The Bowen technique & lymphatic drainage
TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE ON LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
To compare the perceptions of clients pre and post treatment
By Jenna Love
THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE
General Description of the Bowen Technique
The Bowen Technique (also known as Bowtech - the Original Bowen Technique and Bowenwork) is a dynamic system of muscle and connective tissue therapy that was developed by the late Tom Bowen in Geelong, Australia. Sometimes called the homeopathy of bodywork, it utilizes subtle inputs to the body (known as moves), stimulating the body to heal itself, often profoundly.
The Bowen Technique offers tremendous benefit to clients with very little effort on the part of the practitioner. It can provide relief for many types of injuries and other health problems, both acute and chronic, and it does so holistically, via the body's innate healing mechanisms. 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. While there are a few, very specific situations in which a particular 'procedure' is contraindicated, Bowen Technique is appropriate for people of all ages, in all degrees of health.
When faced with an acute injury, a Bowtech practitioner may effectively apply the work to address only the traumatized areas, since the client has had little time to compensate for, and accommodate to, the injury. However, most practitioners find themselves working with clients whose conditions have developed gradually over many years, and patterns of dysfunctional muscle recruitment and posture have become entrenched over time. In these cases, Bowtech practitioners often need to take a more 'whole-body' approach to facilitate optimal alignment and recovery.
Rather than focusing on a single complaint, 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. Most people today live in a constant state of high stress and sympathetic ANS over-stimulation (fight, flight or freeze mode). 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. This shift could explain, in part, the common observation that a Bowen Technique session seems to reactivate the recovery process in situations where healing from trauma, sickness or surgery has stalled or reached a plateau.
History & Evolution of the Bowen Technique
Thomas Ambrose Bowen (1916-1982) began developing his technique in the 1950s in Geelong, Australia. He became interested in ways to alleviate human suffering and began to notice that certain moves on the body had particular effects.
Mr. Bowen was extremely busy in his Geelong clinic, performing about 13,000 treatments a year. This was verified by the 1975 Victorian government inquiry into alternative health care professionals. Considering treatments were seven days apart and most people needed only one to three treatments, an amazing number of clients passed through the clinic and benefited from his gift. Mr. Bowen also held free clinics for children, people with disabilities, and community service workers.
In 1974, while attending a national health conference In Adelaide, Australia, Oswald Rentsch met Mr. Bowen for the first time. Although he knew nothing of Mr. Bowen's work, Ossie spontaneously asked if he could learn from him. Mr. Bowen shook Ossie's hand, held it for some time, and said, Good! Come down and I'll teach you. I'll call my secretary and let you know. A couple of hours later Mr. Bowen sought Ossie out and said. You be down at my clinic next Wednesday at 9 am.
For the next two and a half years Ossie studied Mr. Bowen's technique, ultimately being authorized by him to document the work. Mr. Bowen had no notes, charts or manuals, but with the help of Rene Horwood, Ossie produced a true representation of Mr. Bowen's original technique.
In 1976, Ossie and his wife, Elaine, began utilizing Mr. Bowen's methods in their clinic in Hamilton, Victoria.
Honoring Mr. Bowen's request to teach the work after his death, Ossie and Elaine named it The Bowen Technique and held their first seminar In Perth, Australia in 1986. By1990. Ossie and Elaine were teaching full time throughout Australia. Dedicated to preserving the technique and ensuring it was taught in its original form, they founded the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia in 1987, eventually naming the technique Bowtech-The Bowen Technique. Since then, Ossie and Elaine have introduced Bowtech to many countries, honoring the promise Ossie made to Mr. Bowen on his deathbed, to spread his work throughout the world. They are now supported in this teaching by a large faculty of dedicated instructors who are accredited by, and registered with, the Academy.
Because this technique is so effective, it has been widely embraced by a broad spectrum of people. Health professionals are impressed by the effectiveness of the Bowen technique and the diversity of problems addressed by it.
Philosophical Beliefs and Values of the Bowen Technique – How Bowen addresses the Lymphatic system.
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, described earlier, Bowtech moves and procedures may reset the body to heal itself by activating, through the nervous and endocrine systems among others, 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 change a 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: Bowenwork 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 gentle movements in a Bowen session stimulate lymphatic flow and drainage. Bowen Therapy activates the body’s fluid circulation that helps remove toxins, fats and aids the re-absorption of inflammation and oedema through the lymphatic system. The immune system is also boosted by increased lymph flow and this addresses symptoms such as bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, acne, and eczema, chronic fatigue, Ross River fever, Glandular fever, fibromyalgia etc. Lymphatic drainage relieves pain by reducing fluid pressure or congestion on nerve endings and speeds up healing in the body.
