Welcome to
Ian Dixon Bowen therapy
Your Path to Wellness
Welcome to Ian Dixon Bowen Therapy, where we invite you to embark on a transformative journey towards holistic wellness. Our expert practitioner brings you the healing power of Bowen Therapy, a gentle yet highly effective approach to pain relief, stress reduction, and overall wellbeing. Explore the possibilities of a healthier, more balanced life with us.
About
Introducing Ian
I retired to Woodbridge in 2020 after closing my full time Bowen practice in Canberra, where for 15 years I was the “Bowtech” registered Bowen trainer/ instructor for the ACT and surrounding NSW region.
I am very much enjoying retirement, but I miss the joy of seeing the difference Bowen makes to clients’ lives as they regain health. So now it’s semi-retirement, and I am delighted to be providing Bowen treatments at Woodbridge and Cygnet two days every week.
In a previous life I was a Rural Scientist so the change to Bowen Practitioner presented some intellectual challenges, to say the least! There appeared to be no scientific explanation as to how Bowen and other complementary therapies work so I had to convince myself that there was more than a placebo effect happening.
For the first few years of my practice, every treatment I gave was, in effect, part of an experiment to gain data on the effectiveness or otherwise of the method. After a couple of years, I stopped checking. It was overwhelmingly evident to me that the technique worked. A huge range of chronic and acute conditions respond, and there is an 80% success rate. It is interesting that science is at last providing some clues as to what is happening in the body with Bowen and other complimentary modalities. Read more about that below.
" My passion is helping clients find relief, whether it's from physical pain, stress, or emotional tension. Bowen therapy offers a holistic solution. "
Ian Dixon, Bowen Therapist
INFO
Bowen Therapy
The Bowen technique is a very gentle form of bodywork invented by an Australian, Thomas Bowen, during the 1950’s. No one knows how he evolved the technique, but people used to come to him for treatment from all over Australia. A Victorian Government enquiry into alternative therapies during the 1970’s states that Mr. Bowen was regularly treating 13,000 clients each year in his Geelong clinic.
Since 1986, after Tom Bowen’s death, over 20,000 therapists worldwide have taken Bowen training, and the technique is practiced in over 30 countries. It is particularly popular in the USA, U.K., Canada, South Africa, Europe, N.Z., and of course, Australia.
Bowen is a gentle form of bodywork in which very subtle moves with fingers and thumbs performed over the muscles and connective tissue, or fascia, send messages deep into the body, retrieving cellular memory of a preferred, relaxed, balanced way of wellbeing. Results can be remarkable, even from the first session; often only a few sessions are needed to correct the presenting problem.
There are many theories about what is going on in the body during a Bowen treatment. It has been known for a long time that the Bowen move switches on the body’s parasympathetic nervous system which creates the resting, relaxed and safe state of being which is necessary for healing to occur.
Other physiological changes have been observed, such as activation of reflex nerve feedback loops in the central nervous system, changes to blood pressure, and activation of Golgi bodies in muscle groups, all of which effect the functioning of muscles and organs.
More recently, however, scientific studies of the function and structure of fascia in the body have shone some light on what is happening in a Bowen treatment at a much deeper level.
Fascia is the network of connective tissue which forms the slippery, translucent sheets that cover all muscle groups and organs. It forms a framework which holds everything together, gives stability, and being moist, provides the lubricated surfaces that allow muscles to slide against each other. The structural importance of fascia has been known for some time by bodyworkers such as massage therapists and osteopaths and is central to the way they work.
What has only recently become widely known, however, is that the network of collagen fibres which form fascia has an additional function, which is to transmit messages and energy throughout the body. These messages travel at speeds many times faster than those transmitted by nerves and are entirely subconscious. The fibres of this fascia network connect every single cell in the body to every other cell, and act like an internet which alerts each cell immediately when any other cell moves or performs a function. This is how the body can coordinate all its functions, and all its healing.
When there is a trauma to the body, be it a hit, a cut, a disease vector, or even an emotional trauma, a part of the fascia will harden and lose its water. This means it becomes an area of high resistance to the flow of energy and information, so coordinating messages cannot get through, or at least are slow getting through. Therefore, the body finds it difficult to coordinate its healing processes and we say that healing is stalled.
So what has this got to do with Bowen?
The molecular structure of the fascia causes it to act like a liquid crystal. When a crystal receives an electric current, it distorts. Conversely, when a crystal is distorted by a mechanical force, it produces a tiny piso-electric current.
