Bowen Technique and Cerebral Palsy

In 1982 a case study by Nelson & Ellenberg noted with referernce to the use of Bowen Technique:

“A diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy was made for 229 one-year-old children enrolled in a large longitudinal study. Of these children, 118 were free of motor handicap at the age of 7 years. Mild early cerebral palsy, and the monoparetic, ataxic/dyskinetic, and diplegic forms of the disorder, resolved with high frequency.”

Over the last decade two Bowen Therapists – Howard Plummer and Helen Watson based in Cardiff - have been studying the effects of the Technique when used on children with special needs, predominantly Cerebral Palsy. Their findings have resulted in the development of a particular type of Bowen called Fascia Bowen. The case study file is quite remarkable. I have been fortunate enough to study with Howard and Helen at first hand, and am much encouraged by the possibilities.

In addition to treating children with Cerebral Palsy, Bowen Technique has also had similar results with autistic children and those diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome. These children respond to Bowen with better concentration, loss of some obsessive or repetitive behaviours, sleep patterns are greatly improved, rage episodes lessened, abusive behaviour on self or property is much reduced, they have more eye contact and in general are quieter, happier children.

Bowen Technique and Multiple Sclerosis

Bowen Technique seems to be very helpful for MS patients who have considerable pain and periods of disability (as in the relapsing-remitting form of the disease.)

Frequently Bowen Therapy assists with muscle spasm problems, fatigue and in the bowel/bladder problems which is quite common in many sufferers.

The leading theory about the cause of MS is that it is an autoimmune disease. The Bowen Technique is known to affect the immune system on various levels, so Bowen may well be helping the body to bring more balance to an overactive immune system and thereby cut down on the frequency, potency or damage of MS attacks.