The Bowen Technique & Low Back Pain A pilot study to investigate the use of The Bowen Technique

as a treatment for
people who live with chronic, non-specific Lower Back Pain.
Copyright Michael Morris (Contact: m.f.morris@warwick.ac.uk) - this article should not
be reproduced without permission.
1st October 2012

Abstract
Almost half the adult population of the UK (49%) report low back pain (LBP).
Most cases of lower back pain are known as 'non-specific' because they are not
caused by serious damage or disease, but by sprains, muscle strains, minor
injuries or a pinched or irritated nerve.
The Bowen Technique is a soft tissue remedial therapy, which involves the therapist using
fingers or thumbs to move over muscle, ligament, tendon and fascia in various parts of the
body.
The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a trial into the
effectiveness of the Bowen Technique as a treatment for the management of Chronic, nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP), using a Randomised Control Trial approach.
Thirty-seven participants, 21 female, with a mean age of 44.5 years took part in the study.
Nineteen were allocated to the experimental, Bowen, group, and 18 to a control 'Sham
Bowen' group. Participants were blinded to their group allocation.
Each participant received three weekly treatments, and were asked to complete a
questionnaire comprising six different measures before treatment, one week after their final
treatment, and four weeks later.
Measuring pain and functioning levels, psychosocial/somatic changes and general health, 24
'categories' were created from the measures. The Bowen group recorded a positive change
by the second follow up in 20 of these categories. By contrast the control group showed an
improvement in twelve at the same time point.
Pain and functioning - the data takes in results from 12 categories. At the first follow-up,
the Bowen group showed healthy changes in 3 categories, and the control group showing
changes in 6 categories. By the second follow-up, the Bowen group showed healthy changes
in eleven of the categories, compared to five categories in the control group.
Psychosocial/somatic changes - there were 9 categories. The Bowen group failed to
register any healthy change after the first follow-up, compared to 3 in the control group. At
the second follow up, the Bowen group showed a healthy change in eight, compared to five
healthy changes in the control group.

General Health - 3 categories. The Bowen group showed a healthy change in 1 category by
the first follow up, compared with 2 from the control group. The Bowen and control groups
showed 2 healthy changes at the second follow up.
The data highlights that the Bowen treatment group changes occur mostly following a fourweek interval after the treatment, potentially highlighting the longer term effects the Bowen
treatment may be having on the body, and gives rise to the idea suggested by many in the
profession that the body takes time to adjust to the treatment, and that following treatment,
therapists should allow time for the body to 'rest' with no further treatment being applied for
a period of time.
We should remember that this was a pilot study, and as the subject matter involved common
and very prevalent symptoms, as such any study which would look to reach an 'effectiveness'
score, would require a much larger sample size, and most importantly a much larger budget!
For example, the UK BEAM study recruited from 181 general practices in Medical Research
Council General Practice Research Framework; 63 community settings around 14 centres
across the United Kingdom. In total, there were 1334 patients consulting their general
practices about LBP!
However, it was felt that due to the commonality of the symptoms, and the prevalence seen
within the clinics of Bowen therapists throughout the world, that this was a subject worth
investigating further and would hopefully provide the catalyst for future research into Bowen.

RESULTS OF BOWEN THERAPY STUDY INTO KNEE PAIN AND ANKLE PAIN
People affected by knee pain or ankle pain were given the special chance to try out a natural
therapy that has shown remarkable success in treating all kinds of joint and muscle problems
- the Bowen Technique.
During Summer 2009, Bowen practitioners from across the UK took part in a national study. It
was designed to provide testimonial evidence of how Bowen can help with knee pain and
ankle pain, a common cause of lack of mobility and in some cases, time off work.
RESULTS OF THE STUDY:
Participants had three treatments and gave a subjective score as to their change after
receiving the course of treatment.

Summary:
Fully recovered = 19%
Partial recovery = 69%
No change = 12%.

