The Bowen Technique
his form of bodywork is a relatively new technique developed just after WWII by Thomas Bowen, an Australian. Little is known of Bowen except that he briefly studied medicine a year before the war, returned to Australia and worked in a chemical plant. In 1950, he started his practice in a small house in Geelong, Australia, where he was able to relieve aches and pains with just a light touch of his hands in particular areas. In 1974, the Victorian government found that Bowen was treating and curing an amazing 13,000 patients a year with over 85% requiring only one or two visits to get complete relief. Later in 1974, Bowen taught his technique to an Australian osteopath, Oswald Rentsch. Dr. Rentsch taught the technique to others so that the world might benefit from this remarkable healing process
How the Bowen Technique works
There are many theories behind how this soft touch therapy actually works, but no actual medical reasoning to date. What is done is a series of specific gentle moves across tendons, muscles, and fascia throughout the body. The fingers and thumbs move with the most delicate pressure, referred to as 'eyeball pressure', the maximum amount of force one would use to rub the eyeball, which may vary from patient to patient. This rolling motion is continued for a period of time and then the therapist leaves the room to let the body adjust in the healing process. Upon return, the technique is reapplied. The technique is relatively easy to learn and takes just four days of training at one of the certified schools. For more information or to find a certified Bowen specialist, contact the Bowen Technique website.
The herbs and homeopathic medicines suggested in this section are those most commonly prescribed by experienced practitioners. If you are uncertain of the cause of an ailment, see a healthcare practitioner for a diagnosis; if the cause is clear or you have previous experience with the ailment, herbal or homeopathic treatment is a gentle way to take care of yourself. DO NOT STOP ANY PRESCRIPTION DRUG without consulting your M.D.; doing so could have very serious consequences.
