Bowen Technique

Bowen and Natural Conception

The Guardian (August 2001) reports that the Bowen Technique has a surprisingly high success rate in the treatment of infertility. Trials in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, using the Bowen Technique on infertile couples, have met with remarkable success and Bowen specialists worldwide report on the fast and effective results of this technique in treating infertility.

The Bowen Technique consists of a series of gentle moves over specific areas of muscles, tendons and other soft tissue. The location of these soft tissue moves causes the body to make rapid and very often astounding changes, as it is stimulated to remove physical and/or emotional blockages, which may have been present for years. Bowen can be used to treat infertility by:

• Inducing deep muscular relaxation - mental and emotional stress can cause muscles to tighten and restrict the natural blood-flow, lymphatic drainage and nerve supply of the body, all of which can affect fertility. Relaxation of muscles aids the natural flow of processes necessary for ovulation, conception and a healthy pregnancy
• Applying a particular system of moves that addresses the endocrine (hormonal) system and pelvic area. These moves can have a positive effect on both male and female reproductive systems, working on functional problems such as low sperm count, infrequent ovulation, ovarian cysts and endometriosis as well as other conditions leading to infertility.
• Relaxing the mind - fertility problems are not always physical and both the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems are influenced by the mind. As the Bowen technique is powerful in relaxing the mind, it enhances confidence and positive thinking which, in turn, have a beneficial effect on the health of the physical body.

Bowen and IVF

Bowen works wonderfully with couples using assisted conception techniques, such as IVF. Such techniques can be physically, mentally and emotionally stressful. However, the Bowen's gentle moves can alleviate such effects by relaxing and rebalancing the body and mind, resulting in an increase in physical, emotional and psychological health and well-being. The effect of Bowen on the musculoskeletal structure, blood-flow, nerve supply and autonomic and endocrine (hormonal) systems can prepare the body for successful IVF treatment and a healthy pregnancy.

Bowen during pregnancy

The Bowen Technique plays an important role in the healthcare of women during pregnancy. The technique can be performed in its entirety with the female sitting down or lying on her side and, given the effective changes that occur during and after a Bowen treatment, it is an integral part of the process for mothers-to-be.

The spine and pelvis of an expectant mother are particularly vulnerable due to the stresses of carrying an unborn child and many problems arising during pregnancy may be directly related to the health of the spine. The Bowen works by:

• Relaxing the muscles, thereby increasing blood-flow, lymphatic drainage and nerve supply. This enables the body to restore and maintain optimal functioning of its natural processes during pregnancy and increases flexibility of the musculoskeletal system so that the expectant mother's body can more easily make the changes necessary for healthy development of the foetus.
• Rebalancing the musculoskeletal system. Instability of the pelvis, especially during the latter stages of pregnancy, can cause backache to intensify and occur more frequently as the baby gets heavier. A system of Bowen moves involving the back, pelvic and sacral areas cause the body to rebalance the musculoskeletal system, thereby quickly and effectively alleviating pain and discomfort.
• Rebalancing and energizing the body as a whole. As aches and pains are gently and easily relieved with Bowen, it can be used to treat all common pregnancy problems, including backache, sciatica, neck tension, aching legs, swollen ankles and hands, headaches, fatigue, nausea, heartburn, constipation, haemorroids, decreased energy levels. In addition, it is an extremely relaxing treatment for the expectant mother.

Most Bowen procedures can be performed on an expectant mother almost up until labour commences as well as being used successfully for inducing labour in overdue pregnancies, should the female wish.

Bowen and birth

The birth itself may leave the mother with lower back and pelvic pain and, even after the most straightforward of births, the body of the female needs to readjust and rebalance. Certain Bowen moves can be performed within a few hours of the birth to alleviate pain or discomfort and relax and rebalance the body.

Subsequent to the birth and whilst the mother is nursing, feeding and caring for the baby, the Bowen plays a significant role in adjusting the body and assisting in its returning to its natural state. Any old or new aches and pains can be gently and quickly relieved and the treatment is extremely relaxing for the mother.

Bowen and the child

The birth is one of the most traumatic processes a child will go through. The child is able to have Bowen within a day or so after the birth. As it is so gentle, the child is barely aware of being treated.
Bowen therapy can help treat many infant disorders, including:

• Colic
• Feeding problems e.g. reflux
• Unsettled and distressed behavior
• Respiratory problems e.g. asthma
• Hiccups

Bowen therapy has proven to work wonderfully with children of any age for numerous disorders, including the relaxing and calming of hyperactive children.