Bowen Therapy Training &

Instruction Manual

Jonathan
Jonathan Damonte
Damonte RSHom
RSHom (NA),
(NA), CCH
CCH ,, CBT
CBT

Modules 5 & 6
 Produced for
“The School of Bowen”
Copyright© shoolofbowen 2018

website: www.schoolofbowen.com
e-mail: [email protected]

The captions and art work in this publication are based upon material supplied. While
every effort has been made to ensure their accuracy,
The School of Bowen does not under any circumstances
accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.

All Material published are for reference and discussion purposes only.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Sincere acknowledgement is made to all those dedicated Bowen Therapy practitioners,

artists and art graphics designers worldwide
who have assisted in the creation of this manual.
Especially to Tom Bowen and his family for their continued support for this official
BOWEN THERAPY TRAINING & INSTRUCTION MANUAL©

Video Instruction
www.bowen-online.com

Viceo lessons are available online at www.bowen-online.com There are 3 subscrip-

tion levels and the lessons include Modules 1-4. These provide an invaluable tool
for any student of Bowen Therapy.

Monthly
Suitable for those working in the health profession and want to add new skills to
your repertoire?
Learn the foundation of Bowen therapy and a group of procedures to simply treat
the related chronic health conditions.

Annual
If you are wanting a new career in a growing health profession?
Learn the foundation of Bowen therapy through Modules 1-8 online and complete
the first step to becoming a Certified Bowen Therapist™.
 Bowen Therapy
Training &
Instruction
Manual 5
by

Jonathan Damonte
RSHom (NA), CCH, CBT

Endorsed by the family of Tom Bowen

Special thanks to

Barry A. Bowen
MODULE 1 MODULE 4 MODULE 7

BRM 1 - Lower Back TMJ SYNDROME COCCYX/NECK

BRM 2 - Upper Back UPPER RESPIRATORY INFRASPINATUS PROCEDURE
BRM 3 - Neck TMJ PROCEDURE TERES MAJOR PROCEDURE
BACK CRAMP NORTH PROCEDURE ROTATOR CUFF 1
HEADACHE PROCEDURE SOUTH PROCEDURE ROTATOR CUFF 2
SHOULDER PROCEDURE EAST PROCEDURE ROTATOR CUFF 3
WEST PROCEDURE AXILLA PROCEDURE
MODULE 2 ELBOW & WRIST PROCEDURE ILEOCECAL VALVE (A)
CARPAL TUNNEL PROCEDURE ILEOCECAL VALVE (B)
KNEE PROCEDURE HANDS PROCEDURE COLON PROCEDURE
RESPIRATORY PROCEDURE NAVEL PROCEDURE
RESPIRATORY & GALL BLADDER MODULE 5 PUBIC SYMPHYSIS PROCEDURE
HIATAL HERNIA ABDOMINAL PROCEDURE
KIDNEY PROCEDURE COCCYX OBLIQUE
PELVIC PROCEDURE SACRAL RELEASE MODULE 8
SACRAL PROCEDURE BUTTOCK PAIN
HAMSTRINGS PROCEDURE DEEP SCIATIC GLUTEAL RELEASE
HAMSTRINGS & KNEE BURNING HEEL ILIACUS RELEASE
KNEE REFLEX LUMBAR RELEASE
MODULE 3 RHOMBOIDS BICEPS PROCEDURE
TRICEPS PROCEDURE
COCCYX PROCEDURE MODULE 6 SINUS PROCEDURE
COCCYX PHYSIOLOGY EYES (A)
RECTUS FEMORIS PROCEDURE BEDWETTING IN CHILDREN EYES (B)
ANKLE PROCEDURE CONCEPTION THROAT PROCEDURE
ANKLE TAPING PROCEDURE PREGNANCY STERNUM
HAMMER TOES PROCEDURE BABY BOWEN ILIO-TIBIAL BAND PROCEDURE
HAMMER TOES TAPING ADDITIONAL BABY BOWEN HAMSTRING LIGHT PROCEDURE
PLANTAR FASCIITIS PROTOCOL TMJ ADVANCED HAMSTRING HEAVY PROCEDURE
BUNION PROCEDURE THORACIC PROCEDURE ABDUCTOR MAGNUS
HEEL PROCEDURE SCOLIOSIS PERINEUM PROCEDURE
CHEST PROCEDURE GRACILLIS PROCEDURE
VAGUS NERVE PROCEDURE CIRCULATORY PROCEDURE
BURSITIS
PSOAS PROCEDURE
LEVATOR TRAPEZIUS
 MODULE 5 Page

