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Definition:
The Bowen Technique is a form of alternative medicine constructed around the
ideas and techniques developed by Tom Bowen (1916-1982) of Geelong, Australia.
The Bowen Technique is based upon the premises which can be found in both
bodywork and vibrational medicine. According to devotees, the health of the human
body is regulated by a universal "life energy" which the Bowen Technique can
manipulate in order to enhance good health or eliminate bad health.
Tom Bowen first started using his methods of treatment back in the 1950s and, according to followers, he assisted thousands of patients each year - restoring health often after only a couple of visits. The idea that this technique manipulates a person's life energy is a theory which has been developed by later users - Bowen himself was evidently not theorist and never claimed to know exactly how his work achieved anything. He simply claimed that it was effective and taught others based upon practical work.
The actual method of the Bowen Technique generally involves movements of muscles and various connective tissues in the body with the hands and fingers. These movements follow a pre-determined pattern regardless of what the patient actually complains of and regardless of what the physical problems actually are. This is, then, a one-size-fits all cure - sure to help, whatever ails you. However, no scientific testing has demonstrated either that it is reliably effective in producing measurable results or that it has any impact upon underlying pathologies.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Alternative Medicine?
There's an awful lot in the news and in society about "alternative medicines" these days. By some estimates, it's an industry doing between $15 and $20 billion annually - and growing! But what is alternative medicine - how does it differ from scientific medicine and why do people use it?Skepticism & Critical Thinking
This is the main index for issues dealing with skepticism, critical thinking, logic and arguments. The first section is Critical Thinking itself - how to think about claims and arguments you hear, how to critique arguments, and how to formulate your own arguments such that they are more likely to be sound and valid. The second section is about Skeptical Investigations - the practical application of the critical thinking skills covered in the first section. Here you will find critiques of things like astrology, alternative medicine, parapsychology, the New Age and more.
