sits.
Between sets of moves, the practitioner takes a pause by leaving the treatment room and allowing the client's body to respond to the work. After the nervous system begins to adjust the tension level in the muscles, the client is ready for the next set of moves.
In massage and other forms of bodywork, the practitioner imposes corrections on the client through the technique performed. In contrast, Bowenwork™ allows the body to heal itself with minimal intervention. The body continues to respond to a session for four or five days. Because of this continuing response, other forms of bodywork performed up to four days before, or five days after, a Bowenwork session may interfere with its effectiveness.
History Of Bowenwork™
Tom Bowen, (1916 - 1982), began developing his technique in the 1950s in Geelong, Australia. He developed his technique without having any formal training in the sciences or bodywork and frequently stated his work was "a gift from God". In the 1970s, he handpicked 6 men to follow him and study his technique. One of these men, Oswald Rentsch, at Tom's request, began to teach the technique to others following Tom's death. Ossie and his wife, Elaine, founded the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia in 1987, and have practitioners in over 50 countries around the world.
For further information, please go to the international website of the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia at www.bowtech.com or the US website at www.bowenwork.com.
What can Bowenwork be used for?
Bowenwork can be performed on most people, including pregnant women, babies and the elderly. It is beneficial for a wide range of conditions, from acute to chronic, depending on the individual's capacity to heal. Many clients report that a session is very relaxing and some even fall asleep during treatment.
Just some of the conditions that often respond well to Bowenwork™ include:
Back pain and sciatica
Digestive and bowel problems including diarrhea and constipation
Earache and TMJ problems
Migraines and other forms of headaches
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Hip, knee, ankle and foot problems
Menstrual and hormonal problems
Neck and shoulder problems
Pelvic tilt
Respiratory problems including asthma
Carpal tunnel and tennis elbow
Stress