INTRODUCTION 8
COCCYX OBLIQUE 10
SACRAL RELEASE 12
BUTTOCK PAIN 14
DEEP SCIATIC 16
BURNING HEEL 18
KNEE REFLEX 20
RHOMBOIDS 22

MODULE 6

BEDWETTING 26
CONCEPTION PROTOCOL 28
BABY BOWEN 30
ADDITIONAL BABY PROTOCOLS 31
TMJ ADVANCED 32
THORACIC 34
CHEST PAIN & SCOLIOSIS 35
CHEST 36
VAGUS NERVE 38
BURSITIS 43
PSOAS PROCEDURE 44
LEVATOR TRAPEZIUS 46
About
In creating these manuals I have attempted to better represent the method taught to me, which was
presented as the method Tom Bowen first developed by my teacher, Oswald Rentsch the founder of the
Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia. There are now many and varied branches of bowen therapy meth-
odology taught around the world and as such these manuals do not try to incorporate all those variet-
ies nor do they claim to be the one presumptive method. They simply better present the method that I
learned and use in my own practice and teaching. Jonathan Damonte

Jonathan Damonte has been involved with Bowen Therapy since 1997
after his first Bowen Therapy experience. The treatment was effec-
tive for a serious alignment and pain condition he’d suffered since
his youth after a fall from a very high tree had injured his hip. He
then trained with Ossie Rentsch, a long time student of the Founder,
Tom Bowen, and his wife Elaine Rentsch who both came annually to
Canada to teach together at the time. It was Ossie that fully resolved
the hip injury and it was Ossie Rentch’s style of Bowen Therapy that
influenced Damonte thereafter.

In 1999, he founded the first Bowen Therapy ‘Walk In’ clinic, the Be
Well Now Center for Bowen Technique, Homeopathic & Naturopathic
Medicine in Toronto, Canada. In 2003, Damonte relocated to BC and
established two clinics, one in the city center of Vancouver and the
second in White Rock where he continues to practice. Damonte incor-
porates both Bowen Therapy and homeopathic medicine in his treat-
ment of most chronic conditions finding that this is the best method
for treating chronic disease. One of the principal reasons that he uses
both Bowen therapy and Homeopathic medicine is that they’re both
curative therapies that don’t merely treat the symptoms but reach into the patient to repair the symp-
toms and the cause.

In 2001, he founded Bowen Canada to help develop the therapy throughout the country. Over the next
five years, he worked with The Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia, then known as Bowtech. Between
2002 and 2011, Damonte taught a large portion of Bowen Therapists in Canada and whilst teaching
intensively he co-founded the Bowen Therapy Clinics, a chain of clinics that popularized the therapy
throughout the country.

After several requests for video training from teachers and students alike, Damonte decided to make
his training and materials available online. Results have shown that online training has proven to be as
effective as one-on-one training. Further, it provides a platform for students to practice and review the
methods being taught on a repeated basis, enabling them to master the method.

It was at this point that he met with Barry Ambrose Bowen, Thomas A. Bowen’s son and eldest of three
children. It was his encouragement and support that gave Damonte the confidence to continue and de-
velop the only training that is in Barry Bowen’s mind akin to that of his father’s original work.

