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Tom Bowen and "Bowen Technique" in the UK

Tom Bowen and the “Bowen Technique”

The Australian therapist Tom Bowen did not practice or teach the “Bowen Technique”. He allowed a small number of men to observe him for various lengths of time, and one of them, Ossie Rentsch, taught a simplified interpretation of the work after observing Bowen for a year or so, which has become known internationally as “The Bowen Technique”. 
 
I initially trained in this approach (as does almost everyone), but am much more influenced by the work of another of these observers, Romney Smeeton (who was a chiropractor), and how Graham Pennington has developed what he learned from Romney. Romney observed Tom Bowen in clinic every week for 6 years – the longest of any of his apprentices – and Graham has been working with Romney for about 20 years (but not every week!).  I have assisted Graham during his UK teaching tours. 
 
The primary physical goal of this simple, sophisticated work is to address imbalances associated with the pelvis, spine and skull, with the aim of restoring healthy spinal function and resolving structural issues that may be compromising the Central Nervous System. It then addresses any peripheral restrictions that still remain. 
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Tom Bowen
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Romney Smeeton and Graham Pennington
How I Use “Tom’s Work”

The two sources of "Tom’s work" (as Romney always refers to it) were classical osteopathy and acupuncture/shiatsu (Japanese bodywork). Encouraged by Romney, I have taken the knowledge and skill gained from my shiatsu and tui na (Chinese bodywork)  training and folded it inside what I do. This means my work won't look exactly like the "Bowen" that you may have had in the past. 
 
I don’t diagnose or treat medical conditions, however I do use assessment to target the primary causes of structural dysfunction. There is no set treatment pathway to ‘cure’ you of (e.g.) your frozen shoulder, but I do work with the fact that your arm has restricted movement and try to help change that.
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"Minimalism is a virtue only when it is a choice." Stephanie Land
What Can This Work Help With?

Bowen does not treat medical conditions. However, I have had good experiences improving quality of life for many people, including those with:
General Muscular-Skeletal Issues
Ankle pain 
Ankle instability (frequently twisted ankle)
Back pain after a lower limb break
General back pain (lower and upper)
Caesarian Section Scars
Coccyx pain 
Flat feet
Heel/Sole of foot 
Shoulder tension, pain and mobility issues
Hypermobility
​Jaw issues​​
​Morton's Neuroma 
Restricted neck movement 
Postural imbalance
 
Sports injuries
Knee pain 
Shin splints
Elbow problems
Shoulder issues from open water swimming
Neck problems, including whiplash

Neurological Issues
Restless leg
Sciatic pain
Post Stroke recovery 
 
Hormonal Issues 
Menopausal hot flushes
Stress
 
Other 
Asthma
Digestive issues 
Lymphatic drainage for hayfever
Migraines 
Tension headaches

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Please contact me if you wish to discuss whether working together might benefit you. 
Experience The Bowen Technique
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​About
James Palmer
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Website design: InterKnowledge. Original photography: Beth Evans. Logo design: Josh Olins. Copyright © Body Kinetics Therapy 2018. Privacy and Data Protection. Legal. 

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  • Sessions
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