The Bowen move itself involves taking skin slack off the crest of a muscle usually in a lateral direction, and challenging the muscle in an opposite direction, with very light pressure.
Challenging the muscle requires only moving the fascia as far as the body will allow, releasing tight bundles of connective tissue and muscle fibers. After the challenge, a slow deliberate move across the muscle is performed, sending a signal through the central nervous system. This stimulates the body’s proprioceptors, sending corrective signals through the body where it processes and sends back info – we call the feedback loop – with its unconscious aspect, the body is stimulated to reset and heal itself.
Bowen strongly affects the central nervous system in addressing stress reactions (Sympathetic ) and recovery responses (Parasympathetic), both complimenting the relaxing and healing process. The repair process may occur on several different levels as needed, Physical, Chemical, Emotional, Mental, and Energetically.
Tom Bowen’s work has been questioned, observed and researched, and no formal evidence is known on how it can access all these systems in the appropriate sequence and proportion. Only that is a miraculous gift that we have been so gracious to be a part of, and to apply.
There are many theories about the physiological mechanisms by which the Bowen Technique brings about the results for which it is famous. In addition to the rebalancing of the ANS – the Autonomic Nervous System – the Bowtech moves and procedures may reset the body to heal itself by activating or sedating the nervous and endocrine systems through 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 then essentially elicit a change in the 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 – Bowtech moves set up vibrational patterns which bring the body back into balance and harmony.
- Lymphatics – Some Bowtech procedures activate 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 Bowen move essentially helps the body to remember how to help itself! It is virtually pain free in its application and is safe for all ages from babies to the elderly. The Bowen Move’s precision is key to the technique success, as much as it’s recognition of where a pause is required. They appear very simple, but require patience and practice to master. Bowtech is truly one of the most innovative and highly acclaimed forms of health care in the world amongst those that receive it. It is like no other.