Bowen technique
Alternate names: Bowen Manipulative Therapy, Bowen Therapist, Bowen Therapy, BT, Méthode Bowen, Técnica Bowen, Technique Bowen, Technique de Bowen, Thérapeute en Bowen, Thérapie Manuelle
Background
The Bowen technique is a type of touch therapy developed by Tom Bowen (1916-1982), a self-proclaimed osteopath. It has been used for pain, fatigue, relaxation, frozen shoulder, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
The Bowen technique is POSSIBLY SAFE when performed correctly and for a short period of time. The Bowen technique has not been linked with any side effects.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough information to know if the Bowen technique is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. However, there is no reason to suspect safety issues when used appropriately.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Frozen shoulder. Some developing research shows that the Bowen technique might reduce pain and improve symptoms in some people with frozen shoulder.
- Chronic pain. Early research shows that the Bowen technique does not produce lasting relief from chronic pain.
- Stress. Early research shows that the Bowen technique might reduce stress and improve wellbeing in healthy people.
- Stroke. Early research shows that the Bowen technique might improve certain movements and physical health in some people recovering from a stroke.
- Fatigue.
- Relaxation.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The Bowen technique is a treatment that uses light pressure applied to specific locations throughout the body.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Practitioners of the Bowen technique believe that applying pressure in specific areas can stimulate the body's own healing ability. However, there is no reliable scientific support for this belief.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 26/08/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 26/12/2012 18:06:19. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
