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BOWEN THERAPY RESEARCH & ARTICLES

Accident Victims

http://www.cyma.org.uk/article-item.aspx?pages=54

Asthma

Between 2003 and 2004, Nikke Ariff tested the efficacy of Bowen in treating asthma. This research, carried out during a twelve-month period, included a majority of participants who had asthma for over 5 years, and most, over 15 years. The results were positive. Eighty-three percent reported a reduction in the frequency of asthma attacks with 75% reporting less reliance on medication following Bowen treatments.

Of 24 volunteers who completed the program, 22 reported that secondary health concerns had also improved, including back, neck and shoulder pain; knee and joint problems; headaches and migraines; hay fever; irritable bowel syndrome; poor digestion; poor circulation; insomnia; anxiety, stress, depression; and reduced energy levels.

Athletics

California State University Sacramento athletic coaches and training staff have experienced the positive and almost instantaneous effects of Bowen Therapy, and seen the phenomenal results in their football, baseball, basketball, track, cross-country and crew athletes. Athletes who have ankle, back, knee, neck, shoulder, groin and hamstring strains experience immediate and noticeable effects during and after Bowen treatment. These include increased range and ease of motion, athletic fluidity, and release of strain, tension and muscle cramping. Others who have chronic shoulder, knee, elbow, or other joint pain due to old injuries, have either an immediate and noticeable decrease in, or total elimination of pain. Others who have complained of tightness in the chest and slight breathing difficulties have received immediate relief and a greater ability to breathe more deeply.

Back & Neck Pain

In 1998, Amy Norman presented on Bowen therapy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sport Science.

Twenty practitioners rated the following results in their clients:

• 85% effectiveness in reducing back pain with an average of 4.3 sessions
• 88% effectiveness in reducing neck pain with 4.5 sessions
• 83% effectiveness in reducing stress, tension with 4 treatments
• 83% effectiveness in the "other" category after 5.8 treatments

After receiving treatment, 100 clients reported the following results:

• 85% effectiveness with reduction of back pain
• 80% effectiveness for stress and tension relief
• 80% effectiveness with relief from symptoms of fibromyalgia
• 95% effectiveness with TMJ relief
• 80% effectiveness with reduction of hip pain
• 75.6% for relief of "other" conditions

Blood Chemistry & Detoxification

Dr. Whitaker, using darkfield phase and fluorescent microscopic live cell analysis, has demonstrated that blood chemistry changes following Bowen treatments. These changes corroborate reports by some patients of flu-like symptoms due to detoxification, which can occur following a session.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

Six people took part in a Bowtech® study carried out by Glenys Sheedy. They had been suffering from pain and numbness in the fingers and wrist, shoulders and neck for up to 3 years. They each received four Bowen treatments over a 4-week period. Bowen therapy successfully eliminated all symptoms for 3 of the 6 participants, and the remaining three were able to return to regular activities.

Fibromyalgia

Dr. Jo Anne Whitaker’s study showed the positive effect of Bowen Therapy on twenty patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Measurements of shifts in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) by heart rate variability (HRV) studies fully complemented the clinical assessments.

Almost all experienced various degrees of relief, which lasted from a few days to several weeks. For some, repeated Bowen Therapy maintained complete clinical remission.

Flexibility

A randomly controlled trial at Coventry University in the United Kingdom revealed that Bowen Therapy has an immediate and direct impact on hamstring flexibility that lasts at least a week without further treatment. The study applied strict methodology using The Bowen Technique, and was accepted for presentation at the First International Fascia Research Congress in Boston, Massachusetts in October 2007.

Frozen Shoulder

Published in England by Dr. Bernie Carter, at the Metropolitan University of Manchester (UK), this Bowen Therapy study showed effective results with frozen shoulders after 3 to 6 treatments, even with those who had long-standing conditions. The study involved 20 participants diagnosed with frozen shoulder and treated with Bowen Therapy.

By the end of treatment, 70% of participants regained full mobility, equal to the unaffected side. The other participants showed significant improvement in mobility and associated function. Eighty percent of participants reported a pain level of 0-2, down from a level of 10. Some still reported mild ache, but none reported any invasive or intense pain, which they had experienced before receiving Bowen Therapy.

