A blog by our Fascial Bodyworker, Monica Bradley, LMT
What is Bowenwork?
This modality is named after Tom Bowen who created this unique technique in the 1950’s in Australia where he lived. He used a gentle soft tissue stretch and roll over the fascial system that is known to Bowenworkers as a “move”. These moves are followed by a pause or integration period where the fascial system is allowed to reset tension patterns. The moves create vibrations through the fascia sort of like when an insect lands on a spider web and the whole web vibrates with the move of the bug.
Because of the pauses in between moves, multiple people can be treated at the same time. Tom Bowen was able to treat 250 people a week at his clinic and 85 percent of his patients reported resolution of the ailment that they were seeking treatment for. Mr. Bowen never formally taught anyone, but did allow a few people to observe his work in his later years. These observers then created a teaching platform which is now being taught internationally.
Why is Bowen so effective?
Bowen involves treating the fascia. Fascia is a connective tissue that covers the bones, the muscles, holds the organs and encompasses the nerves. It is everywhere in our system and that is why a treatment using Bowen can resolve issues like muscle pain, joint problems, sciatic pain, numbness and tingling, skin issues like eczema, digestive issues, TMJ dysfunction as well as stress.
I deem Bowen as “fascial medicine”. I have found it to be effective in treating body patterns and helps to improve posture without the person having to remember to sit up straight. I find that Bowen can be very helpful for the aging process, giving a new lease on life that has been stifled by poor mobility. People often find that they have more flexibility, bend better, have more energy and sleep better.
Think about how active you were when you were young. Were you ever sore from so much activity? Not typically. There was more elasticity to your fascial system. As we age and get beat up by all the fun we have in life, our system has to compromise for all the injuries that went untreated. Our bodies are amazing at compensating, but sooner or later, we can compensate no more.
This is when we don’t understand why our necks, backs, feet, shoulders, etc start to ache. It is like we are suddenly hurting ourselves while we are sleeping. This is the body’s way of saying, “Hey! I need some care.” We take our cars in for tune ups so it is also beneficial for us to take care of our fascial system seeing how much it involves.
What happens during the pauses between the moves?
This is the fun part! Every person will respond differently and each session can have its own unique experience.
The experience is as diverse as each individual but may include tingling, itching, hot or cold sensations, pain from injuries from the past or present may be highlighted. Some people see colors or memories from the past. Ailments like anxiety can spike. Deep sensations of relaxation can occur. A sense of feeling very light or very heavy is common. Psychedelic experiences may arise. Sleep is often induced as the nervous system is calmed. Sometimes people feel nothing and then questions arise in their mind about what is being done and how could it possibly be effective? I can never predict what will happen to anyone which makes the experience yours to hold.
Because the fascial system will continue to unwind 5-10 days or longer after a session, experiences can occur days out after treatment. An open mind can be beneficial to this experience.
What I do know from my own Bowen journey is that I am now able to bend my knee completely after 4 knee surgeries at age 16 which left me with not being able to bend down to tie my shoes. I am more flexible than I used to be, which does not usually happen as we get older. Old injuries that used to be in pain are gone and I do not get as sore when I ride my 28 mile bike ride to work in the spring after being dormant for the winter months.
Your journey is your own, and I would be excited for you to have your own tales that you can celebrate!
Schedule Bowenwork with Monica here.
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