After a Bowen session the body is relaxed, balanced and generally has a feeling of wellbeing. It is better able to cope with stress. fatigue, emotional shock and the loss of physical activity caused by pain and injury, all of which can overload our lymphatic system.
There are a number of Bowen procedures that are potentially beneficial for improve Lymphatic system function:
· BRM 1, BRM 2, BRM 3 – for relaxation and contribution to the balance of the body
· BRM 2 & 3 – Stimulation of energy flow
· BRM 3 – Initiation of body detoxification
· Upper Respiratory/TMJ – Lymphatic obstruction, swollen glands, Tinnitus
· Chest – Lymphatic congestion
· Kidney – Lymphatic blockage, General odema
· Pelvic – Lymphatic problems in lower body
INFORMATION ABOUT LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
The lymphatic system is a vital part of the circulatory and immune systems, and plays an important role in homeostasis by controlling extracellular fluid volume and in combating infection.
The lymphatic system constitutes a one-way transport system that operates in conjunction with the circulatory system. Its primary function is to transport excess interstitial fluid, from the interstitial space, back to the blood circulation, via the thoracic duct. Along with the excess interstitial fluid, excessive proteins and waste are transported back to the circulation. The lymphatic system also acts as a conduit for immune cells and facilitates the immune response. Lymph nodes across the network filter the interstitial flow and break down bacteria, viruses and waste. The lymphatic system is, therefore, not part of the circulatory system alone; rather, it is an integral part of the immune system. It plays an important role in the dissemination of cancer. Its role in transplantation is also significant.
Failure of lymph drainage can be a consequence of infection, trauma, surgery, transplantation, medication or venous disease, or it may be congenital. The build-up of interstitial fluid results in swelling and pain, and increases the risk of infection.
The blood in our blood vessels is under constant pressure. We need that to push nutrients (food the cells need), fluids and some cells into the body’s tissues to supply those tissues with food, oxygen and defence.
All of the fluids and its contents that leak out into the tissues (as well as waste products formed in the tissues, and bacteria that enter them through our skin) are removed from them by the lymphatic system.
When the lymphatic system does not drain fluids from the tissues properly, the tissues swell, appearing puffy and uncomfortable. If the swelling only lasts for a short period it is called oedema. If it lasts longer (more than about three months) it is called lymphoedema.
Common problems involving the lymphatic system
Common problems involving the lymphatic system can be separated into those related to:
· infection
· disease
· destruction or damage to the lymphatic system or its nodes.
Those related to infection include:
· glandular fever – symptoms include tender lymph nodes
· tonsillitis – infection of the tonsils in the throat
· Crohn’s disease – inflammatory bowel disorder.
Those related to disease include:
· Hodgkin’s disease – a type of cancer of the lymphatic system.
Those related to malformation or destruction or damage to the lymphatic system or its nodes include:
· primary lymphoedema – when the lymphatic system has not formed properly. May present as a limb or part body swelling at birth, or may develop at puberty or later in life
· secondary lymphoedema – When the lymphatic system is damaged by surgery or radiotherapy associated with the treatment of cancer, when the soft tissues are damaged by trauma, or when the lymphatic system has some other cause of structural or functional impairment.
Typical signs and Symptoms
There are several tell tale signs that lymphatic fluid is not moving effectively and that toxins are building up in your body
Bloating
Swelling in your fingers/rings fitting more tightly
Brain fog
Digestive issues
Parasites
Depression
Sinus infections
Skin problems/dry and or itchy skin
Enlarged lymph nodes
Chronic fatigue
Feeling sore or stiff when you wake up in the morning
Unexplained injuries
Excess weight
Cold hands and feet
Constipation
Worsened allergies
Food sensitivities
Increased colds and flu/ Lingering sore throat
Methods of treatment and ways to support your lymphatic system
Exercise:
When you exercise and actively move your body, it activates the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. Exercising is the most effective way of increasing the function of the lymphatic system. But you do not have to engage in vigorous exercise to get the lymphatic fluid moving! Gentle to moderate intensity is all you need! Exercise also helps encourage perspiration, which helps to release toxins. This can help to lighten the toxic load on the lymphatic system.
Deep breathing
Slow, relaxed deep breathing is a simple way to activate the lymphatic system. Most people do not breathe deeply throughout the day. In fact, while focusing on tasks, most people actually hold their breath without being aware that they are doing so. It is important to make a conscious effort to make some time throughout your day to practice some deep breathing.
That will help you to detox….and it’s great for reducing stress as well, which can also add to the toxins in your body!