At the conclusion of this study, participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the therapy, a commitment to use Bowen Therapy in any future case of relapse or for another condition, and the intention to recommend the therapy to friends and family.

Heart & Nervous System Research

By measuring changes in the value and pattern in heart rate variability (HRV) before and after a Bowen treatment, a study by Jo Anne Whitaker, M.D., demonstrated that the Bowen Technique affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

By using HRV to study the autonomic nervous system, early findings demonstrated that Bowen treatments balanced the ANS. The control group consisted of subjects with all types of rheumatological conditions.

Migrane

London-based Bowen practitioner Nikke Ariff completed The Bowen Technique National Migraine Research Program which studied the efficacy of treating migraine headaches with Bowen therapy. The 39 migraine volunteers consisted of 37 women and 2 men. Thirteen of them had been suffering from migraines for 1-15 years; seventeen of them had been having migraines for 16-30 years; nine had migraines for over 30 years. In all, 31 participants experienced a positive result, representing 79.5% of the group. At the end of the program, 36 of the 39 said they would recommend Bowen therapy to a friend or colleague.

Parkinson's Disease (Case Study)

In 1995, John Coleman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by five practitioners, including three medical practitioners.

By August 1995, John was suffering from stage IV Parkinson's disease, had lost his power of speech, was unable to walk 5 metres without assistance, and took an hour and a half to get dressed. Severely dissatisfied with western medical treatment and prognosis, John decided to pursue other methods.

With the aid of Bowen Therapy, and other complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, John was completely symptom free by April 1998.

He went on to train in Bowen Therapy and to treat others with Parkinson’s disease:

The first gentleman he treated was suffering from drug-induced Parkinson's disease and was unable to take Parkinson's disease medication because it would have interfered with his heart drugs. He was quite debilitated by his symptoms and unable to undertake normal activities. Within a few months of commencing treatment with Bowen Therapy, he was able resume normal activities.

The second gentleman, suffering from idiopathic Parkinson's disease, was treated in 1998. He was a house painter who had been forced to give up work. John commenced treatment using Bowen Therapy and, four months later, the painter resumed work. This gentleman continued to improve for nearly 18 months when he went on an extended holiday. He has not required any Bowen treatments since early 2000.

http://www.theboweneffect.com/BowenandParkinsons.html

PREGNANCY (APPLICATION OF BOWEN BY SANDRA GUSTAFSON)

Bowen Therapy offers unique and exciting possibilities in optimizing the outcome of both mother and baby in preconception, prenatal, labour, delivery and post partum situations.

Pre-conception

Bowen Therapy is effective in regulating menstrual cycles and enhancing fertility in men and women. It has been said that many babies were dubbed “one of Tom Bowen’s children” because his treatment allowed previously infertile couples to conceive.

During Pregnancy

Bowen Therapy has been useful in managing morning sickness, fatigue, emotional fluctuations and the body’s adaptation to pregnancy.

As the pregnancy progresses, it can be very helpful in relieving lower back pain, sciatica, hiccoughs, respiratory problems, even asthma and gastric discomfort such as heartburn and reflux, often eliminating the need for medications that may adversely affect the foetus. Bowen Therapy arrests preterm labour by affecting relaxation of the pelvis, and often causes the foetus to shift away from the pelvic inlet, reducing pressure on the cervix.

One of the most important effects achieved with Bowen Therapy is in optimising foetal positioning prior to birth.

Bowen therapy facilitates labour by inducing relaxation of the pelvic muscles and ligaments, allowing the baby’s head to enter more deeply into the birth canal.

During labour, Bowen Therapy is particularly helpful in managing the pain associated with increased pelvic pressure. Bowen moves performed in the area of the lower back, sacrum and upper anterior thighs relieve discomfort and encourage the birth of the baby. Once the second stage is reached, and the cervix is fully effaced and dilated, a specific move stimulates more efficient uterine contractions. All Bowen Therapy moves can be repeated as often as required during the birthing process. In the third stage of labour, a special move facilitates the delivery of the placenta. Once expelled, another move stimulates uterine involution and helps relieve perineal pain.

