iBowen App

Like other reflex therapies, the role of the spindle cells and other receptors of the skin, fascia, muscles and joints is primordial. A major difference, which allows a better integration of the information and brings lasting results is the pause, the somatosensory integration time, absolutely necessary and present between each sequences of Bowen moves.

The quality and precision of the work makes the difference in the results.

The Bowen technique is a hands-on, holistic method which consists of very gentle challenges to the muscles and soft tissues; it produces astonishing results, considering the delicateness of the care from the practitioner

Thomas Ambrose Bowen was born in Australia in 1916. In the early 50’s, he noticed that his wife’s asthma attacks, which often required hospitalization, varied significantly in accordance with her nutrition. After years of a sound diet, and the soft tissue manipulations which he had perfected over time to alleviate her suffering, Jessie no longer needed drugs or hospitalization.

During this period, he met with Ernie Saunders, a renowned manual therapist. This collaboration marked a turning point in his life. Over the course of his numerous meetings with Saunders, Bowen developed treatment techniques that would later bear his name. Self-taught, Bowen studied anatomy and, step by step, experimented constantly; he developed a unique method that allowed him to treat different types of pain and general ailments.

Tom Bowen was inspired by the principle that the body has the ability to “self-regulate.” To him, the ideal therapeutic technique was one that would stimulate the system to rebalance the malfunctions resulting from tissue disruption. He incorporated the underlying principles that structure governs function and that everything is interconnected. Therefore, the disruption of any one tissue disrupts the function of the entire system.

The quality and precision of the work makes the difference in the results.

The Bowen technique is a hands-on, holistic method which consists of very gentle challenges to the muscles and soft tissues; it produces astonishing results, considering the delicateness of the care from the practitioner

External Influences
Calmness of the surroundings is of utmost consideration. Outside influences, such as background noise, music (even the softest), the scent of incense or of essential oils, are all elements that lessen the effects of the treatment. The notion of warmth is all important. The client should be covered and made to feel secure. In warm weather a light sheet can be used as a drape, while in cooler weather a flannel covering is appropriate.

Appropriate Clothing
The Bowen technique is best practiced by direct contact to the skin. However, experienced practitioners can just as easily work through light, loose-fitting clothing. If clients choose to remain clothed, it is clearly preferable that they wear comfortable clothing rather than tight-fitting jeans or leggings.

The Interview
Even though Bowen practitioners are not authorized to provide diagnoses, they will nevertheless inquire about their client’s state of general health and take note of their medical history, as well as the reasons for the treatment session. When in doubt, the therapist will suggest that the client consults with a medical doctor for an evaluation of their state of health.

The Session Itself
The Bowen technique uses approximately forty different regular moves, each targeting a particular joint or area. In addition, there are also more than forty specialized procedures. During the first session with a client, the practitioner will often choose to perform the three basic relaxation procedures as described above. It is imperative to remember that the less that is done, the more effective the treatment. Each treatment session lasts between 45 to 90 minutes and requires only a limited number of procedures.

The following list is drawn from statements made by Bowen clients who have found relief from their ailments as diagnosed by medical doctors.

• Faster recovery from illness, operation or injury (whether recent or in the past).
• Acute or chronic musculoskeletal disorders, whether post traumatic, post surgical or arthritic, with loss of mobility and/or muscular spasms.
• Sports injuries: ankles; knees; sprains; muscle strains; tennis elbow.
• Pelvic problems: hip pain; leg length discrepancy; tension in pelvic muscles.
• Shoulder problems: pain in the shoulders or upper limbs; numbness in the arms or hands; frozen shoulder; repetitive strain injuries.
• Neck problems: stiffness in or restricted mobility of the neck; resulting from an accident or poor posture.
• Pain in the coccyx, resulting from a fall or childbirth.
• Headaches and/or migraines, resulting from stress, tension, poor posture or digestion.
• Pain or tension in the jaws.
• Sciatic problems, whether recent or long lasting.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia.
• Menstrual pains: irregular cycle; pre-menstrual syndrome; menopause and hot flashes.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Digestive problems: constipation; diarrhoea, bloating.
• Hay fever, colds; flu; sinus congestion.
• Water retention; kidney stones.

Here is a recent testimonial from a client who I have been working with for a few years.

In March 2010 she had a large nodule in her thyroid. We did 4 sessions of Bowen and in May of 2010 the biopsy ultrasound showed that the nodule was too small to take the sample needed.

A few months after that she was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. We immediately started a program using the Eye Procedure with Additional moves to improve vision. She comes for treatment every 4-6 weeks. Here is what she has to say :
December 2012

Hello,
I’d like to take a minute to share with you my experience with Bowen and Liz Corbett. Liz, with her Bowen practice has helped me with several health problems. Right now she is helping me with one. It had me scared!

I was diagnosed with early stage Macular Degeneration. At the same time, I watched a close family member with Macular Degeneration follow the medically prescribed treatment and get progressively worse. Now her eye sight is almost nil.

And, while everyone is different, I turned back to Bowen and Liz to see if she had any way to help me.

With regular Bowen, my eye sight has not just remained the same, my sight has improved. It is better than before I was first diagnosed. I can now read a newspaper without my reading glasses.

Marian Odorico
Liz Corbett, Erin, On, Canada
+1 905-877-2048