Bowen Technique

When I first heard about the Bowen Technique some twelve months ago I was immediately keen to experience this unusual sounding form of therapy for myself.  I was told that the therapy involved light touch and very gentle muscle movement, and that it was not a form of massage.  I must admit that this challenged my beliefs somewhat.  In terms of therapeutic body techniques I was allied with 'the harder the better', and the 'no pain no gain' schools of thought.  Gentle massages had previously left me feeling frustrated, and although I had been told that Bowen Technique was not a form of massage, my opinions were crossing over and making it difficult to give this new  technique a fair appraisal.  

My misgivings were, however, largely overcome by the obvious insight into body mechanics that Jackie possessed.  She spoke of how the technique directly engages the nerve pathways to the brain and spinal chord, and how that the technique aimed to engage these pathways through the gentle movement of the muscle tissues.  It became clear that this form of healing had a sound theoretical basis, and I was interested to see what kind of results could be achieved through its practice.

One year later Jackie contacted me to offer a free session.  She expressed a strong belief in Bowen Technique and a genuine desire for people to experience its benefits.  I booked to see her the next week and was relieved that my growing curiosity would finally be satisfied one way or the other.

The session began with a short discussion about my lifestyle and what I was hoping to get out of the session.  I was very impressed with Jackie's insight into my muscular issues and my posture; something that I would have expected from a teacher of Alexander Technique, but not from a practitioner of Bowen.

I lay on the treatment couch whilst Jackie explained what to expect over the duration of the treatment which, I believe, lasted for around forty five minutes.  She advised me that she would perform some of the movements and then leave the room briefly to allow them to 'settle in' to the body.  This would be repeated during the course of the treatment and I was told that I may well experience a sense of deep relaxation.

The techniques themselves were very unusual.  At various places on the body a gentle stretch of the muscle was carried out with the use of the fingertips followed by a seemingly intricate movement and then a release.  The pressure was surprisingly gentle yet purposeful.  Different permutations of the same technique were carried out at various points of my body and I soon found myself in a deep state of relaxation, not wanting to ever to have to leave the treatment couch.  

I could feel a subtle, yet definite, effect within my body after each of the techniques was carried out and I was left by myself to allow the treatment to settle in.  Besides the general deep relaxation I could feel individual muscle pathways being activated, sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation or a warm feeling.  If I hadn't been so deeply relaxed I expect I would have been quite confused as to how such a gentle technique could have such a powerful effect.

The session ended with some gentle movements of my limbs that I was not expecting, and have not previously encountered.  I was told that they were involved in realigning the body in some way.  Once I managed to leave the treatment couch Jackie gave me some final words of advice on how to look after my body and some bad habits that should be avoided.

It was not until I had left that I noticed the full effects of the treatment.  My posture was noticeably more comfortable and I felt that walking was almost effortless.  For the next hour or so I could not help to experiment with my new found relaxation, testing the new feelings within my body.  The benefits did not cease there.  Over the next few days the treatment seemed to further ingrain itself within my body and I continued to experience a deeper sense of relaxation and improved posture.

The Bowen Association UK lists a number of problems that Bowen may be able to address.  These include:

•  Skeletal and muscular problems from lumbar to neck
•  Sciatica
•  Allergies
•  Asthma and other respiratory problems
•  Bell s palsy
•  Constipation and diahrrea
•  Digestive upsets
•  Dizziness
•  Dyslexia
•  Ear aches and infections
•  Foot problems (plantar fascitis, bunions)
•  Frozen shoulder
•  Headaches (migraine, sinus) - Hernia and heartburn- Kidney and bladder disorders including incontinence
•  Knee and hip restrictions
•  Menstrual and other female problems
•  Pelvic (tilt, leg length, hip imbalance)
•  Prostate
•  Repetitive stress injury (RSI)
•  TMJ and grinding of the teeth

Although I can only vouch for the technique in terms of how it addressed my own issues (that of posture and muscular tension), I was extremely impressed and would recommend this form of therapy very highly. 

Jackie Ahluwalia practices Bowen Technique in Bristol.   To view her contact details please click on her name.