The Bowen move over a muscle or tendon makes a slow distortion of the fascia at that spot. The resulting piso-electric current travels along the fibre until it reaches an area of traumatised fascia causing it to rehydrate, thus restoring the ability of messages to get through. Coordinated healing can go ahead.
It is interesting to note that a fast or hard distortion of fascia causes electrical “noise” and is not efficient at causing rehydration.
As with most bodywork, Bowen addresses pain and disfunction in muscles and joints, including shoulders, back, knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, hips etc. However, unlike many other modalities, Bowen is effective for a huge range of other disorders.
I believe the best way to understand what Bowen can do is to hear from some of the people who have benefited from Bowen treatments. The examples below are stories from people suffering from one or more of the following:
- Back pain
- Herniated discs
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Hay fever
- Asthma
- Cerebral Palsy
- Deafness
- Earache
- Fibromyalgia
- Menstrual pain
- Foot problems
- Hamstring/achilles tendon injury
- M.E., Repetitive Strain Injury / Occupational Overuse Syndrome,.
Other conditions not listed include: Migraines, seizures, Infertility, constipation, diarrhoea, sinus, digestive upset, etc.
Tom Bowen said that any or every condition could be addressed by this technique.
STORIES
Case Studies
H.S. – Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia
I have had back injuries since my teens. First-was lower back, then in my forties I broke all my ribs and damaged vertebrae. Later I started having problems with my upper back which made it painful even to walk.
In the early years treatment from a sports osteopath allowed me to continue playing field hockey and golf. Then in my fifties sports massage gave good temporary relief, but in the end, I had to give golf and strenuous exercise away.
In my sixties I again went to have massage to relieve the back pain that was causing all sorts of hassles. Ian asked if I was willing to try another option – Bowen. After the first session I walked out feeling very comfortable and within a couple of months I am a different person. Its uncanny that a treatment so totally relaxing and gentle can work this miracle for me. I now feel great, with no pain, no twinges, and do recommend Bowen as a treatment worth trying.
A.D. – Lanal, Quebec, Canada (Published in ‘Bowen Hands’ magazine)
For the last twenty years or so, I had been suffering a lower back pain following a horseback riding accident. I had so much pain that I could barely walk outside for five minutes at a time. I have tried every possible alternative medicine on the market with no result. One day I saw a program on television showing the Bowen therapy. I was so amazed with what I saw that I told Joseph, my companion, this is my last resort, I must try it.
I made an appointment with Catherine Le Page and received a treatment and hoped for the best. I forgot to mention that two years ago I had a scan on the lower back and found out that I had two discal hernias. The doctor told me that he could not operate on me because I had osteoporosis.
Anyway, after the Bowen treatment I went home and followed Catherine’s instructions for five days. The second day I had pain everywhere, but it started to dissipate after the third day. On the fifth day it was like as if I had never had a back problem. All the pain was gone.
I thank the Bowen Technique for having given me a new life and hope for the future at 60 years old.
Amy – Bungendore, NSW, Australia
My right shoulder blade had been sticking out for almost a year and a half, causing stiffness, a sore back, neck and headaches, I had done lots of physio and it hadn’t helped. After 2 Bowen sessions with Ian its perfectly in balance again, I could literally feel a warm wave of relief in my back after each move he did. I am so grateful to find a solution like Bowen therapy.
Anne Howatt – Canberra, ACT, Australia
I have always been a sceptic of natural therapy and didn’t believe it worked. I have a nursing background and have always been a big believer of conventional medicine.
I have suffered for years from strong headaches and neck pain and was finally convinced to go and see what all the fuss was about with Bowen Therapy.
After only one consultation with Ian, I am a changed person. My headaches have gone, and my neck pain has dissipated. I have only needed to have 2 sessions with Ian and my longstanding pain has gone and has stayed away for two months.
I am now a converted believer of Bowen Therapy and its healing properties and have recommended to my friends and colleagues to make an appointment to see Ian whom I found most professional. Thank you. – Anne Howatt.
N. A. W. – Roncho Cordova, California, USA (Published in ‘Bowen Hands’ magazine)
Allergies and hay fever had been a persistent nemesis to me for most of my adult life. Thanks to the Bowen Technique, my symptoms are now almost non- existent!
For several weeks I subjected myself to weekly shots, sometimes having undesirable side effects, pills and nasal sprays. It seemed like an endless thing – just part of life!