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Migraine Research

Bowen Therapy

Testimonials

FAQs

Bowen Technique relief from Migraine

Study Results
Why Bowen

Migraine

A migraine is no ordinary headache, as any sufferer will

testify; the pain is debilitating and some are driven to the
quiet of a bed in a dark room for at least a day. Twenty-four
percent of all women at some stage of their life will suffer

from Migraines. The causes, according to The City of London

Migraine Clinic can be several and range from hormonal to
food sensitivities; from missing a meal to a change in sleeping
pattern.
Migraine sufferers come to rely on medication, which often
has side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea. Once an attack
has subsided, the migraine sufferer is groggy, tired and
drained. So if someone came up to you and said I might have
found an effective, non-invasive and gentle alternative for
you what would you say?

Bowen Therapy

Light touch complementary therapy.

The Bowen technique is a holistic therapy that releases the
body's energy to heal itself using gentle rolling movements
over the surface of the skin, with the thumbs and forefingers.
"The results were very positive" says Nikke.

Of the 39 participants in the program 31 volunteers reported

an improvement in their migraine condition.

Nikke Ariff

Study organiser.

Nikke Ariff is a Bowen therapist who, in 2002 carried out a

research program with The Migraine Action Association to test
the efficacy of the Bowen Technique on Migraine sufferers.
The research was carried out over a six week period and each
participant received three Bowen treatments. The participants
had all been suffering Migraines for at least 10 years, some
for over 30.

TREAT YOURSELF TO BETTER HEALTH

RESULTS OF BOWEN THERAPY STUDY INTO SHOULDER PAIN AND NECK

PAIN

The results show that of 271 clients treated by Bowen Therapists, 86% showed a partial to
full recovery after a series of three treatments. Detailed analysis shows that
30% reported a full recovery, while a further 56% said that their symptoms had improved to
some extent. Fewer than 10% reported that there had been no change.
If the figures are adjusted by removing the incomplete/other modality treatments then:
Full recovery = 31%
Partial recovery = 60%
This gives an overall improvement rate of 91%
The study was designed to help consolidate the many anecdotal experiences of people who
have reported to their therapists that Bowen Therapy has provided significant pain relief.
More mature clients, or clients with chronic symptoms, are likely to experience even better
results after a number of additional sessions.

Summary of results

Taking part
Number of treatments
given

122
Therapi
sts
271
= 30%

Full Recovery
80

= 56%

154

= 9%

24

= 5%

Partial Recovery
No Change
Course not completed
13

BACK PAIN STUDY

Results of the BTPA Back Pain Study conducted in June 2007:

Therapists
Participating

115 - Approx.
25% of full
members

Full Recovery

124

35.3%

Partial Recovery 191

54.4%

No Change

32

Course not
completed

9.1%
1.1%

351
TOTAL
TREATMENTS
GIVEN

The outcome was on the whole

very satisfying, not to mention
revealing, with almost 90% of
treatments given resulting in
either a complete or partial
recovery.

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Asthma Research

Bowen Therapy

Testimonials

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Bowen Technique relief from Asthma

Study Results
Why Bowen

Asthma
Asthma happens when the bronchi or airways - the tubes that
carry oxygen into your lungs - become narrowed and inflamed
causing difficulty breathing. Asthma has several triggers, such
as dust or animal hair, causing the airway muscles to tighten

and narrow. At the same time the lining of the airways swells
and mucus is produced. This leads to the characteristic
symptoms of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
A key element in controlling the condition is becoming familiar
with your personal triggers so that you can avoid them as far
as possible. Other triggers include: virus infections such as
colds and flu, cigarette smoke, certain forms of exercise, cold
and dry air, laughing and other emotions.
Medical treatment consists of taking a preventer (a
medication designed to guard the airways and reduce the
chances of having an asthma attack) with a reliever (a
medication designed to relieve the symptoms of asthma,
during attacks). There can be side effects with steroid and
broncho-dilator medication, however, so more and more
people are turning to alternative treatments for their Asthma.

Bowen Therapy
Light touch complementary therapy.

