Community Bowen Retreat - By Judith Baldwin BSc

Author: Judith Baldwin - Judith Baldwin Bowen Practitioner

Community Bowen Retreat

Speaking to you from my home in Lincolnshire, I thought I’d share an idea I’ve had for spreading awareness of what we do, the way we work, and the effects of the Bowen Technique. As you may have found, there are some areas of the UK where not many folks have heard of Bowen Technique, and I have found that this is a really lovely way to introduce more people to this incredible therapy.

Working in groups was what I always wanted to do. Indeed, it is what Tom Bowen started. Community Bowen is a way of connecting and networking with existing local groups, and a fantastic way to offer this therapy to the masses, it’s a great and affordable chance for people to experience the joy of Bowen, and meet their practitioner in a less formal setting.

I hire a room in a local Holistic Centre for 2 hours on a Friday night and create 12 spaces for the retreat. I simply announce this on Facebook and charge £25 for a two hour session. I provide yoga mats, blankets and a bottle of water for each participant.  I suggest they bring layers, extra blankets, pillows and anything else they need to be comfortable. As per my private Bowen practice, I ask clients to wear comfy clothes.

I receive a completed medical History form from each lady in advance of the session, so that I can plan their treatment, which I try and keep quite simple.  I give a small introduction about myself, the therapy, the room, toilets etc, and just a few minutes discussing, water, rest and after effects of the Bowen Technique.

We begin with a simple movement routine, music on, a little dance to wake up the body, hands in the air, marching on the spot, anything really that feels good in your body, warms up the group and relaxes everyone. Use YouTube for inspiration if this feels awkward or unfamiliar.

The ladies are seated on chairs in a semi-circle while I make the Bowen moves on their bodies. This means they are seated or leaning on the chair for erector spinae muscles, glutes, hamstrings, IT band and scapula moves on the back of the body. Each lady has roughly 10 minutes between each set of moves to allow me time to work on everyone. The ladies often chat quietly as I move around, there is frequent giggling, and the atmosphere was very relaxed.

Then comes the part where everyone snuggles down. Many layers, all the warm clothes, blankets under and over each lady. No one can relax if they are cold. When everyone is settled, I make my rounds again, working on everyone’s knees, or ‘Hit the Lat’ as many of us were taught, followed by the neck moves. I simply stand behind each person’s head and reach under to make the tiny moves.

As the ladies receive these moves, the talking, laughter and shuffling stops, and an incredible sense of calm radiates from the ladies. The room becomes a tranquil, quiet space, as the whole energy of the room changes. The ladies are now under the spell of Bowen that I know you will have seen countless times in your own practice.  The same is true in groups, peace and tranquillity for all. It is a truly beautiful way to work.

I finish the session with a guided meditation, and allow plenty of time for the ladies to have a little snooze.  This is something that you may wish to include if you're qualified to do so, but otherwise, just allowing time for your clients to rest with some gentle soothing music, is the perfect way to end the session.

Judith is a Bowen Therapist, based in Lincolnshire.  You can find her on Facebook: Judith Baldwin Bowen Practitioner