In late December of last year, Milton Albrecht, from Auburn, CA., began using the hay fever and asthma procedure on me. I noticed immediate relief. I now have completed the Bowen seminars myself, and look forward to a bright future as a Bowen therapist and continue to use the hay fever/asthma moves on myself and they have completely replaced the shots, pills and spray. What a terrific alternative to drugs! What a joy to breathe easy again!
S. – Abbotsford, VIC, Australia (Published in ‘Bowen Hands’ magazine)
I just wanted to put into writing how fantastic I feel after having just two sessions of Bowen treatment. My asthma was really bad and now I find breathing easy, and coughing has reduced by approximately 95%. I was able to learn the simple techniques and I am able to use them whenever I find I need to. I am really very pleased and much relieved that the Bowen Therapy has been able to assist with my asthma to such an incredible extent.
J. H. – Leongatha, VIC, Australia (Published in ‘Bowen Hands’ magazine)
After slowly going backwards for 12 years I was about to give up with asthma, emphysema (smoke related problems). I had heard about the Bowen Technique and gave it a try – it changed my life completely.
I have gone from sitting inside to walking three times a day, cut right back on my medication and sleep lying down instead of sitting up with five pillows.
I have Leonie Hanks to thank –I can now enjoy life and get around.
V. D. – Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia (Published in ‘Bowen Hands’ magazine)
My son now 18 years old, was born with mild right side cerebral palsy.
After 16 treatments of Bowen using different moves – the length difference of his legs has changed from 4cm down to 1 cm. His scoliosis has improved beyond belief. The alignment of his right hip is incredible. He has now taken the innersole out of his right shoe, and we have avoided the cost of orthopaedics which was recommended. I wish I had taken photographs. Thank you Bowen.
K. M. – Australia (Published in ‘Bowen Hands’ magazine)
I am writing to you in appreciation to let you know of the improvements in my hearing I have experienced since having the Bowen treatments with you.
As a result of my premature birth 45 years ago, I have had the condition known as “nerve” deafness and my hearing ability has deteriorated over the years.
Approximately 18 months ago I had a hearing test when acquiring a new hearing aid with Angus and Coote. I had another test on the 17th November and the results were greatly improved. In the speech or diction area in the first test the results were 44% in each ear. It has now improved to 60% in each ear. In the pitch and tone areas the charts were similar. I have noticed personally a vast improvement in my hearing and my family all seem very “loud”! I am grateful to you for the improvements in my hearing which to me is a direct result of the Bowen treatments you have given me.
J.B.A. – VIC, Australia (published in ‘Bowen Hands’ magazine)
My 11 year old daughter Liz had an ongoing problem with ear ache and fluid in the ears. Over a period of four months I had consulted three general practitioners and a specialist and Liz had been prescribed four courses of different antibiotics. The diagnosis of the problem had varied with each consultation and the specialist’s diagnosis was that she was “under water” suffering hearing loss in both ears, the major problem being with the left ear. He prescribed inhalation over a bowl of Friar’s Balsam and antibiotics. On completion of the course and following his instructions, Liz did not feel there was any improvement at all.
Liz had originally complained of pain in her left ear which alerted us to a problem and was finding it increasingly difficult to hear things within a normal sound range. She was turning up the volume of the TV etc. And her teacher commented she had noticed Liz had been straining to hear instructions.
It was at this stage I took Liz to see Doreen. A neighbour had mentioned the candling technique which I mentioned to Doreen in a phone conversation to make an appointment. At consultation time she suggested we try Bowen treatment as a first approach to the problem. Liz had become increasingly frustrated with the ongoing nature of the problem, seeing different people about it and the fact that nothing seemed to make a difference.
I watched as Doreen administered Bowen. Liz spoke of being relaxed and sleepy in the car. She could “feel things moving” in her ears and over the next few days spoke of her ears “popping”. Three nights later fluid filling 2/3 of a tissue came from her ear. She was absolutely delighted and later reported she felt she could hear better. More fluid came from her ear in the next few days. We returned to Doreen with this great news and Liz underwent a second Bowen treatment.
Following Doreen’s advice I took Liz to a general practitioner who was able to test hearing and fluid levels in the ears. He reported her right ear was normal and a minimal amount of fluid is still in the left ear but nothing to be alarmed about.
I am absolutely amazed and delighted with the outcome for Liz after the administration of Bowen therapy. That such a non invasive, gentle technique administered by such a competent facilitator, Doreen, could achieve such wonderful results for my daughter, when all else had failed is fantastic! Liz is “stoked”!
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