Touch and Emotion in Bowen Therapy

My first foray into the world of bodywork over twenty years ago was a Therapeutic Massage course with an Osteopathic College. The Tutor, in a maverick move, made us all buy a book titled "Touch and Emotion in Manual Therapy". This is a topic that wasn’t covered then in any manual therapy course and, even now, scant attention is paid to this pivotal link. I feel every manual therapy course should have this as a component in its coursework.

As Therapists/Practitioners we refer to treating the client holistically. We readily acknowledge the mind and body are inseparable and our approach to every treatment needs to demonstrate this. But do we truly have this attitude? Not just for every treatment, but for every touch. In addition to this, do we take into account our own emotional state during the treatment as well as the client’s?

In July 2023 I attended a 5-day dissection course. Whilst I appreciate the deceased have no emotional state, bear with me, this is relevant. Our team was all female working on a female cadaver whom we named Magda. Every morning, a certain member of our team would enter the lab and talk to Magda while she stroked her shaven head. I myself, found on occasion that I had taken hold of Magda’s hand and held it, for no reason that was apparent to me. What struck me most through the process of dissection was the utmost respect Magda was treated with. Bizarre as it may sound, it was an act of love. If the scalpel went awry, Madga was apologised to. For our team, she never ceased to be a person who we were privileged to touch; to be responsible for. In life, Magda decided to give us an astounding learning opportunity which for many of us was an emotional rollercoaster. Being allowed to see our make-up isn’t layered like a sandwich, but a beautiful and intricate woven work of art is game-changing. And we were all awestruck and present for every second.

So, in your practice, as well as considering what may be going on physiologically and making decisions based on the client’s lifestyle and history, remember the emotions. Consider what touch may do to your client’s emotional state and furthermore, consider what that state may be because they may not tell you. Look at their eyes, their pallor, their posture, and listen to their intonation of speech. It’s all there to be noticed. Don’t be afraid to be sympathetic or empathetic, we are not robots. Engage with your clients within professional boundaries, laugh and cry with them. But also check your own emotional state before applying touch.

Bowen is a light but powerful touch. Every person you touch has a story. The emotional response your client may have to your touch might be comfort or discomfort. Our nervous systems are influenced by our emotions. Be awestruck, humbled, privileged. But above all be care-full.

The book referred to is: "Touch and Emotion in Manual Therapy" by Bevis Nathan (available second hand in online bookstores)

Amanda is a Bowen Therapist, Level 4 Pilates Instructor, Remedial Bodyworker and Hypnotherapist, based in Bristol.

You can find her here:

Clinic: Portland Therapy Centre, Staple Hill, Bristol.

Website: www.form-function.co.uk

Facebook: formandfunction

Instagram: @formandfunctionbristol

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