Bowen Theory

Bowen Technique is a soft-touch muscle relaxation modality that utilizes muscle “strumming” as a way to help the body remember how to heal and balance itself. Bowen Technique is based in the belief that turning muscles on and off resets their ability to relax much like rebooting a computer. Clients report pain relief, improvement of function and recovery of energy. 

Bowen is based on the notion that gentle moves over precise points of the body can prompt the body’s innate ability to relieve pain, restriction and imbalance without the need for deep, manipulative or forceful treatment. Bowen theory calls for “moves” that send neurological impulses to the brain resulting in muscle relaxation and pain reduction. Such moves also can create electrical impulses to the nervous system that inform the body on how to regain normal movement in joints, muscles and tendons. Common results include relief of muscle spasms and increased blood and lymph flow.

How It Works

Bowen Technique is a gentle, subtle and relaxing hands-on therapy that uses thumbs and fingers to apply gentle pressure on precise points of the body to stimulate muscles and soft tissues. Unlike chiropractors, there is no manipulation or adjustment of hard tissue and no force is used. Bowen Technique is commonly applied to:

  • Back pain
  • Shoulder restrictions & pain
  • Neck pain
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Headache patterns
  • Sports injuries

Bowen Technique was first developed in the 1950s by Australian, Tom Bowen. Training courses in Mr Bowen’s technique were first offered in the late 1980s in Australia and reached the UK and USA in 1993. For more information on Bowen Technique & Therapy, see American Bowen Academy »

What to Expect

When you come for a Bowen Technique session, you can expect a relaxing experience. You don’t have to do anything expect lay back and relax. I’ll be doing massaging and strumming moves on key pressure points to relieve tensions and re-set muscle memory. And don’t worry, even though I was a long-time Rolfer, in this modality, we don’t work as vigorously or as deeply as in Rolfing.

The session generally takes about an hour including some rest time to “bake in” the re-set alignments. This amount of time can vary depending upon how would up your body is. You should therefore allow a bit more time, up to a hour afterwards for over-flow time should I need to work you longer.

In terms of clothing, loose fit clothing is fine. Dress to be comfortable and come ready to relax.

Bowen Method History

Bowen Therapy, Bowen Technique and Bowenworks all derivative from Australian Thomas Ambrose Bowen (Tom Bowen) (1916–1982). Tom Bowen described his theraputic approach as a “gift from God”. In 1975, several years before his death, the government of Victoria, Australia reported that Bowen treated an estimated 13,000 patients per year, with an 80 percent success rate in symptoms that were associated with a wide range of conditions. That’s pretty vigorous. So of course many disciples popped up to document and teach Bowen Methods to the masses.

 

Book Appointments

Schedule by phone, email or form:

PHONE: (808) 778-3723
EMAIL: karen[at]karenasato.com
LOCATION: 1012 18th Ave. Honolulu, HI
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