Dry brushing
Dry brushing is the use of a soft, natural bristle brush on dry skin in order to manually activate the lymphatic system. Here is a video that will show you the best way to incorporate skin brushing into your daily routine.
Clean up your diet:
If you are eating foods that are packaged and highly processed, you are most likely consuming a large amount of chemical additives, preservatives, artificial coloring and flavors. These chemicals are unnatural add to the toxic load on the body. It becomes much more challenging for the lymphatic system and other detoxification organs to effectively filter out so many toxins and can make you sick more quickly.
Switch to a diet of whole foods instead of pre-packaged, convenience foods. Be sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables! Vegetables such as dark, leafy greens, low sugar fruits and nuts such as walnuts and almonds can actually help to promote the flow of lymphatic fluid as well as reducing the amount of toxins entering your body. When you can, opt for organic versions of these foods. Organic versions will expose you to far fewer pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, and will lower the toxic stress on the body as well!
Don’t wear tight fitting clothing:
Clothing that is tight fitting can reduce circulation throughout the body. Tight clothing can actually reduce and restrict the movement of the lymphatic system preventing detoxification. Bras and tight fitting underwear can constrict flow in areas where there are a highly concentrated number of lymph nodes, and can lead to an increase in the symptoms associated with toxin buildup in the body. It is okay to wear these items on occasion, but it is important to not wear them for long periods of time on a regular basis. For instance, women who wear a bra for long periods of time should reconsider doing so and men who wear tight fitting underwear, may want to consider switching to boxer shorts.
Drink plenty of water:
All of the organs and systems of the body need regular hydration in order to function properly. The lymphatic system is no exception. This system is comprised primarily of water and so it is vital that you are getting enough clean, filtered water to support full functioning. Keeping yourself well hydrated also supports the rest of the body’s natural detoxification pathways and can reduce the load on the lymphatic system as well.
With so many living a sedentary life, eating unhealthy foods and not actively doing what they can to move the lymphatic system, it is no surprise that many face the symptoms that accompany a system that is sluggish or clogged. But taking action to support the detoxification of your body by moving lymph will help you to ultimately avoid chronic illness, increase energy and lead you on the path to better health.
DEMOGRAPHIC STATISITCS
Within the Region of The Yarra Ranges in Victoria there is only 1 Accredited Bowen Therapist who is a Member of the Bowen Association (BAA)
In a Google search of Bowen Therapist within this area 6 listings are shown.
Throughout the Region Bowen Therapy is accepted as an Alternative & Holistic Health. In my community of The Dandenong Ranges it is a well know modality and is common to see in Health Clinics along side Osteopaths and Physiotherapists as well as independent therapist working from their homes.
There are several well known Bowen Therapist in my community that are easy for people to access treatments but in General they are not listed on the BAA website.
Yarra Ranges
Suburbs included: Badger Creek, Beenak, Belgrave, Belgrave Heights, Belgrave South, Big Pats Creek, Cambarville, Chirnside Park, Chum Creek, Coldstream, Dixons Creek, Don Valley, East Warburton, Emerald (part), Fernshaw, Ferny Creek, Gilderoy, Gladysdale, Gruyere, Healesville, Hoddles Creek, Kallista, Kalorama, Kilsyth (part), Launching Place, Lilydale, Lysterfield (part), Macclesfield, Matlock, McMahons Creek, Menzies Creek (part), Millgrove, Monbulk, Montrose, Mooroolbark, Mount Dandenong, Mount Evelyn, Mount Toolebewong, Narre Warren East, Olinda, Powelltown, Reefton, Sassafras (part), Selby, Seville, Seville East, Sherbrooke, Silvan, Steels Creek, Tarrawarra, Tecoma, The Patch, Three Bridges, Toolangi (part), Toorongo (part), Tremont, Upper Ferntree Gully (part), Upwey, Wandin East, Wandin North, Warburton, Wesburn, Wonga Park (part), Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction, Yellingbo and Yering.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OR THE PROJECT
The aim of this task is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Bowen Technique on Lymphatic drainage and to compare the perception of client pre and post treatment.
RESEARCH METHOD/STRATEGIES
My method for this research task was qualitative, which involved providing the test participant with a questionnaire pre-treatment and post-treatment to rate how effective the Bowen treatments were in improving their overall lymphatic system function.
STUDY PARTICIPANTS
I sourced one participant who at various stages has experienced symptoms of slow moving or blocked lymphatic systems so was very receptive to trying Bowen treatment to gain any improvement in their overall health.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATION
As the participant had previously received Bowen treatments from me for other conditions, they were familiar with the Bowen Technique and what happens during a treatment. If the participant had been unaware of the Bowen Technique, I would have explained what the Bowen Therapy is, how it works, the treatment protocol, and the need for the two-minute waits, using language that the participant could relate to. I did however go through the details of the research assignment I was hoping they would participate in, what it would involve, and provided Participant with a Client Consent Form.
