What is Bowen?
  The Bowen Technique is a catalyst in enabling the body to heal itself.
- Julian Baker, Prinicpal Instructor and
Director of ECBS
Named after the Australian, Tom Bowen, it is a soft tissue remedial therapy using fingers and thumbs to make a rolling move over fascia, muscles, tendons and ligaments at specific points on the body.
Whereas some other therapies work on releasing muscle tension, Bowen works on releasing tension in the connective tissue of the body. There are layers of connective tissue, or fascia, throughout our bodies and every muscle, tendon, ligament, organ and bone is also covered, contains or is made up of this connective tissue which also contains a great deal of our nervous system. By working to release the connective tissue there is a greater effect of release throughout the body and nervous system and so the body is able to make many corrective adjustments itself.
When a Bowen move is made, the brain asks the body questions in an attempt to establish what actions are needed in response to the move. This communication between body and brain enables the appropriate response to occur in the body bringing balance to the area worked. Effects may be felt in other areas of the body as equilibrium is restored and it is very common for a client to come back for a second treatment and report that his original shoulder pain is reduced and his digestion is also working better or his hay fever is improved. These secondary symptoms may never have been mentioned to the therapist in the first treatment but this demonstrates that the information the brain received from the body enabled it to recognise further imbalances in the body and set up the appropriate responses in order to rectify them.
The Therapy works by carefully working over specific areas of the body to produce a response from the brain. This remedial re-alignment ‘reminds’ the autonomic nervous system of correct placements which provide relief to the client – sometimes within a session and sometimes over a few days after treatment.
The skill from the Practitioner is in identifying the exact source of discomfort and applying the correct Bowen moves directly to that area. A unique tool of the Bowen technique practitioner is 'tissue tension sense', meaning that the practitioner is able to discern stress build-up in muscle groups and then utilize the Bowen technique moves to release that stress. Using very light pressures with fingers and thumbs, the available skin is rolled up and over the area identified, thus creating a disturbance in the connective tissue and the signals being transmitted to the brain. A period of waiting allows the brain to identify this disturbance and then re-transmit the correct signals to the affected area. This helps relieve muscle spasms and increases blood and lymph flow. Bowen is effective in bringing balance to all the body’s systems, restoring equilibrium to functions that are experiencing instability. To take a very extreme parallel, the cause and effect is similar to pulmonary defibrillation where the disorganised electric impulses in the heart are interrupted in order to allow a steady beat to be restored.
From the client’s point of view, Bowen is a relaxing and non-invasive procedure, comprising small, gentle moves by the Practitioner interspersed with periods of resting. These resting periods are essential to the treatment since they allow the brain time to recognise the appropriate response required to make the necessary neurological adjustments to retain correct placement and posture through out the body.
“Excellent, many thanks. Already extremely pleased, not only in my choice of career therapy but also my choice of school - excellent, professional, efficient and helpful. Thank you.” Chrissie H, Feb 2000
Other Key Features:
- Can be performed through light clothing, lying down or in a chair
- A gentle therapy with no harsh or hard movements, no prolonged pressure, no oils or lotions used.
- No other hands on therapy for 7 days either side of a Bowen treatment (if mixed with other treatments we can’t monitor the outcome – which therapy caused the changes). As Bowen encourages the communication between brain and body, we must allow time for that to establish and this continues after a treatment for a few days. By putting in other treatments, the body and brain have to adapt to those and the effects of the communication established by Bowen will be lost.
- Rests are given throughout the treatment, allowing the body and brain time to communicate and investigate to decide what actions are required in response to the moves made to restore balance to the body.
- Strong reactions after a treatment can occur
- People tend to respond to treatments within 3 – 4 sessions. After this it up to the individual case and the therapist to decide how often further treatments are deemed necessary. Some circumstances may require regular treatments and for others it will be more of a maintenance programme of treatments every 6 - 8 weeks.
The Courses: The courses available reflect the five levels that culminate in practical and theory exams as required by the ECBS (European College of Bowen Studies).
Successful completion of the training results in the Certificate of Proficiency, a recognised qualification accepted by leading insurance companies. ECBS is registered with and is a member of BCMA, IGPP and has professional links with the College of Chiropractors. It is also recognised CPD (Continued Professional Development) with the Physiotherapists Association.
Courses are carefully structured to meet the specific requirements of individual students. All courses are biased towards practical demonstration, allowing plenty of time for each student to fully understand and apply each technique.
The training format has been designed to enable people from all backgrounds to be confident and relaxed whilst learning the Bowen Technique and the courses are also fully accessible for those wishing to study the Bowen Technique to help family and friends or for their own interest.
Pre requisites: Although there is no entry level requirement for attending the course, a good grounding in Anatomy would be useful. The course is taught referring to muscles and their latin names. Students wishing to practice professionally upon completion will be required to hold a certificate in Anatomy and Physiology (or equivalent) as well as a current first aid certificate and be insured.
Tutor: Jo Lunn (view biography)
For more information please contact us or visit the ECBS site: www.thebowentechnique.com
Course times: 9.30am - 5.00pm
The Courses:
Level One (Four Days)
All students begin with this introduction to the concept of the Bowen Technique. Small classes allow plenty of supervision and detailed, illustrated teaching notes are provided. The teaching method is very practical and hands-on. Under close supervision, students practise the moves on each other so that by the end of Part One they have the skills to perform a complete body treatment.
