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How
Bowenwork®
Originated
 Bowenwork was developed in the 1950s by the late
Thomas Bowen of Geelong, Australia. Bowen's approach was to reset the tension in
certain muscles and muscle groups by using a unique type of
stretch-and-roll-through move and then pausing between sets of moves to give the
body time to begin its response.
He achieved amazing results.
According to a 1974 survey of alternative health practitioners
performed by the Victorian Government, Bowen was found to be doing
over 13,000 sessions per year. In over 85% of his cases, the
problems for which his patients sought relief were resolved.
In the last years of his life,
Bowen allowed several practitioners to observe him. He recognized
only six of them as understanding his work. One of these, Oswald
(Ossie) Rentsch, promised at Bowen's deathbed to make his work known
around the world. Ossie's interpretation of Mr. Bowen's work is now
taught in over 30 countries under the auspices of the Bowen Therapy
Academy of Australia (BTAA) and is known under the international
trademarks Bowtech®
and Bowenwork®.
Overview of the
Work Bowenwork®/Bowtech® is unique in the field of
bodywork. Its relatively few, gentle "moves" over muscle and other soft tissue
address the whole body, stimulating it to reset and heal itself. The healing may
occur at all levels as needed: physical, chemical, emotional, mental, energetic.
A Bowenwork session consists of several series of gentle moves through
light-weight clothing or on skin. In a Bowenwork office or clinic, the client
usually lies on bodywork table or, for comfort, sits in a chair. However,
Bowenwork can be done anywhere -- on the sports field, in a hospital room, at the
site of an accident, on an airplane or train.
A session may last from fifteen minutes to an hour. Most often, a surprisingly
few sessions are needed to alleviate complaints, whether structural or
functional, even if long-standing. And the results hold for a long time,
generally until there is a re-injury.
Bowenwork is appropriate for everyone from newborns to the
very elderly and frail. For example, both highly trained athletes and pregnant women benefit
equally, each according to need. Although there are three circumstances in which
a specific series of moves is contraindicated, there are no contraindications
for a Bowenwork session, as other parts of the body and the body as a whole will
still benefit.
Bowenwork Academy USA is the official
United States affiliate of the original Bowen Technique.
Use the link below for
a detailed FAQ about the Bowenwork.
Read more (format .pdf
27.1KB)
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The
Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia
(BTAA)
While working alongside
Mr. Bowen, and with Bowen’s direct input, Ossie Rentsch developed notes to
preserve and accurately convey Mr. Bowen’s work. Ossie met the challenge of
presenting Mr. Bowen’s work in a structured, teachable format with highly
effective, easy-to-learn sets of procedures that address a wide range of
conditions throughout the body. Registered BTAA instructors review the
coursework each year with Ossie and Elaine to ensure accuracy in teaching. It
is the intent of the Academy to remain true to the original teachings of Tom
Bowen.
Students are often
amazed at the profound effects that result from even their earliest practice.
And practitioners who may be adept at a number of modalities are usually
delighted with the unique approach that Bowenwork provides. While we honor all
effective modalities, Mr. Bowen recommended that they not be mixed with his
technique within a week’s time. His reasoning will become clear as you gain
understanding of his work.
The Academy has taught
well over 20,000 students worldwide. Many of these students remain active in
their practice, and many have become professional practitioners.
We look forward to
training you in Tom Bowen’s remarkable technique. If you are interested in
becoming a practitioner, please contact us. Or, if there are no Bowenwork
practitioners in your area, consider telling your massage therapist or physical
therapist about Bowenwork and encourage them to learn it so that you can
benefit.
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