It is Barry Bowen’s wish that all Bowen therapists come under one umbrella organization and this is why
he helped found the Tom Bowen Heritage Foundation in Australia, an international body that accredits
the many Bowen practitioners around the world and especially the many different trainings bearing the
Bowen name. Officially endorsed by the Tom Bowen Heritage Foundation, the content of these manuals
and the content of the training online at www.bowen-online.com are the truest representation of Tom
Bowen’s gift to the world.
 Modules 5-6 Bowen Therapy Instruction Manual

Introduction This level of patience is hard to learn and is the

Bowen Therapist's most common mistake. After
using the procedures taught in Modules (1 - 4) it
The Bowen Therapy procedures outlined in the
should have come clear that the other Bowen
Bowen Therapy Instruction Manuals (5 - 8) are con-
Therapy tenet of 'less is more' is quite true to prac-
sidered for use after applying 'basic' Bowen Therapy
tice as well as to theory.
procedures as taught in the Bowen Therapy
Instruction Manuals (1 - 4). These 'basic' Bowen
After utilizing Bowen Therapy from the initial train-
Therapy procedures have not fully resolved the cli-
ing provided in Modules (1 - 4), you have been able
ent's symptoms. The following 'Advanced' or
to effectively practice a repertoire of procedures
'Specialized' procedures are uniquely applied and
and have refined it. You will by now have experi-
do not adhere to the same protocol oriented or sys-
enced some wonderful successes and some frustra-
temized use outlined in the Bowen Therapy
tions to the effects on some of your client's condi-
Instruction Manuals (1 - 4). Instead, these proce-
tions. Of course, there will have been almost mirac-
dures require thoughtful application with a deeper
ulous results seen and they are always wonderful,
understanding of the underlying causes of the cli-
rewarding and enriching to have been a part of. In
ent's remaining symptoms. These are often clarified
this next discussion we will try to understand more
only after ‘basic’ Bowen Therapy sessions have been
closely those client's that have not responded well
given and the focus of the underlying causes of the
or have even gotten worse after treatment, those
client’s symptoms become clearer. Therefore, the
client's that seem to be impossible to affect any
procedures necessary to treat those symptoms
improvement in even after many sessions.
become increasingly clear.

Case 1 - The Aggravation

Another manner of use for the 'Advanced' proce-
Mrs. A. B. age 53 has a slight build, an engaging and
dures outlined in Manuals (5 - 8) are when the
sweet personality and is enthusiastic to come as her
symptoms of the client at any time are deemed to
husband had come for treatment for Restless Leg
be so specific to the procedure as to be obvious.
Syndrome, which had been effectively relieved by
one application of the Hamstrings procedure. Mrs.
As always, if one procedure is applied and it doesn't
A. B.'s only complaint at this time is of a knot of
have the required effect there is little risk of aggra-
tension in the right side levator scapulae. Her
vation or of losing the case.
intake form reveals an extensive history of physical
ailments and importantly a strict regime of diet,
If many procedures are applied without benefit the
exercise and other therapies to manage and main-
questions of what procedures need to be applied
tain her health. Bolstered by the great response of
and when they need to be applied become harder to
her husband, her enthusiasm and the seemingly
answer.
simple problem, you can easily take care of, you
begin a Bowen Therapy session. She has bought
If too many influences have been applied onto the
with her a clean set of linen for her to lie on during
client then the next steps are never easily decided.
her treatment session. You confidently apply BRM's
If the client is better or worse after a specific proto-
shoulder and West. Two days after, she calls asking.
col of procedures the answer is clear.

“What the $#^!(%@ **!! did you do to me!” You say,

When in doubt about a client's progress...WAIT
“That's great! Wait a little and you will start to feel
When a client is still improving.............WAIT
better and remember not to take any other treat-
When a client is still aggravating..........WAIT
ments, heat or cold applications.”