Bowen Therapy and the Newborn

In the early stages of extra-uterine life, Bowen Therapy can aid the newborn by triggering expectoration of any fluid or mucous it may have inhaled.

Bowen Therapy and Lactation

There are specific moves used to promote lactation and involution of the uterus. These also work to regulate the appropriate production of breast milk.

Psychological Research

Ashley Pritchard, at Swinburne University department of Psychophysiology, Melbourne, Australia, showed that Bowen Technique Therapy consistently reduced subjects' levels of anxiety, and enhanced individuals' positive feelings by reducing tension, anger, depression, fatigue and confusion. Objective measures of decrease in heart rate variability (HRV)and muscle tension correlated with subjective feelings of relaxation.

Restless Leg Syndrome

A Bowen Therapy study, by Australian Marg Biorac, included six people suffering from restless leg syndrome. One participant did not receive any treatment and served as the control; the other five received four Bowen treatments over a four-week period. All five noticed a reduction in the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms.

TMJ Research

In Durango, CO, Dr. John Bauman, DDS, completed a research project on the application of Bowen Therapy on TMJ abnormality. Assessment of masseter tension by biofeedback, measurement of bite, and subjective symptoms were compared before and after treatment. Immediately after the first treatment, one third of patients felt dramatic relief in some of their symptoms. Twenty out of 22 patients showed significant improvement on their post-biofeedback assessment.

OTHER RESEARCH & ARTICLES ON BOWEN THERAPY

Listing compiled by Anna Dicker

• Rayment, J., 1997, Reclaiming a sense of wellbeing as a result of receiving Bowen Therapy (A study of the effects of Bowen Therapy on chronic lower back pain), Thesis for Master HSc Victoria University of Technology (unpublished).
• Amato, D., ‘Accelerated Healing Response’ (review pending)
• Lambeth, B., ‘An Examination of the Bowen Bunion Treatment’ (review pending)
• Russell, J.K., (1994), ‘Bodywork-The Art of Touch’, Nurse Practitioner Forum, 5:2, pp 85-90.
• Stammers, G., (1996) ‘Bowen Therapeutic Technique’, Journal of Australian Traditional-Medicine Society, 2:3, 85-86
• Rappaport, S., (1997), ‘Clinical Experiences of a Bowen Therapist’, Positive Health, 18, pp 62-64.
• Nixon-Livy ,M.J., (1999) ‘ Neurostructural Integration Technique (Advanced Bowen Therapy)’, Positive Health, Aug 1999, 48-51
• Figov, J., (1999) ‘Gentle Touch Bowen Therapy’ Positive Health. (44):47-9 1999 Sept
• Lund, E., (1999) ‘Bowen and Lymphatic Drainage’, British Lymphology Society Newsletter, 24, pp 10-13.
• Hodgson, K., (2000) ‘Bowen: simplicity in movement’ Physiotherapy Frontline. 6(19):22
• Rousselot, P., (2000) ‘Bowen Technique’, Clinicians Complete reference to Complementary/Alternative Medicine, Mosby, Missouri, 371-380.
• Dicker, A., (2001) ‘Using Bowen Therapy to improve staff health’ The Australian Journal of Holistic Nursing. 8(1):38-42.
• Dicker, A., (2001) ‘Bowen Therapy’, Nursing.aust, the journal produced by The New South Wales College of Nursing’, 2(3) 7
• Akkermans, G., (2002) ‘Physio recommends Bowen for facial palsy, Physiotherapy Frontline. 8(10):30
• Potter, R., (2002), ‘Evidence points to effectiveness of Bowen for frozen shoulder’ Physiotherapy Frontline. 8(7):16
• Olafiminhan, K., Hall, S., (2002) ‘Bowen- moving blocked energy: Bowen is a gentle but highly effective technique for the treatment of many conditions’. Positive Health. (74):51-4 2002 Mar
  http://www.positivehealth.com/article-abstract.php?articleid=237