Complementary Medicine Modality
Bowen Therapy and Aromatherapy
By Jenna Love
Complementary medicine or alternative medicines are made up of various different modalities and part of one field may overlap with parts of another. These modalities have been practices for centuries worldwide with the common belief that one must ‘view the body as a whole’ in order to achieve ‘a state of ease’ with no pain or illness. This means not only focusing on the symptom but also looking for the source of the ailment and understand that all systems interact with the body and the mind.
An Australian born Complementary medicine modality that is a testament to this theory is Bowen Therapy; also known as The Bowen Technique, it is a holistic neuromuscular reflex therapy that helps the body to achieve its natural balance and healing.
Developed by the late Tom Bowen in Geelong, Australia and sometimes called the homeopathy of bodywork, it is an extremely gentle and complimentary, non- invasive, soft tissue remedial therapy which directly impacts fascia, a connective tissue that sits between the skin and the underlying structures, and the systems that move through it.
During a treatment, the practitioner's moves deliver signals to the nervous system at specific locations (on muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves), and the body responds in its own time, within its vital capacity.
Rather than focusing on a single complaint, the Bowen technique addresses the entire body, by restoring balance via the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls over 80% of bodily functions and is very susceptible to external stressors. Healing can occur only after the ANS shifts from sympathetic to parasympathetic dominance (rest, relax and repair mode). Bowen Technique enables that shift. During a session, the client often drops into deep relaxation or falls asleep, and loud peristalsis may be heard. Both of these changes are indications of a profound release from stress and a shift towards parasympathetic influence.
Bowen Therapy can be use to assist with multiple dysfunctions within the body, it is considered appropriate for anyone from pregnant women to newborn babies, the frail and the elderly. It may assist recovery from many conditions, from traumatic injury to chronic illness, improved general health and flexibility, improved sporting performance, relaxation, and emotional and mental wellbeing depending upon each individual’s capacity to heal.
Bowen Therapy and Aromatherapy work in harmony and complement each other well. They are both a whole body treatment which can effect musculoskeletal conditions, the Nervous system and emotional well-being. They are similar in the way they effect the Nervous system, allowing it to receive the ‘information’ and process it to create a positive outcome or change.
Aromatherapy has the added benefit of being able to apply it directly on to the skin within a carrier oil. Chosen oils for the presenting conditions could be applied at the beginning of a Bowen therapy treatment and allowed to absorb in without interfering with the Bowen technique. These same oils could be used to create a home treatment to be used in between Bowen Therapy Appointments, enhancing the work of the Bowen technique and maximising the client’s recovery or healing.
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