The Bowen technique is a holistic therapy that releases the

body's energy to heal itself using gentle rolling movements
over the surface of the skin, with the thumbs and forefingers.
"The results were very positive" says Nikke Ariff - 83%
reported a reduction in the frequency of their asthma attacks
and 75% of the participants reported using less medication
than before the Bowen Research project.

Nikke Arif
Study organiser.

Nikke Ariff is a Bowen therapist who, between 2002 and 2004

carried out a research program to test the efficacy of the
Bowen Technique with Asthma sufferers. The research was
carried out over a twelve month period. The majority of
participants had been suffering from Asthma over 5 years,
most for over 15 years.
TREAT YOURSELF TO BETTER HEALTH

Asthma Links

Relieve Childhood Asthma

BBC News story

Asthma UK website

Asthma Initiative of Michigan

NHS Research

Bowen Links

Bowen Therapy Professional Association

Bowen Migraine Study

Bowen Research

Find a Therapist

Bowen Therapy for Children

Contact Nikke Arif

Bowen Therapist, Reflexologist and Nutritionist Cert ECBS, AoR,
LCIC, D.N. Med

Contact Tel: 020 7388 9818

E-mailnikke.ariff@mindbodypositive.com
Website: www.mindbodypositive.com

Lymphoedema
Eilish Lund is a lymphoedema nurse who practices at the Nightingale House Hospice in
Wrexham, North Wales and whose experience of the positive effect of The Bowen
Technique on lymphatic drainage was also a feature of an article that appeared in the
Winter 1998/99 edition of Proof newsletter.

The following article was published in the British Lymphology Society Newsletter Issue
24, Spring 1999. We thank Eilish for permission to reprint this excellent article.
Bowen Therapy originated in Australia in the 1950s. It was developed by a man named
Tom Bowen who had no medical training but treated people who had musculoskeletal
injuries. His technique was to move his thumbs and fingers across various tendons and
muscles, applying very gentle pressure. The rolling movement altered the tension in the
muscle creating an impulse of energy. He was so successful that he eventually gave up his
job in a factory and opened a full time clinic. By 1974 he was doing some 13,000
treatments a years, as was recorded by a government investigation into complementary
therapies. He died in 1982 but by then his technique was being used by others and was
finally introduced in to Britain in the early 90s.
I heard of Bowen at a Mersey Regional meeting of the British Lymphology Society in 1997.
It was described to us by a nurse who was working at a local hospice and who used it on
patients for pain relief and symptom control. I decided to learn the technique to help
patients in our hospice who were attending the Lymphoedema Clinic but were also at an
advanced stage of their cancer. When I was doing the initial training, I found that I felt quite
different after having a treatment myself and that it was quite a powerful intervention,
considering how light the touch was.
I did not have any idea that it would be of benefit in the treatment of lymphoedema.
However, my tutor, Julian Baker, was very excited to know that we could actually measure
limb volumes and he encouraged me to try the moves on as many patients as I could.
Luckily, my nurse manager had also done the training and was able to help and encourage
me in the beginning. I decided to try it out on as many patients as I could. I started with
those with primary Lymphoedema and lymphovenous oedema. I found that most patients
felt better, moved more freely and after an initial feeling of great tiredness, began to feel
better. Over a period of months a gradual sustained limb volume reduction was noticed.
Three patients with primary lymphoedema who had Complex De-congestive Therapy (CDT)
at least a year previously have gradually lost limb volume with no other change in treatment
(still wear the same class hosiery only smaller size). One patient with Lipolymphoedema
also lost gradually 400 500 cc. A lady who had CDT for Lymphovenous oedema
continued to improve after bandaging and with regular treatment has lost 1.5 litres from
each leg over the two year period. Two patients with secondary lymphoedema posthysterectomy and radiotherapy to the groin, had no change at all. One lady with arm
oedema had no change in limb volume.
Another lady with a long-standing lymphoedema of the arm (40 years) had presented to the
clinic with her left arm 76% greater in volume with fibrosis. She had been treated with CDT
for 5 weeks and then over the following 4 months maintained with Manual Lymphatic
Drainage (MLD) 2 3 times weekly. We treated her with Bowen for the past 18 months and
she has maintained her limb volume with only 1 session a month. Some patients describe a
strong diuretic effect on the day of the treatment. initially patients are treated weekly and as
their condition improves, the duration between treatments gets longer.

