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Bowen Somatics

The Bowen Technique is a truly holistic therapy. Many therapies claim to be holistic, but the phrase is often used to describe something that is merely different or alternative. Bowen is holistic in the true sense of the word, because it approaches the body as a unified and integrated whole. It works on a variety of levels including; the musculoskeletal and autonomic nervous system (ANS). It was coming to understand the deep influence of the ANS on the entire body that really helped my skills to evolve. To further enhance the effectiveness of my treatment I incorporate technique focused on Somatic re-education. These are simple but powerful movements that help reconnect the body to the mind. Bowen works from the outside in and Somatic training works from the inside out.

Somatic re-education is designed to address a phenomenon called Somatic Motor Amnesia (SMA). It sounds complicated but is very simple; everybody understands the concept of muscle memory. Over time what was once complicated becomes simple and eventually automatic, think of learning to tie shoe laces. As a child it was complex and required concentration, however over weeks and months of repetition it becomes automatic, something you could do in the dark while taking a phone call. SMA is the opposite effect, with bad habits, occupational / lifestyle stressors our muscles can forget how to do certain things properly and we create what are called compensations or adaptations. We walk incorrectly, carry our body in an awkward manner creating pain and fatigue. Somatic re-education reminds our muscles how to do something correctly. It isn’t intended to be strenuous, rather it’s gentle with a high level of awareness. “Feel the movement - Remember the movement”.

As a Bowen therapist I do not seek to identify and diagnose specific ailments, rather I view symptoms in the context of the person’s general well being, lifestyle and personal history.

The techniques within the Bowen repertoire, act variously upon muscles, sometimes on connective tissue and sometimes on nerves. The aim of the light rolling “Bowen Move” is to create a gentle disturbance in a part of the fibrous net, known as Fascia. Our understanding of the fibrous net (Fascia) is well illustrated in the linked video titled “A stroll under the skin". The clips show in amazing detail the miracle of the fascial net, a living fluid intelligent machine! What has been revealed is that the inter fascial spaces are occupied by a fluid with liquid crystal properties that constantly change shape at great speed in response to the movement of the body. Bowen technique is aimed at this fluid and the fascia that it links together. If you’ve never experienced a Bowen Session see the video clip below, presented by Mitchell Mosser.

The other key aspect of effective Bowen Therapy is integrating work on the Autonomic Nervous System, often referred to as the “Fight or Flight” system, if the ANS is not settled and functioning well he physical intervention will not be fully effective. It took my me many years to fully appreciate this crucial aspect of the treatment protocol. Every session starts with a relaxation protocol to bring the ANS into a receptive state, to maximise the benefit of the treatment. Please see more on the BREATHWORK page for more.

A good Bowen treatment should be relaxing, with minimal discomfort. If you wish to know more please get in touch.

All Bowen Sessions are charged at £40.