An Explanation of Bowenwork's mechanism of healing

The following explanation is excerpted from the article “Introduction of Bowenwork for Nurses” by Susan Symmons, RN. Dip. BT. Instructor

One of the easiest and (most) recognizable medical explanations of how Bowen Therapy may work is by explaining the tendon reflex, whose function is to protect the tendons and muscles from excessive tension forces. The golgi tendons lie within the tendon organs, near the junction of the muscle and the tendon. Muscle spindles are sensitive to changes in muscle length. During passive stretching of the golgi tendons, muscular contraction impulses are transmitted to the spinal cord. In this reflex arc an inhibitory association neuron connects to the motor neuron. As the tension in the tendon organ increases, the inhibitory impulses increase and cause a relaxation of the muscle.

In this reflex arc, synapses with motor neurons controlling the antagonistic muscles occur, causing contraction of the opposing muscle. This in turn potentially will physically balance the muscle structure, which when injured is often found to be in a compensatory state of weakness or contraction. Hence Bowen can physically straighten the posture and balance muscle function over joints. An impulse is also sent to the brain from this arc giving the brain feedback of the state of the musculature.

An intersegmental reflex arc is created with stimulation to one muscle. This is when the impulse is from one site, but several muscles in the associated group respond. This lends itself to support the knowledge that a Bowen response can be over a general area without working on all the painful muscles. Eg, working on the vastus lateralis above the knee will provide relaxation to many muscles of the leg, just from doing one Bowen move.

The first two moves around the waist in Bowen Therapy result in an overall balancing effect to the body. They may be the only moves done for the day for some patients. During injury or compensation for injury, it is suggested that the fascia which surrounds the muscle fibers, which is an elastic strong layer between the skin and underlying tissues, shrink around the injured part to strengthen and protect it. After a broken bone, for example, the muscle may not be able to return to normal due to kinking of the fascia and impedance of lymph flow and circulation. Many proprioceptors are situated in the fascia. Under normal circumstances the fascia is lubricated with nutrients and a small amount of fluid allowing the muscle groups to glide effortlessly over each .”

To recap, Bowen stimulates the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system, causing the body to recognize compensatory patterns and to correct them, returning back to a normal healthy state. Involvement of the brain results in the body being able to prioritize which type of healing it requires, whether a fine tuning of the emotions is to take place, or healing on a physical level creating a balanced state of well being and lessening of  presenting symptoms and pain reduction.”