I have treated two patients with bilateral groin dissection and radical vulvectomy who were
referred within 3 months of surgery who achieved wonderful volume reduction in both legs,
even though they presented with class 2 hosiery which did not seem to be addressing the
problem. For me the most amazing results are not the reduction in limb volume but the
effect this treatment has on pain.
I very briefly describe 4 cases: 35 year old female who was referred by her GP at the
request of her Macmillan Nurse. This lady was referred to the Macmillan Service for pain
control as she was having uncontrolled pain and was very reluctant to resort to opiates.
She had developed swelling of her right side after her pregnancy and when she stood you
could see that the skin colour on one side of her trunk was different to the other. She had
severe pain in her leg and arm and had been informed that her lymph system on the right
side was barely functioning. I fitted her with a class 3 garment and commenced
Bowen.Within two days, the pain level reduced and after 3 sessions, she was pain free.
She stopped wearing her stocking long ago and her leg has reduced from being 25%
greater to 18%. She is now maintained with one hour treatment a month.
62 year old female who suffered a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in her right inguinal area
following hysterectomy for fibroids 4 years previously. She was referred from a vascular
clinic to be given some massage therapy. She had been given compression tights which
she was finding very difficult to put on and which she felt she did not need on her left leg.
She was having severe pain which at times was scored at 8 on a scale of 1 10. Her right
leg was 13% greater at referral and now 18 months later is 3% greater. The lady is pain
free.
58 year old lady who has developed lymphoedema following a varicose vein operation,
referred from another lymphoedema clinic, in class 3 rigid hosiery with severe pain which
was present most of the day and was at 7 9 on the pain scale. Was not compliant with
garment as she found it too difficult to wear. Treated only with Bowen, was pain free after
two sessions and does not wear any hosiery now.
Finally, a 33 year old lady who had lymphoedema of her arm associated with a severe
birthmark. Swelling had been exacerbated by an insect bite the previous year. Patients
main concern was that she suffered frequent migraine attacks which necessitated time off
work. She was given an armsleeve and taught the four cornerstones of care for managing
her lymphoedema. She was also given three Bowen treatments over a 6 week period and
has not had a headache in 9 months.
The success of the treatment on migraine is amazing. Many friends and staff members
have had relief. It also seems not to return and I find that 2 or 3 treatments are sufficient.
The list of aches and pains, frequency of micturition, irritable bowel problems, stiff necks,
sleeping problems which are relieved with the therapy is long. However, the question about
its benefit in the treatment of lymphoedema cannot be fully answered by the work I have
done to date. A larger study would have to be undertaken over a longer period of time. I am
going to continue to treat and monitor the group of patients I have listed above. I look at
people now in a different way and I am glad to say that my interest does not stop at their

affected limb! My job satisfaction rating has gone through the roof since I learned this very
simple Bowen Therapy.

Bowen Therapy
...a powerful, effective, gentle, and relaxing natural
therapy

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Bowen Treatments

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Sydney Locations

Learn Bowen

About Joshua

A Bowen Therapy Treatment

Bowen Therapy has been described as the most holistic
natural therapies in that it stimulates the body's own
natural healing response. Bowen Therapy consists of a
series of precise moves on specific points of the body.
These moves are light and can be done through clothing.
There are frequent and important pauses between each
series of moves giving the body time to benefit from
each. Bowen Therapy is gentle, relaxing and noninvasive. Results can be remarkable, even after the first
treatment; often only a few treatments are needed to
correct the presenting problem.
Unlike many other natural therapies, the Bowen
Technique does not use forceful manipulation. The
technique addresses the soft tissue or fascia of the body

which in turn effects the musculoskeletal framework,

nerves and internal organs. The body's integrated
response improves circulation and lymphatic drainage
and aids in the assimilation of nutrients and elimination of
toxins.
A Bowen treatment initiates a cascade of beneficial
changes that continue for several days. Other alternative
therapies performed during this time (such as massage
and chiropractic) can interrupt and undermine this
process and the overall effectiveness of Bowen Therapy.
It is therefore recommended that the client wait a week
before commencing any other manual therapy.

