What is Bowenwork ® ? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to systematically review the literature available on the complementary approach to healing known as Bowenwork^® and to examine reported research methods.

Methods:

To the authors' knowledge, an exhaustive search of the computerized databases from the known scientific community on all available published literature on Bowenwork^® was conducted. Databases included Medline Ovid, PubMed, PsychINFO, and CINAHL.^® The literature search included English language studies (1985–September 5, 2009) using the following search terms: Bowen Technique, Bowen Therapy, Bowtech, and Bowenwork ^®. In addition, a hand search of individual journals noted to publish complementary and alternative medicine articles was done (1997–2009). Abstracts of all studies were reviewed. Studies were included if (1) they referenced the original Bowenwork, (2) provided health-related outcomes, and (3) provided quantitative or qualitative data. Excluded articles included testimonials, duplicates, unrelated topics, literature reviews, articles lacking verifiable sources, and studies from proprietary resources.

Results:

Of the 309 citations obtained, only 15 articles met the inclusion criteria (randomized clinical trial, n=1; quasi-experimental, n=2; mixed methods, n=3; cross-sectional, n=2; case study, n=7). Over half of these studies (53%) reported that Bowenwork was effective for pain reduction and 33% reported improved mobility. In addition, several studies (n=5) reported the effectiveness of Bowenwork^® on the relief of symptoms experienced by persons living with a chronic illness, such as multiple sclerosis.

Conclusions:

Bowenwork^® may provide a noninvasive and affordable complementary approach to improvements in health. This intervention may offer improvements in pain reduction for various conditions such as frozen shoulder and migraines. While Bowenwork is recognized internationally, scientific evidence is not well documented. Further research is needed to systematically test this modality, before widespread recommendations can be given.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Pilkington

. Searching for CAM evidence: An evaluation of therapy-specific search strategies. J Altern Complement Med, 2007; 13:451–459.

Hooper

, Pender

, Webb

, McCombe

. Use of traditional and complementary medical care by patients with multiple sclerosis in south-east Queensland. Int J MS Care, 2003; 3:3–13.

Long

, Huntley

, Ernst

. Which complementary and alternative therapies benefit which conditions? A survey of the opinions of 223 professional organizations. Complement Ther Med, 2001; 9:178–185.

Shapiro

. The Bowen Technique for pain relief. Positive Health, 2004; 48–51.

Marr

, Lambon

, Baker

. Effects of the Bowen Technique on flexibility levels: Implications for facial plasticity. J Body Work Movement Ther, 2008; 12:388.

Amato

. The Bowen Technique can complement traditional physical therapy. Adv Phys Therapist PT Assist, 2001; 12:208–215.

Dicker

. Bowen Technique: Its use in work related injuries. Aust J Holistic Nurs, 2005; 12:31–34.

Mechner

. The Bowen Technique. Massage Magazine, November/December 2003; 102–107.

Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Victorian Government Australia. Melbourne: Government Printer, 1975.

10.

Dicker

. Using Bowen Therapy to improve staff health. Aust J Holistic Nurs, 2001; 8:38–42.

11.

James

. Case study: Bowen Technique for back pain and other conditions. Positive Health, 2008; 143:38–39.

12.

Taylor-Piliae

, Froelicher

. The effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise in improving aerobic capacity: A meta-analysis. J Cardiovasc Nurs, 2004; 19:48–57.

13.

Carter

. A pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of Bowen technique in the management of clients with frozen shoulder. Complement Ther Med, 2001; 9:208–215.

14.

Carter

. Clients' experiences of frozen shoulder and its treatment with Bowen technique. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery, 2002; 8:204–210.

15.

Dicker

. Using Bowen technique in a health service workplace to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of staff. Aust J Holistic Nurs, 2005; 12:35–42.

16.

Potter

. Evidence points to effectiveness of Bowen for frozen shoulder. Frontline, 2002; 8:16.

17.

Stiles

. Bowtech. Massage Ther J, 2003; 42:94–104.

18.

McKeithan

. Bowen Therapy: A road out of pain. Natural Awakenings, 2004; 6:14–15.

19.

Godfrey

. Breaking the migraine pattern with the Bowen Technique. Positive Health, 2005; 108:50.

20.

Guest

. The Bowen Technique. Homeopathy Pract, Winter, 2006; 35–37.

21.

van Haselen

. Towards making the science of complementary and alternative medicine more “direct.” Complement Ther Med, 2005; 13:77–78.

22.

Manheimer

, Berman

. Producing and disseminating systematic reviews: A summary of the CAM-related work presented at the 13th international Cochrane Colloquium. J Complement Altern Med, 2006; 12:193–196.