Bowen Technique

Simple, gentle and effective, Bowen is best known for it's light, non-invasive moves across muscle and soft tissue.

Delievered in carefully timed and organised sequences, these moves trigger profound communication between the body and brain hemispheres boosting nervous system function and self-healing.

The resulting relaxation has been likened to the after-effects of luxourious massage, while the postural adjustments the body makes itself have been equated with chiropractic outcomes. Which is why Bowen has helped people with:

What happens in a session?

A series of slow, rolling movements are performed across key muscles and tendons. Interspersed with short breaks, these sequences assist the brain and body initiate changes in posture, flexibility, lymphatic flow and blood circulation.

The moves themselves involve about the same kind of pressure your eyeball might tolerate through a closed eyelid. Obviously the bigger the muscle, the firmer the pressure used. But, if you've tried pressing on your eyelid and imagining that kind of pressure on a muscle, you get the idea: Bowen moves are light!

Bowen moves work best if performed on bare skin but they can also be performed through light clothing (natural fibres). So, if you like, wearing a cotton t-shirt and shorts for the duration is a viable option.

How can such light work help?

As we develop in life we become conditioned to respond to certain stimuli in certain ways.  For instance if someone extends their right hand, you will most likely extend your own to return their greeting.

However, as the brain does not have a patterned response to Bowen, attention is drawn to the worked area thereby increasing blood supply and nervous system activity. When the same move is repeated on the opposite side of the body, the brain develops a better sense of what needs to be done with the injuried area.

To ensure there are as few distractions as possible while the brain does this processing, the therapist leaves the room for a few minutes between moves.

What about having other treatments as well? Just to speed things up?

Bowen starts your body and mind on a journey toward well-being - without involving your conscious mind.

Other interventions you might then consciously choose could interrupt this journey and distract from a goal set by your inner wisdom. This could delay positive outcomes for you. As well as leaving you unsure as to whether Bowen is working for you or not.

So, it is probably best to 'trust the process' and avoid other interventions for at least one week after your last Bowen session. (For the same reason, if someone comes for Bowen too soon after another therapy, their initial session may be postponed for a time).

Are there times I shouldn’t have Bowen? Any contraindications?

As one of the gentlest therapies Bowen is considered safe for every age and every condition. Whether someone is post-operative, in acute or chronic pain, on medication, stressed, depressed, pregnant or trying to conceive, nursing, injured - or in perfect health - they can have Bowen.

That said, as care is taken with each person, so there may be times when certain procedures (or even treatment itself) may be avoided.

How many sessions might I need?

In most instances, the body usually initiates positive change within 3 or 4 sessions.  Sometimes sooner.

Yes, long-term concerns might require additional treatments but these would only be embarked upon if it was felt initial treatments hadt triggeried the changes needed.

If, after four sessions, there is no noticeable progress chances then Bowen is probably not what you need. We would then discuss other approaches which might be more suitable.

Will I have to keep coming back indefinitely?

No. Once your issue has been resolved, there should be no need.

However, if some future emotional, physical or dietary stress causes your new posture to 'slip', your old issues may re-occur. In such instances we may be able to go straight in with the moves which worked best for you last time. So maybe only one or two sessions would be needed.

If it emerges that you repeatedly experience these relapses (or feel them coming on) then we can discuss regular 'top-up' sessions. Or perhaps a partner or friend could be shown how the specific Bowen moves that seem to address your issues.

How much does a Bowen session cost - and how long does it take?

The initial session costs €60 with the following three sessions offered at €50. Paying for four sessions in advance attracts a 10% discount (€190 instead of €210). The initial four sessions may take up to one hour each depending on your needs. Follow-on and 'top-up' half-hour sessions can be arranged for just €25.

How do I book?

Sessions can be booked at the The Wine Street Wellness Centre, 2 Wine Street, Sligo. 071-9153828. Or, to arrange an appointment outside Sligo town and it's envrions, contact Sean Callagy, Cert ECBS, on 071-9177844.