How Bowen Therapy Works

Bowen Technique moves generate impulses that travel
along bands of fascia or connective tissue that run
throughout the body. Research in the U.S. has shown that
by applying gentle pressure to fascia a small electrical
charge is created which has strong healing properties.
Some Bowen moves are over intersecting and
overlapping bands of fascia which stimulate all of the
underlying tracts producing a very powerful response. 1
Fascia interconnects bones, muscles, and nerves; it
connects and surrounds the internal organs and
interconnects every cell in the body. According to Dr.
Mae-Wan Ho, fascia is highly sensitive and responsive to
mechanical pressure, pH, electromagnetic fields and body
fluid composition. It is this meshed network of connective
tissue throughout the body that is believed to be the
means of producing a coherent, whole body response to
internal and external stimuli.2
At around the same price as a one-hour massage, and
with most health funds offering rebates, Bowen Therapy
is very affordable.

To book your appointment with Joshua Rasco in

Roseville, Sydney
Call 02 9415 4023 or
Email bowen@wholebeing.com.au
1
2

Wilks, John, 2007. The Bowen Technique, CYMA Ltd, Dorset, UK

Ho, Mae-Wan, 1998. 'The Acupuncture System and the Liquid Crystalline

Collagen Fibres of the Connective Tissues', The American Journal of Chinese

Medicine, Vol. 26, Nos. 3-4, Singapore. http://www.i-sis.org.uk/lcm.php

"As an insulin-dependent diabetic, the most amazing

benefit of Bowen I have had is that my blood sugar levels
have decreased 25% over the three months I have been
coming for treatments. I cant attribute this decrease to
anything else but Bowen, because over the three months
I havent changed my diet, I havent changed my
exercise or anything else. Bowen is the only thing
different in my life. My blood sugar levels were measured
by my GP before I started Bowen and again just recently.
The results I have had with Bowen are just amazing."
Gillian Reed, Mt Kuring-gai
I have had several Bowen treatments with Joshua. I
experience his presence as professional, sensitive and
intuitive and his deeply relaxing sessions create an inner
space of stillness and peace... I recommend Joshua's
consultations to anyone who is seeking balanced healing
for body and mind.
R.B., Cammeray, Sydney

The Bowen Technique and chronic,

non-specific low back pain: a feasibility
study
Michael F Morris MSc., Dr David R Ellard PhD., Dr Shilpa Patel C.Psychol.
Abstract
Background: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a randomised control
trial (RCT) into the effectiveness of The Bowen Technique as a treatment option for the
management of chronic, non-specific low back pain.

Method: A single blind RCT conducted in one private Bowen treatment centre. Participants
were randomised to either a Bowen group or a control Sham Bowen group. Participants
received three weekly treatments in both arms of the trial and completed six different
measures of function, psychological and general health nature at baseline, a week and a
month after treatment.
Results: We recruited 37 participants, 21 female, with a mean age of 44.5 years. . 19 were
randomly allocated to the Bowen group and 18 to the control. The study highlights the
challenges of recruitment and incorporating a true sham. The measures were found to be
acceptable to participants and easy to administer. The data show some positive changes in
these outcome measures but these must be interpreted with caution.
Conclusion: This study shows that with some modification, replication on a larger scale
would be feasible. A larger appropriately powered RCT would allow the clinical and cost
effectiveness to be formally evaluated.
Posted on: 30/05/2014
Posted in: Research & Studies

Asthma National Study

The Bowen Technique National Asthma Study
December 2002 to March 2004
Organised by Nikke Ariff in collaboration with B.T.E.R. Read More
Posted on: 01/05/2014
Posted in: Research & Studies

