A change of career can sometimes be the best thing for that fresh start and the Bowen Technique is an increasingly popular choice of training for those who are starting to look towards their retirement.

A highly effective, gentle treatment, Bowen is a hands-on therapy which uses thumbs and fingers to make a rolling type move over skin, muscles and tendons. It helps alleviate aches and pains in the neck, shoulder, back, hips and knees etc as well as bronchial problems, asthma, migraines, IBS, hayfever, whiplash, frozen shoulder and arthritis to name but a few.

On a Wednesday afternoon in Sept 02, I was on holiday in Lanzarote, happily sunning myself, reading the latest trashy novel and enjoying catch up time with my friend. The sun was blazing down and as the true sun worshiper, I wanted to ensure that my tan was fully even so as the sun moved round, I moved round my plastic sunbed.

Suddenly I felt a ‘pop' in my back and I fell to the ground unable to move. My friend who was swimming at the time eventually saw my head sticking out from under the sunbed and came to my rescue. 2 hours later I was in the private hospital being pumped full of steroids, painkillers and anti inflammatories. Examinations and x-rays followed all of which showed there was absolutely nothing wrong with me and when I'd become as high as a kite on my drugs that I couldn't feel my lips or feet I was discharged with the warning of not to do anything too active and maybe just gentle swimming for a couple of days would be a good idea.

The Bowen Asthma Emergency Procedure is taught on the Bowen Technique courses as part of the Respiratory Procedure. It is quick to administer. In a full attack, the stomach and chest appear to collapse inwards because of the Diaphragm going into full spasm. Most, if not all, of my asthma cases also use this move instead of Ventolin. If it does not work, it is perfectly alright to use the reliever spray.

In 2009 Bowen is expected to become a Self-Regulated therapy under the auspices of the CNHC (Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council) and all qualified Bowen Practitioners will be able to be registered as “fit to practise”. The general public will be able to check the register to see whether you are on it or not. To be accepted onto the Register, you will need to have the usual qualifications such as being qualified by a recognised school such as ECBS, be fully insured to practise, have an up-to-date First Aid certificate (they are valid for 3 years), and have an accepted amount of up-to-date CPD (Continuous Professional Development) training.

What it is

The Bowen technique is a non-invasive, relaxing form of bodywork. It helps to reset the body so it restores its natural healing ability, promotes pain relief, recovery of energy and functionality to the body. No clothing is removed; no oil or cream is used.

The Bowen technique is a non-invasive, relaxing yet powerful form of bodywork. Long lasting and fast results frequently occur when treating asthma and it is usual that only a few treatments are required to bring this lasting effect. It can be received by the very young right through to the elderly. No clothing needs to be removed and no oil or cream is used.