Clinic Services | Treatment Methods

Bowen Therapy – Bowtech

Where did the Bowen Technique originate?

The Bowen Technique was developed in the 1950’s by the late Tom Bowen from Geelong, Australia. Bowen became a celebrated therapist, regularly treating over 13,000 clients each year. In 1974, he invited Oswald Rentsch and his wife Elaine to study with him and document his work. They are the Founders and Principals of the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia.

Colin & Olive Harris are fully qualified Bowen Technique Practitioners. They have undertaken all of their training, to an advanced level, directly under the instruction of Oswald and Elaine Rentsch. Colin & Olive have been practicing this modality in its original and most successful form at Nurtura Health since 1994, whilst continuing to do refreshers and upgrades on a bi-yearly basis.

What It Is and How Does It Work?

Bowtech, the original Bowen Technique, is a gentle form of body work in which very subtle non-invasive moves are performed over the muscles and connective tissue. This technique sends messages deep into the body, retrieving cellular memory of a preferred, relaxed, balanced way of wellbeing. Results can be remarkable, even from the first session; often only a few sessions are needed to correct the presenting problem.

There are frequent, but very essential pauses throughout the session that allows the body time to respond and begin the healing process. The Practitioner can target a specific problem or address the body as a whole.

Unlike many other hands-on therapies, the Bowen Technique does not use forceful manipulation. A unique skill of the Bowen Practitioner is ‘tissue tension’ sense, meaning that the Practitioners are able to discern stress build- up in muscles and other soft tissues enabling them to perform specific Bowen moves to assist recovery.

Bowen Technique addresses not only the musculo-skeletal framework, but also the fascia, nerves and internal organs. The body’s integrated response improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, and aids in the assimilation of nutrients and elimination of toxins.

The Bowen Technique can help clients on all levels: Mr. Tom Bowen said that any or every condition could be addressed by this technique.

Can the Bowen Technique help me?

The original Bowen Technique is extremely gentle and is considered appropriate for anyone from pregnant women to newborn babies, the frail and the elderly.

It can assist recovery from many conditions, from traumatic injury to chronic illness, depending upon each individual’s capacity to heal. No adverse side-effects have been reported.

The technique should be considered for:

• Back pain and sciatica
• Digestive and bowel problems, including IBS
• Ear-ache, ear infections and migraines
• Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome
• Knee, ankle and foot problems
• Menstrual and hormonal irregularities
• Neck/shoulder problems, including frozen shoulder
• Groin pain, pelvic tilt and uneven leg length
• Respiratory problems and hay fever
• RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow
• Sports and accident injuries
• Childhood bedwetting

Can I use other Therapies?

A Bowen session initiates a cascade of beneficial changes that continue for several days. Applying other manipulative therapies during this time can interrupt this process and undermine the overall effectiveness of the Bowen work. It is therefore recommended that the client wait a week before commencing any other manual therapy.

The aim of the Bowen Technique is to restore balance and function to the body. Clients often report major or total improvement in seemingly unrelated problems that they may have forgotten to mention to the Practitioner, whilst gaining relief from pain and discomfort of the presenting condition.