The Bowen Technique National

Migraine Study
London-based Bowen Technique practitioner Nikke Ariff recently completed The Bowen
Technique National Migraine Research Program, which sought to determine the efficacy of
The Bowen Technique in the treatment of the migraine condition. The Bowen therapists
were all fully qualified and experienced in The Bowen Technique. Read More

Posted on: 01/05/2014

Posted in: Research & Studies

Frozen Shoulder Study

STUDY RESULTS
Summary Report and Press Release by Helen Kinnear
TELL US ABOUT THE STUDY
We wanted to investigate the effect of the Bowen Technique on patients with long term
shoulder pain and stiffness. We used qualified Bowen therapists and set up a clinical trial to
monitor the effect of treatment over a six-week period. Read More
Posted on: 01/05/2014
Posted in: Research & Studies

Knee and Ankle Study

by Janie Godfrey
Every year for the past 6 or so years, the professional membership body for accredited
Bowen Technique therapists (the Bowen Therapists European Register BTER) has
organised a study of the effect of Bowen on a number of different conditions. Read More
Posted on: 01/05/2014
Posted in: Research & Studies

Bowen effect on autonomic nervous

system
Breaking Records in Golf by Balancing the Autonomic Nervous System
Jo Anne Whitaker MD, FAAP

Everything needs balance, especially our healthcare system. Allopathic and alternative
medicine requires communication and balance between the two disciplines in order to
facilitate optimum results of both.
Read More
Posted on: 01/05/2014
Posted in: Research & Studies

Bowen and Heart Rate Variability

The Bowen Technique A gentle hands on healing method that affects the
autonomic nervous system as measure by heart rarte variability and clinical
assessment.
A paper by: Jo Anne Whitaker, M.D., Patricia P Gilliam, M. Ed., M.S.N., and Douglas B
Seba, Ph.D
Read More
Posted on: 01/05/2014
Posted in: Research & Studies

Effects of The Bowen Technique on

Flexibility Levels
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hamstring strains are the most common sport-related injury in the lower
limb, with high recurrence rates and lengthy recovery periods. Causal links between lack of
flexibility and development of muscle strain injury are frequently reported. The financial
implication of treating such injuries provides a continual drive to deliver more effective,
evidence-based treatment. Read More

Fibromyalgia
In a study of twenty patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia conducted by
Jo Anne Whitaker, M.D., at the American College of Rheumatology, almost
all participants experienced various degrees of relief which lasted from a
few days to several weeks.
Most reported immediate relief following a Bowen treatment. For some,
repeated Bowen therapy maintained complete clinical remission. The
results were statistically significant and correlated with improvement of
clinical well-being.

Migraine Research Study

London-based Bowen Technique practitioner Nikke Ariff completed the
Bowen Technique Migraine Research Program which studied the efficacy
of the Bowen Technique in treating migraine headaches. 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; and nine had had migraines for over 30
years.
In all, 31 participants experienced a positive result, representing 79.5% of
participants. At the end of the program, 36 of the 39 said they would
recommend Bowen as a treatment to a friend or colleague.

Asthma Research Study

Nikke Ariff is a Bowen therapist who, between 2002 and 2004 carried out a
research program to test the efficacy of the Bowen Technique with
Asthma sufferers. The research was carried out over a twelve month

period. The majority of participants had been suffering from Asthma over
5 years, most for over 15 years. The results were very positive. Eightythree percent of the participants reported a reduction in the frequency of
their asthma attacks and 75% of the participants reported using less
medication than before the Bowen Research project.
Of the 24 Volunteers who completed the program, 22 reported that
secondary health concerns had also improved, including back, neck and
shoulder problems; knee and joint problems; headaches and migraines;
hay fever; irritable bowel syndrome and digestion; circulation; insomnia;
anxiety, stress, depression and energy level improvement.

Cerebral Palsy
Ongoing research by Howard Plummer in Wales has produced
encouraging results. Initial outcomes include increased vocalization,
calmer behavior, improved concentration and comprehension and
improved head control and improved balance.

