Bowen Technique and Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST) at the Creative Health Centre, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge

What is Bowen Therapy?

Bowen Technique and NST are the result of a technique developed and pioneered by Tom Bowen until his death in 1982. Tom had the unique ability to 'see' the problems of his patients, and to 'see' the corrective effects of the movements he developed. Tom showed his technique to many students, six of whom continued to use and to develop the technique after his death. Although there are a number of interpretations of the work, the basic principle of gently rolling the superficial muscles on various points of the body to elicit a therapeutic effect, underpins the technique. Tom saw his work as encouraging the body's’ own healing response.

Michael Nixon-Livy, founder of NST describes the work as:

“initiating a process of natural auto-regulation to occur in the spinal column and consequently throughout the whole body. The resultant effect of this is a rapid elimination or reduction of symptoms, followed by an increase in energy and an unmistakable sense of wellbeing.”

In 1978 Tom was interviewed by a parliamentary committee looking into complementary medicine and stated under oath that he treated about 280 patients per week, 88% of whom only required 2 or 3 treatments.

The European College of Bowen Studies describes Bowen Technique as:

“A straightforward, no-nonsense remedial therapy that is non-intrusive, gentle and very effective. Two or three treatments, at weekly intervals, are often sufficient to achieve lasting relief from even long standing pain, although further treatments may sometimes be required.”

Michael Nixon-Livy has found a similar pattern:

“While substantial relief is frequently experienced after the first session, long term relief is generally attained after the second or third session. Certain chronic or degenerative conditions may benefit from further or ongoing attention.”

How does Bowen Therapy work?

“The practitioner uses thumbs and fingers on precise points on the body to make rolling type moves which aim to disturb the muscles, soft tissue and energy within the body.

During the treatment there are periods in which the client is left resting to allow the body to absorb the gentle moves that have been performed. This gives the body time to make the subtle and fine adjustments, which help to relieve tension, reduce pain and initiate the healing process.
There is no manipulation or adjustment of hard tissue and no force is used or needed. Bowen Therapy is not a form of massage.

Bowen Therapy is generally regarded as safe and effective for people of all ages.”

- European College of Bowen Studies.

What is Bowen Therapy used for?

The following conditions respond well to Bowen Therapy:

	Back and Neck Conditions, including Whiplash
	RSI, Frozen Shoulder, Tennis Elbow, Knee & Foot Problems
	Accident/Sports Injuries
	Headaches, including Migraines
	Asthma, Hayfever & Other Respiratory Conditions
	Arthritis and Joint Conditions
	Menstrual, Fertility and Menopausal Conditions
	Acute and Chronic Fatigue
	Stress Conditions and Emotional Depression

What does Bowen Therapy treatment involve?

The treatment can be carried out over light clothing, but it is helpful to do the work directly onto the skin. Underwear is kept on and the client is covered with towels or a light sheet, only exposing the area being worked on.

The work begins with client lying on tummy so that the main work can be carried out on the back of the body in order to access the Central Nervous System. After a series of ‘moves’ and rest periods, the client turns to lie on the back so that the treatment can be continued and completed by working on the front of the body.

Length of Bowen Therapy treatment and cost

• Initial consultation and Bowen treatment up to 1 hour 30 minutes. Cost £45.
• Subsequent treatments approximately 1 hour. Cost £40
  

Practitioner qualifications - Terri Caldwell, BA(hons), ITEC, LCPH, MCPH.

Terri has been training and working in the field of natural health and healing for over 16 years, bringing a wealth of professional knowledge and experience together.

Terri is also a qualified Aromatherapist, Reflexologist, Homeopath, Bowen Therapist and Reconnective Healer®