About Bowenwork

Bowenwork History

Bowenwork was developed by Mr. Tom Bowen, from Geelong, Victoria, Australia (1916 -1982). He self-studied, and discovered that he had an intuitive talent for healing people with occupational and sports related injuries, and many other afflictions too.

Mr Bowen gradually built up a full time practice as a manipulative therapist, practicing his unique method (later to become known as Bowenwork). His work was based on his approach of “resetting” the tension in dysfunctional muscle groups, with mandatory time delays between sets of moves. He achieved amazing results. In 1974 the Australian Government did a survey of health practitioners and found that he had one of the largest clientele bases in the country, seeing about 13 000 people a year! 80% of clients only ever needed 2 treatments to respond.

Tom Bowen has passed on, but before he died, he taught his work to Oswald Rentsch who, along with his wife Elaine, has undertaken the enormous task of teaching this valuable technique in many countries around the world. Since 1986, Ossie and Elaine (the principals of The Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia) have taught people from all walks of life, including doctors, nurses, chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists who have been so inspired, to include the work into their practices.

How Does it Work ?

The body has an innate ability to heal itself, if conditions are favourable. Bowenwork recognises this principle and helps to reorganise the body’s intrinsic systems to facilitate healing. There is a direct relationship between the structural framework of the body, the nervous system and internal organs. Bowenwork restores their functional integration by gentle moves that relax muscles, fascial tissue and the nervous system.

What Conditions Can Be Helped by Bowenwork?

Tom Bowen used to say that there wasn’t any part of the body or condition that would not benefit by this treatment! It is particularly useful in relieving muscular pains, and for postural realignment. It is excellent for fibromyalgic pain, neck and backache. Sports and work related injuries respond quickly, allowing the client to resume activities sooner. Where there is swelling or congestion of tissue, Bowenwork activates the lymphatic system to improve its drainage and function. Sinusitis, head colds and migraines respond well to the method.

Bowenwork has a harmonising and balancing effect on the nervous system. It is great for stress reduction and sleep disturbances. People of all ages can benefit from treatment, from newborn infants to the elderly – enhancing the quality of everyone’s life.

BOWENWORK* CAN BE HELPFUL FOR:
Sciatica
Fibromyalgia
Ankle Sprains
Knee Problems
Frozen Shoulder
Stress and Tension Discomfort
Menstrual Irregularities
Bronchial Symptoms
Neck Restrictions
Back Pain
TMJ
RSI
Vulvodynia
Pelvic pain

* Bowenwork Practitioners do not claim to diagnose or treat any of the above conditions.

How Effective is it?

Collated case histories from practitioners, who are using Bowenwork around the world show that most people respond within 2 weeks of the initial session. A second session is required to “set” the work. Compared with most other therapies, this is admirable. Clients who do not have such rapid responses usually have a complexity of problems that improve with continuing sessions. Bowenwork can be used safely on anyone as it is extremely gentle and is not known to have adverse side effects.