Exercise and Sports Science

A study at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill compared
practitioner and patient responses on the efficacy of the Bowen
Technique in treating pain. Practitioners rated its effectiveness as 85% for
back pain, 88% for neck pain, 83% for stress and tension and 80% for
fibromyalgia. Patients rated the Bowen Technique at 85% for back pain,
80% for stress and tension, 95% for TMJ, 80% for hip pain and 75.^% for
other conditions.

Fibromyalgia
A pilot study on the effect of Bowen treatments on fibromyalgia sufferers
was carried out by Tim Willcocks (Bowen Practitioner and Trainer). Four
participants (aged 39-52) who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia from 3 to
5 years, were give four Bowen treatments over a five week period.
All four participants experienced improvement, including better sleep,
ease in walking, cessation of vertigo, eased neck pain, improved balance
and less exhaustion.

Effects of the Bowen Technique on the Autonomous Nervous System and

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

Anxiety
Ashley Pritchard at Swinburn University Department of
Psychophysiology, Melbourne, Australia, demonstrated that the Bowen
Technique consistently reduced subjects' level of anxiety, tension, anger,
depression, fatigue and confusion.

TMJ
A research project on TMJ abnormality was conducted by Dr. John
Bauman, DDS. Immediately after the first Bowen treatment, one third of
the patients felt dramatic relief from their symptoms.

Blood Chemistry
Jo Anne Whitaker, M.D has shown that blood chemistry changes following
Bowen treatment corroborate patient reports of experiencing flu-like
symptoms due to detoxification reactions lasting up to 5 days following a
session.

Frozen Shoulder

Dr. Bernie Carter at the Metropolitan University of Manchester (UK)

conducted a study of patients diagnosed with frozen shoulder who have
been treated by the Bowen Technique. Initial data reveal that 77% of the
study group have experienced positive outcomes from their treatment.

Maternity Research
Midwife and Bowen Therapist Rick Minnery has begun a long-term study
on the effectiveness of the Bowen Technique with maternity patients
including using Bowen

to help reduce pain in labor

to help reduce low back pain during pregnancy
to treat post-natal perineal trauma and breast problems.

Blepharospasm
Joanne Figov, RN and Bowen Therapist, conducted a pilot study on a
small section of patients diagnosed with a form of Dystonia called
Blepharospasm, a neurological condition characterized by involuntary
muscular eyelid spasms causing forceful contraction of the eyes. The
results thus far have been very encouraging. Out of eight patients, one
recovered completely after four treatments and all the rest experienced
relief for a couple of days following each treatment.

Frozen Shoulder
Julian Baker and Helen Kinnear of the European College of Bowen
Studies (UK) investigated the effect of the Bowen Technique on patients
with long-term shoulder pain and stiffness. Results indicated that Bowen
significantly improved shoulder function through increasing range of
motion and reducing pain.

Bowen and Lymphatic Drainage

Eilish Lund, is a lymphoedema nurse who practices in North Wales. She

decided to try Bowen out on as many patients as she could, starting with
those with primary Lymphoedema and lymphovenous oedema. She found
that most patients felt better, moved more freely and after an initial feeling
of great tiredness, began to feel better.
(READ ARTICLE)

Bowen and Parkinson's Disease

In the last few years Bowen Therapy has become more widely
known as an effective Parkinsons disease treatment. This is
largely due to John Colemans findings that Bowen Therapy
combined with Aqua Hydration Formulas (a homeopathic remedy)
accounted for his own complete recovery from stage IV
Parkinsons in 1998. Since then there have been at least two
studies into the effectiveness of Bowen Therapy on Parkinsons.
including this Parkinsons research study conducted in 2009 by
Joshua Rasco.
(READ ARTICLE)

Research and Studies

(European College of Bowen Studies)

Back pain; asthma; migraine; frozen shoulder; knee and ankle

study; autonomic nervous system; heart rate variability; flexibility
levels.
(READ ARTICLES)