The areas covered in this level are as follows:
Introduction
The Bowen Technique is introduced and explaines as being a system of bodywork, together with the fundamental principles. This section also covers guidelines for treatment and explanations of how and why Bowen works. The dos and don'ts are covered as well as guidelines for treatment.
Lower Back and Legs
introduces a comprehensive treatment for lower back complaints, knee problems, hamstring and circulatory symptoms.
Back and Neck Procedures
effective treatment for a whole range of presentations. The simple and surprisingly few moves I these two areas are powerful and fundamental tools that effectively address the entire body system and form the basis of most Bowen treatments.
Shoulder Procedure
one of the most effective treatments for shoulder complaints currently available in physical therapy.
Elbow, Wrist and Knee Procedure
address problems such as tennis elbow, tendonitis, and RSI as well as acute injuries and chronic conditions.
Ankle Procedure
an immediate and very effective tool to treat an ankle that has been sprained or otherwise injured. With many therapies, treatment is not performed on inflamed or swollen areas, however the very gently Bowen can be successful in these situations.
Hamstring Procedure
increases the flexibility of the hamstrings. Studies show that there is not only a significant improvement immediately after treatment but flexibility also continues during the week after Bowen.
Case Histories
To establish a good level of understanding and proficiency, students record all of their case histories and submit the case studies of 10 clients, each of whom has received three treatments. Students work on these during the time between Part One and Part Three. Between courses, the teaching team is available to support students and to answer any questions arising from the practical aspects of the case history work.
Cost: £395.00 (£336.17 +VAT) for the 4 days - Secure your place with a deposit of £100.00 and the balance is then due 8 weeks before the start of the course.
Level 1 course dates:
| Thursday 12th - Sunday 15th June 2008 |
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Level Two (Two days)
Level Two is a revision course to ensure that the knowledge and practical application of procedures taught in Part One are accurate. At this stage, students have already gained some experience through pracitse of the technique – Part Two will build on and refine their skill and accruacy. Time is also spent assisting students as they compile their client case-history treatments.
Cost: £160.00 (£136.17 +VAT) for the 2 days.
Level 2 course dates:
| Saturday 2nd - Sunday 3rd August 2008 |
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Level Three (Three Days)
Level Three takes the technique to a new dimensions with specific treatment procedures that are remarkable for their speed and efficiency. A manual accompanies the Level Three notes containing over 100 full colour photographs with simple text and directional arrows showing the position and direction of the moves. This can also be a useful resource to help the student explain the nature of the technique to clients.
Respiratory and Diaphragm Procedure
An important procedure of the treatment of symptoms associated with respiratory illness. It also addresses childhood and infant colic, asthma and, with slight adjustment, even structural deformities such as scoliosis.
Temporo Mandibular Joint Procedure
One of the most useful procedures – the TMJ has so many applications that it is almost impossible to list them all.
Pelvic Procedure
Using the four moves in the pelvic procedure, therapists often see even the most entrenched and chronic problems change in minutes. Leg length differences that may have been treated many times by other methods can resolve immediately with a long-term outcome. Other uses for the procedure include treatment during pregnancy, general reproductive issues, sports therapy, groin strain and hamstring problems.
Coccyx Procedure
Used for a wide range of presentations including reproductive and urinary complaints, digestive and allergy problems as well as injuries and structural issues surrounding the coccyx.
Kidney Procedure
An important move aimed at reducing pressure and inflammation around the kidney area, helping to relieve urinary tract symptoms as well as mid back pain.
Case Histories
The submission of 10 clients histories (30 treatments) is a course requirement for attending Level Three. These receive a written evaluation, giving guidance and suggestions for improvement, where required. Students begin a second set of case histories, 10 of which are to be submitted before attending Level Five.
There is a minimum interval of four months between Part One and Part Three
Cost: £295.00 (£251.06 +VAT) for the 3 days - Secure your place with a deposit of £100.00 and the balance is then due 8 weeks before the start of the course.
Level 3 course dates:
| Friday 7th - Sunday 9th November 2008 |
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Level Four (Two Days)
Level Four revises the Bowen moves covered in Part Three and aims to consolidate all the moves learned to date. At this stage, students are in the process of preparing their second set of 10 client case history treatments. As always our knowledgeable and dedicated teachers are available to answer any questions a student may have.
Cost: £160.00 (£136.17 +VAT) for the 2 days.
Level 4 course dates:
| Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th December 2008 |
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Level Five (Three Days)
Assessment and Examination direct through ECBS
Part Five reviews and practises all work covered and includes a writen and practical assessment on the afternoon of the third day. Students often comment that this isn the module where everything seems to fall into place.
Level Five is offered in a number of regional venues and therefore will not necessarily be the same venue as the previous levels of training. The dates and venues are provided during training. If you require these sooner, please contact me or ECBS Head Office.
Course dates and venues for Part Five are given to students during Level Three. If you require these dates sooner please contact Head Office.
Case Histories
The submission of 10 more client case histories (30 treatments) is a course requirement for attending Level Five. These receive a written evaluation, giving guidance and suggestions for improvement, where required.
For more information please contact us or visit the ECBS site: www.thebowentechnique.com |
