Many inroads have been made in the recent years to start research projects evaluating the effectiveness of the Bowen Technique.
* Effectiveness of the Bowen Technique: A study by Amy Norman presented in 1998 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Physical Education, Exercise and Sport Science, compared practitioner and patient responses in a survey evaluating the efficacy of the Bowen Technique in the treatment of pain. Practitioners rated the Bowen Technique effective in 85% for back pain with an average of 4.3 sessions, 88% for neck pain with 4.5 sessions, 83% for stress & tension with 4 sessions, 83% for other conditions with 5.8 sessions and 80% for fibromyalgia requiring longer treatments. Effectiveness rated by patients was 85% for back pain, 80% for stress & tension, 95% for TMJ, 80% for hip pain and 75.6% for other conditions.
I would say that from my own experience, efficacy average 80% and usually relief is experienced immediately in about 75% of the time; if not it will gradually happen in the days following treatment. Most often, most conditions can be improved if not resolved in a few sessions. Complex chronic conditions will require longer treatment but not always.
* Effects of the Bowen Technique on Autonomic Nervous System and the heart: this study, by Dr.Whitaker, MD, has shown that the Bowen Technique affects the Autonomic Nervous System by measuring changes in value and pattern in Heart Rate Variability before and after treatment.
* Psychological effects: Ashley Pritchard, at the Swinburn University department of Psychophysiology, Melbourne, showed that the Bowen Technique consistently reduced subjects level of anxiety, and enhanced individuals positive feelings by reducing tension, anger, depression, fatigue and confusion. Objective measures of decrease in Heart Rate Variability and muscle tension correlate with subjective feelings of relaxation.
* Fibromyalgia: this study by Dr. Whitaker, MD showed the positive effect of the Bowen Technique on patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, they all experienced various degrees of relief which lasted from a few days to several weeks. The measurements of shifts in the Autonomic Nervous System by Heart Rate Variability studies fully complemented the clinical assessments.
* TMJ : a research project on the application of the Bowen Technique on TMJ abnormality was started in Durango, CO by Dr.John Bauman, DDS. Assessment of masseter tension by Bio Feedback, measurement of bite and subjective symptoms were compared before and after treatment. Immediately after the 1St. treatment one third of patients felt dramatic relief in some of their symptoms and 20 out of the 22 patients showed significant improvement on the post Bio Feedback assessment.
* Blood chemistry: Dr. Whitaker, using darkfield, phase and fluorescent microscopic live cell analysis, has shown blood chemistry changes following treatment. These changes corroborate the reports by certain patients, of experiencing transient flu-like symptoms, due to detox reactions lasting up to 5 days following a session.
•	Post-natal problems such as perineal trauma and particularly breast problems (engorgement, lactation, milk or venous engorgement, mastitis, poor or excessive milk production ).
From Tom Bowen treating 13000 patients per year and the experience of thousands of other practitioners since, we can say that the Bowen Technique is safe to use on anyone no matter the age or physical condition, from the new born to the elderly, from the disabled and chronically ill to the competitive athlete.
The only risk taken in trying such a safe, gentle and non invasive modality on patients is to make them feel better and possibly find the solution to what is ailing them.
The only temporary contra indication is to perform the coccyx procedure during pregnancy as there is a risk of provoking undue labor but all other procedures are safe to apply during pregnancy. The only unpleasant possible and occasional reaction that some patients can experience for usually a couple of days and usually following the first session or couple of sessions, is a temporary discomfort due to the body detoxifying itself .
The healing modalities portrayed on this website have not been evaluated for their efficacy by the FDA, AMA, or any government/medical agency, and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness, injury, or ailment. If you have a history of, or are currently experiencing a medical problem, it is highly recommended that you first consult with your physician and discuss with him/her, all of the treatment options that are available. The information contained on this website is intended as a general reference and/or for educational purposes only. The healing modalities should not be construed as making any medical claims or as a substitute for consulting your physician or getting conventional medical exams or treatments.