Participant signed the Consent Form agreeing to participate in my research and giving permission for the potential publication of their anonymous data, which I countersigned to confirm that I had discussed the purpose and procedures of the research study with them.
DATA COLLECTION- RESULTS
Client 1:
Above is a questionnaire completed before the first Bowen session and after the third session
Participant: Female | 47yrs | Retail Assistant
Medical History/Background
Participant overall health is good. No recent illness/operations. Possible high blood pressure and family history of Apnea. Participant has had recurring Shoulder pain for several years which has responded well to Bowen treatments when regularly treated. Upon assessment general posture is good, pelvic alignment is balance and general ROM is good. Some tension at Thoracic spine when palpating and slight puffiness around sacrum.
Of recent participant has felt very lethargic and fatigued which is not normal for them.
Has been experiencing stomach bloating and has been ‘foggy headed’ and forgetful.
As well as mild Shoulder and lower back pain.
Bowen Treatments
Session 1: BRM 1, BRM 2, Kidney, BRM 3
Session 2: Upper Stoppers, Lower Stoppers, Kidney, Pelvic, Chest and Shoulder
Session 3: BRM 1, BRM 2, Rhomboid, BRM 3, Upper respiratory/TMJ , TMJ Additional
Reasons for Procedures Used
· BRM1, BRM2, and BRM3 were done at the initial and subsequent treatments for relaxation, to rebalance the autonomic nervous system and to restore balance. By calming the sympathetic nervous system, physical and emotional relaxation can occur throughout the body. Energy flow is stimulated and body detoxification is initiated. BRM2 and BRM3 also simulate energy flow.
· Kidney was included to address Lymphatic blockages, general odema and adrenal exhaustion. And to assist in relieving lower back pain.
· Pelvic, Chest and Upper respiratory where included as they are situated over or around major lymphatic drainage areas on the body can help initiate lymphatic drainage.
· Shoulder and Rhomboids where added to address clients pain in R shoulder.
· TMJ Additional was added as there was still a misalignment with the jaw after UR/TMJ
Client routinely relaxed during all treatments. She reported that she instantly felt more energised once treatment was finished. After the first session her lower back pain was gone, after the second session her shoulder pain was gone and after the third session stated that she really benefited from 3 sessions in a row, she had definitely been more energised, her head feels clearer and is more alert and actually feel less puffy.
Data Analysis
After the third treatment, the participant reported improvements in sleep quality, less puffiness around sacrum, less fatigue, less bloating and a clearer mind (less brain fog) and reduce shoulder pain after each session.
This is a positive indicator that performing procedures located around major lymphatic areas can help to improve general wellbeing and reduce symptoms of a slow functioning lymphatic system.
Data Analysis- Conclusion
The major theme emerging from my research was that the Bowen sessions help my particular client gain more energy and reduced her pain and discomfort.
I would have liked to have included a further two or three participants in this research task, to give a broader base for comparison, but had difficulty identifying anyone else with this condition who was willing to participate.
Overall the study showed a positive effect on the participant’s health and I would like to see more people utilising Bowen Therapy for lymphatic drainage to help achieve optimal health.
Sharing Knowledge
I think it is very valuable to share knowledge in the development of professional practices. I am currently working among a range of other health care professionals and look forward to sharing my knowledge gained from this research.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Better health channel. (2018) Lymphatic system.
Retrieved January 31, 2019, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/lymphatic-system
Bowtech. (2009). History. Retrieved January 10, 2019, from http://www.bowtech.com/WebsiteProj/Pages/About/History.aspx
Bowtech. (2009). How it works. Retrieved January 10, 2019, from http://www.bowtech.com/WebsiteProj/Pages/About/HowItWorks.aspx
Bowtech.(2013). Instructor manuals modules 1-6. Retrieved March 7, 2019
Bowtech.(2009). What is Bowtech. Retrieved January 10, 2019, From http://www.bowtech.com/WebsiteProj/Pages/About/AboutBowtech.aspx
Bowen by Nature. (2019) What is lymphatic drainage and can Bowen Therapy stimulate this. Retrieved March 7, 2019, from http://www.bowenbynature.com.au/what-is-lymphatic-drainage-and-can-bowen-therapy-stimulate-this-2/
Functional diagnostic nutrition. (2017) Signs your lymphatic system is blocked.
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