Bowen Therapy is a holistic and multidimensional approach to pain relief and healing that has achieved remarkable results over the past 50 years. It is based on the recognition by Tom Bowen, the originator who lived and practiced in Australia, that the underlying cause or source of many musculoskeletal, neurological, neuromuscular and other health or pain problems could be found in the soft tissue or fascia. Fascia is a specific type of connective tissue that forms a three dimensional web surrounding every tissue in the body. Fascia is the body organizer embracing all nerves, bones, arteries, veins and muscles. Therefore fascial dysfunction can affect every structure, muscle, nerve and organ in the body. Fascia has become the subject of research and recent studies have shown it to be the largest sensory organ in the body. It is rich in a range of receptors that powerfully influences the body's neuromuscular physiology in many complex ways.

Bowen Therapy, through specific soft tissue or fascial release and integration techniques, stimulate specific receptors that enable the body itself to correct dysfunctions and restore homeostasis (balance) on a holistic level. By treating the cause rather than the symptoms Bowen Therapy has consistently shown it can have profound and permanent healing and pain relief outcomes. This relief is experienced by many people who have a wide range of painful conditions, particularly where other types of treatments have resulted in transient or little improvement. Importantly, Bowen Therapy, being holistic, does not rely on a detailed diagnosis of the problem and its origins, which is often costly and indeterminate. Bowen Therapy treats the whole body and its holistic effects are apparent in patients who find resolution to problems above and beyond those for which they have sought treatment, for example lack of energy, stress or emotional issues.

How does it work? There are many theories about the physiological mechanisms by which the Bowen Technique brings about the results for which it is famous. One of which is it rebalances the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls over 80% of bodily functions and is very susceptible to external stressors. Most people today live in a constant state of high stress and sympathetic ANS over-stimulation (fight, flight or freeze mode). Healing can occur only after the ANS shifts from sympathetic to parasympathetic dominance (rest, relax and repair mode). Bowen Technique enables that shift. Bowtech moves and procedures may also reset the body to heal itself by activating, through the nervous and endocrine systems among others, the following mechanisms:

• Stretch reflex: Most moves are done either at the origin, insertion or belly of muscles where receptors are located, informing the nervous system on the state of tension, length or stretch in the musculotendinous tissue. These receptors are stimulated during the 'challenge' and the 'rolling' part of the Bowen move, which changes the stimulus received by the nervous system. This can change a pain/muscle spasm loop.
• Joint proprioceptors: All moves done around a joint directly affect the joint capsule and ligaments that are richly innervated with proprioceptors. Here again, stimulus will be received by the nervous system, inviting normalization of the joint function without the need for forceful manipulation. Research (Carter, Bernie, 2002, 'Clients experiences of frozen shoulder and its treatment with Bowen technique, Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, v. 8, pp. 204-210) has confirmed increases in the range of motion in restricted joints.
• Fascia: Each Bowen move is done at the level of the superficial fascia and affects the relationship between the fascia and the nerve, muscle or tendon being mobilized. Fascia plays a major role in muscle co-ordination, postural alignment and overall structural and functional integrity. All of these are negatively affected when the fascia stiffens, contracts, torques or dehydrates. Following a Bowtech session it is not uncommon to see adhesions loosen up, scar tissue soften and posture and mobility improve without harsh mobilization or stretching.
• Segmental viscerosomatic spinal reflexes: Several Bowtech moves engage these reflexes. They produce referred reactions to the internal organs through stimulation of the skin, muscles and nerves.
• Harmonic vibration or resonance model: Bowen work moves set up vibrational patterns, which bring the body back into balance and harmony.
• Lymphatics: Some Bowtech procedures activate the draining of the lymphatic system stimulating the immune system.
• Detoxification is often initiated during a Bowen session, thereby improving the body's ability to function at a cellular level.

The continuity of muscles up the back and down the legs means that this relationship is given a lot of attention in Bowen work sessions. Manipulation of these muscles can have a profound effect on the spine and posture.

Source: www.bowtech.com