Working parameters   One way to define something is to look at the parameters of how it works. This is a list of strategies and considerations used by Bowen therapists to get the best results from the work.   It needs to be pain free to get the cooperation of the body. Pain can set up resistance or recoil. Some “advanced” moves are performed at a 6 on the 1-10 pain scale to get the body’s attention and be effective but they are quick and leave no residual pain. A state of parasympathetic relaxation opens pathways. When the client is comfortable and relaxed (which may take a few minutes after they rush in during a busy day) they are more receptive and get better results.    Chronic situations often require a balancing and full system integration before one can focus the work into a specific procedure. This is a good general principle for anyone receiving Bowenwork™ for the first time or if prolonged gaps of months have elapsed between sessions. Acute injuries that have not set up compensation and recruitments patterns respond quickly to the work at the area of concern. Too much information as in too many moves or procedures may be ignored altogether by the brain and the body will revert to familiar patterns. The body will prioritize its needs and resolve problems far removed from the area where work was done. Minimum amount of intervention – less is more. Some moves are “stoppers” that segment off and contain areas so information is used there. They are prerequisites for other procedures. Moves on the better side first give the brain an easy access pattern to a more correct resolution of the injured side. The brain/body remembers new healing patterns in the event of new injury or continued environmental stresses. Waiting periods are needed for information to be processed: but not necessarily in children or pregnant women and active athletes because their bodies are more receptive to change.  The client may or may not feel responses during the work – it doesn’t matter. The changes will take place over the next 5-10 days.  If a client is weak or overtaxed physically or emotionally then reducing the quantity of work and extending the waits between moves allows for a better response.  If a client gets a good result for a few days and then it goes away, repeat essentially the same procedures to reinforce them and the results will stick.  In the days following a procedure the body may feel soreness in a remote area perhaps an old injury site that has a fascial connection to the current problem. Addressing this new soreness may resolve both issues.  The detoxification response – When too much or too rapid of information is given a client may go into a condition that some call flux. It is usually detected when a client sits up and they feel light headed or dizzy.  This is a rare happening and simply means that the body is still processing. This condition is dealt with by extending the rest period with the client lying down with a pillow and a blanket. The blanket is not for warmth but used as an energy containment device.  Putting the lid on the pot to let it simmer a little longer. Clients usually report energetic sensations i.e. pulsing in the hands. This condition is never promoted, is harmless and sometimes the turning point in the healing process.  Put moves in on either end then zap it in the middle theory. Used for the scar tissue move, and part of the purpose of the stoppers for all subsequent procedures. This is not a hard and fast rule because many exceptions exist.  If things are not working structurally as well as expected than the ankle or the wrist procedures may release peripheral fascial anchors.  If a jump sign (reflex of pain or sensitivity) appears during the moves under the base of the skull (Brm #3 moves 3 & 4) it may mean caffeine or dairy toxicity, or a fragile nature, and easily overloaded.  If you get results, stop. One application of this is to not repeat the same procedure over and over if it worked the first time. Once it has done its work trust it.  Each body works at its own accelerated pace for changes to take effect as tissues rehydrate, realign, change tone, go back to their specific function, release trigger points, soften adhesions, revamp chemical/hormonal soups, and detoxify. If the body can create a situation it can undo it.    Return to How it Works