[Closed] Bowen Therapy

My personal opinion is its a load of clap trap (I do have knowledge of basically what is involved). I believe most of its potential benefits are due to psychosomatic illness or is due to the power of the mind (self belief). I believe the brain to be able to do many beneficial things we don't understand. Its like religeon you either believe in a higer power of not. Don't want to get into that debate!

I had it, exactly same situation as you - had a friend of the family looking for someone to practice on and as I have a faily incurable knackered leg and resulting other ailments she was keen to get me involved.

To be honest I did try to go in with an open mind but found it hard not to be a bit cynical about it and think it a lot of hippy crap, especially the talk about energy channels and stuff. The actual treatment is very minimal - a few applications of pressure at various points around your body basically, like a sort of minimal massage. And I had no faith in it's ability to replace damage cartilage and heal shagged tendons. I was right to think that.

BUT...

What I did find is that the whole experience, in all it's hippy holistic glory, was extremely relaxing. And total relaxation isn't something I experience very often being a tightly wound type of chap.

I found that quite helpful. When you've got a bit of funny posture cos of an injury or whatever, I think you can end up quite tense and uncomfortable without really realising, and the Bowen treatment opened up a world of relaxation for me that I'd forgotten existed.

And that relaxed state allows a refreshed mind. I found it a bit like hitting reset when your computer is running slowly. And when you feel better in your head, you feel better in your body. And then your osteo-arthritis or whatever doesn't seem so bad.

The way I see it, it's all in the head. But if you're alright accepting that, then it's a well worthwhile treatment.

Looks like utter claptrap to me from a quick google. I have never heard of it before. One of those complimentary therapies that can do no harm however and there is a possible mechanism for it to work in that the massage can have an effect on the nervous system.

Highly sceptical tho - but from a perspective of a traditional western medical practitioner with no direct knowledge of the technique

hmmm thatd be a waste of time and effort then.

im not signing up (just) to get touched up.

(i already have that on a direct debit)

still if its free and wont make matters worse......

placebo effect, snake oil, not 'real' medicine - yada yada yada....

.....ignore those who say it's rubbish and ignore those who say it's a miracle, only way to see if something 'works' is to try it with an open mind 😉

I have had it a few times and can say without question that it has worked. My GF also swears by it. Also recommended it to various people at work with an approximate 70% success rate.

Put it this way, it might work, it doesn't hurt and will not cause damage unlike badly practised Osteopathy/Chiropracty.

I would say its your choice - but would the free sessions turn into payed sessions? People do earn a living from this - I feel it is in the same area as palm reading - making people feel better by tapping into their wants/needs - maybe a good relaxing massage or a sports massage if you have problems by a trained physio would be cheaper and beneficial for the muscles. Just my opinion - seems a sort of a faith healing thing really!