Peak Health Therapies

What is the Bowen Technique?

The Bowen Technique is a gentle form of body work in which very subtle moves performed over the muscles and connective tissue send messages deep into the body, retrieving cellular memory of a relaxed, balanced way of well-being.

The Bowen moves are light, gentle and very precise. There is no forceful manipulation. The practitioners discern stress build-up in muscles and other soft tissue, enabling them to perform specific Bowen moves to assist recovery and relief from pain.

There are frequent, but essential, pauses throughout the session that allow the body time to respond and begin the healing process. The practitioner can target a specific problem or address the body as a whole.

A Bowen session initiates a cascade of beneficial changes which continues for several days. Applying other manipulative therapies during this time can interrupt this process, undermining the overall effectiveness of the Bowen work. It is therefore recommended that the client waits a week before commencing any other manual therapy.

How many sessions will I need?

Results can be remarkable, even from the first session. Most people find that a small number of treatments are enough even for long-standing complaints.

What can I expect?

Clients often report major or total improvement in seemingly unrelated problems that they may have forgotten to mention to the practitioner.

Where did the Bowen Technique originate?

The Bowen Technique was developed in the 1950's by the late Thomas Bowen in Geelong, Australia. He became a celebrated therapist, regularly treating over 13,000 patients per year. In 1974, he invited Oswald Rentsch and his wife Elaine to study with him and document his work. However, it was not until 1986, four years after Bowen's death, that they began to teach the technique and ensuring that it is taught in its original form, they founded the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia in 1987. To date, over 12,000 practitioners worldwide have taken Bowen training.

Is it suitable for me?

The Bowen Technique is extremely gentle and is considered suitable for everyone - from pregnant women to newborn babies, the frail and the elderly. No adverse side effects have been reported.

Can it help me?

It can assist recovery from many conditions, from traumatic injury to chronic illness, depending on each individual's capacity to heal.

The Technique should be considered for:

• back pain
• sciatica
• digestive and bowel problems
• earache and ear infections
• migraines
• fibromyalgia
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• knee, ankle and foot problems
• menstrual and hormonal irregularities
• neck and shoulder problems
• groin pain and pelvis tilt
• uneven leg length
• respiratory problems and hay fever
• RSI, tennis elbow
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• sports injuries
• accidental injuries

At Peak Health Therapies our Bowen practitioner is Joe Dugdale, who completed his training with Bowen Training UK. Joe practices at Peak Health Therapies in Wirksworth and also in Buxton.