Therapies... - Bowen - A History

"The Bowen Technique" was created by Tom Bowen in the 1950's in Victoria, Australia. Following service in WWII, Tom Bowen became aware of certain moves he could make on the body to help alleviate suffering. His technique developed through an extreme hypersensitivity in the fingers that allowed him to feel surface tension as well as "nerve vibrations" and subsequent blockages in the nervous and muscular systems.

Bowen called his technique "Soft Tissue Therapy" and, over time, developed a system of moves that promoted the body's natural healing process. He would help people whenever he had spare time and, as word of his technique and success spread, people began to arrive at his home or pass him on the street and request treatment. Eventually, Tom Bowen opened a clinic.

Though he had no formal training in the field of health care, the success of The Bowen Technique amazed both professionals and laymen alike. Tom Bowen claimed his technique was simply "a gift from God". The Australian Web Report of 1975 noted that Tom Bowen was able to see 13,000 patients per year! He had no notes, charts, or manuals, as he practiced more from his head than from paper. In 1974, Oswald and Elaine Rentsch came to his practice and studied with Tom Bowen for thirty months. During this time, the Rentshs were able to document the technique and verified the accuracy of their research and observations with Bowen.

The Rentschs first taught the technique after the death of Bowen -- an agreement held between the two parties. Today, training seminars are held globally and "The Bowen Technique" is quickly coming to the forefront as a viable means of healing.