Bowen Technique
With Sarah Yearsley
About Bowen Technique
The Bowen Technique is a hands-on, soft tissue, remedial therapy that focuses on treating the whole person as well as specific symptoms. By rebalancing the nervous system, Bowen can be likened to a ‘factory reset’ releasing both emotional and physical stress and tension, restoring functional movement and eliminating pain. Many acute and chronic muscular-skeletal conditions such as back, neck, shoulder and head pain respond favourably to Bowen and important bodily functions such as the immune and reproductive system, digestion and skin health improve.
Bowen Technique is gentle and non-invasive, and the therapist uses only the thumbs and fingers to make rolling movements over precise junctions of muscles, ligaments and tendons with periods of rest in between to allow the body to assimilate and respond to the information.
The Bowen Technique works by regulating the Autonomic Nervous System and supporting Immune Health. In our modern world, stress is never far away. A noisy neighbour, a traffic jam or an argument with a partner triggers the same series of stress responses as an animal being chased by a predator. A physiological response by the sympathetic nervous system, often known as the ‘fight or flight’ response, follows. When this happens on multiple occasions throughout the average day, it’s no wonder many of us feel chronically tense.
By rebalancing the nervous system, Bowen can be likened to a ‘factory reset’. When an antelope escapes the jaws of a lion, it picks itself up, gives itself a good shake, and then carries on munching grass as if nothing had happened. Scientists now believe that this behaviour provides a vital antidote which switches off the animal’s emergency response and returns it to a relaxed state, known as ‘Rest and Digest’.
Humans, however, often lack the ability to switch off again, becoming more and more tense in the process. We can’t always control difficult life events, but the after-effects don’t have to stay locked in our muscles. Bowen is a safe and easy way of moving our bodies out of the ‘flight and flight’ response and into the calming parasympathetic nervous system where we are able to release tension once again. With the body back in balance, healing can begin to take place. No longer wasting energy with stress responses means that resources can also be released for other important bodily functions such as the immune system, libido, digestion and skin health. Bowen is suitable for all ages and is as effective for treating a baby with colic as an elderly person with arthritis. Many acute and chronic conditions respond favourably to Bowen Technique.
About Me
As a therapist, I am passionate about holistic health. There are many factors that affect our health from physical trauma to illness, stress, and emotional disturbance. I take great joy in witnessing the healing process in my clients as we work together towards restored good health.
Pain and illness have been a part of my life too. As a young teenager, I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease, so I understand only too well the impact a major illness can have on all areas of life. Good health is the most important thing we possess, the foundation stone on which we build our lives, so working through a major illness was one of the biggest lessons in my life.
With the right help, we all have the ability to heal ourselves and experiencing the healing qualities of the Bowen Technique was the catalyst for me on my own path to recovery. Discovering the profound way in which Bowen works, not only on the physical body but also in releasing underlying emotional stress, was what motivated me to want to help others in similar predicaments.
After years of major surgery and a highly stressful career in TV and film production, I was unable to heal as my body was locked into the ‘fight or flight’ response. This left me in a state of chronic anxiety and the Bowen Technique was my salvation.
I also offer Somatic Coaching as it can be of great benefit, especially for those who are living with constant pain and suffering. My philosophy is to engage with my clients on a journey of interaction that can lead to a sense of empowerment where they feel able to carry forward their own healing journey.
My clients have experienced relief from many conditions including back and neck pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, arthritis, gynaecological problems, frozen shoulder, panic attacks, asthma, TMD, migraines, RSI. Athletes visit the clinic for performance enhancement and injury prevention.
My Training
I began my training as a Complementary Health practitioner in 1997 and trained as a Bowen Technique therapist at the European College of Bowen Studies. I am also a Certified Advanced Practitioner in Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST), an advanced form of Bowen and spinal therapy.
I am an accredited Body-Oriented Coach from The Somatic School, the world’s first and only somatic coach training to be awarded a Level 2 accreditation by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
I have also trained at the Zulma Reyo School of Consciousness whose purpose to give its students the tools of self-transformation so that they can connect with greater wisdom and help change the world for the better.
I have continued my professional development with leading practitioners in TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) at The O-Lab as well as training in the Emmet Technique, an internationally recognised muscle release technique. I am trained as a Teacher in Mindfulness with Breathworks and take a special interest in hormonal and fertility health for both men and women.
As well as being a valued member of the Bowen Therapy Professional Association (BTPA), I belong to the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council – CNHC which means that I am fully insured and abide by formal codes of ethics and conduct.
Booking a Treatment
When booking a Bowen treatment for the first time, it is recommended that you plan to attend two treatment sessions, approximately one week apart. This allows me time to assess your initial response to the technique and provide a follow-up to the first treatment accordingly.
Consultation form here (please print and fill in)
In acute conditions, relief from the presenting symptoms can be experienced after the first visit. Chronic conditions may take longer.
Cost of Bowen Treatment
Adults
All treatment sessions are between 60-75mins: £80
Children (16 and under)
Consultation & assessment: £70
Home visits available on request
Cancellation
Please give at least 48-hours’ notice otherwise a charge may be applied.
Contact Details
Sarah Yearsley, Bowen Technique Therapist, Somatic Coach
Cert. ECBS, Cert NST Advanced Practitioner, MBTPA, CNHC
M: 07710 329 449
E: sarah@bowentechnique.org.uk