Next day the call comes again and this time she
states that she is not better yet and that essentially

8 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

all her symptoms from her whole life are all back!!! Case 4 - The Incomplete Case
You instruct her that she'd better come to have a Mr. D. B., age 44 is a physically active man who
treatment to deal with these. She comes and you originally came in during an acute episode of his
perform BRM's 1 & 2 only. You never see her again! recurring lower back and sciatica. The treatment
What happened? has gone very well and after only 3 treatment ses-
sions his back and sciatica symptoms seem to be
Case 2 - The Slow Responder completely better. After eight months living a nor-
Mr. L. M. age 67 has been an active retiree enjoying mal active life pain free he calls to say that he is in
hiking, gardening and his grandchildren. He has the same pain as when he first came. You begin
heard about the Bowen Therapy as a means of treat- again and though the symptoms seem to be improv-
ing his chronic lower back pain. The symptom lim- ing the amazing improvement after the first 3 treat-
its his activities and he is left debilitated by over- ments 8 months earlier is not so amazing. What
doing anything. He comes and on examination you happened?
observe a distinct swelling at the top of the sacrum
and at L5. In the first 3 visits you provide BRM's,
Sacrum, Pelvis, Coccyx, Hamstring, Kidney and
Respiratory. Not necessarily in this order or only
once. Overall, he says there's been no change. You
see him again in 2 weeks and he reports still no
change, you treat him for another 3 treatments 1
week apart. Still no change! You see him again in 3
weeks and still no change and on and on. In reflec-
tion there's as yet no change and in desperation all
manner of treatments are provided around the
sacrum area. By now you're offering to treat him for
free as there's got to be something learned from all
this. You never hear from him again! What hap-
pened?

Case 3 - The Chronic Care Client

Mrs. E. L., age 47 has come for chronic neck and jaw
problems. She is also under the care of a naturopath
and a psychic healer. Her chief complaint is the irri-
table bowel syndrome that wreaks havoc in all
aspects of her health and life. She is on a strict and
severe regime of diet, enzymes, supplements, herbs
and homeopathics. None of which really makes a
difference in the severity or frequency of her symp-
toms. You counsel her that you will begin by
addressing her overall inflammation and particular
concerns. After a few visits definite progress is
made. She feels great and is excited and motivated
to return to her other practitioners for further treat-
ments with them. She comes back one month after
in a terrible state with no lasting benefits from what
you'd provided. You treat again and she begins to
improve once more. What happened?

Copyright © schoolofbowen 9
COCCYX OBLIQUE PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisite
BRM 1 - Moves (1 & 2)
Contraindicated in Pregnancy

the distal spinous process of the sacrum, at the top

of the gluteal fold, and over the fabric of their cloth-
ing or wrap the finger with tissue to work on bare
skin. Palpate the coccyx distally and determine its
length and alignment. Place the 2nd finger to the
mid-point of the coccyx at the proximal end of the
2nd coccygeal vertebrae. Apply gentle pressure
onto the transverse process and both lateral mar-
gins of the 2nd coccygeal vertebrae for approxi-
Indications
mately 3 seconds and ask the client, '…do you feel
Tilted sacrum
more pain, sensitivity or sensation on this the left
Inverted or Deviated Coccyx
side or this the right side…?' Repeat again superi-
Congestion or misalignment in the pelvic floor
orly or inferiorly if uncertain.
Hemorrhoids
Ineffectual urging, inversion
Consider the congested side and any one-sided
symptoms observed or noted before deciding which
Usually the choice to perform Coccyx Oblique pro-
side to treat this session. During follow-up sessions
cedure is made after other likely and well-chosen
the side needing to be addressed will differ, be sure
procedures have failed. This procedure is a manipu-
to note the side you treat at each session.
lation of the inferior border of gluteus maximus,
coccygeus sacrospinous and sacrococcygeal liga-
ments deeper to the medial inferior margin of glu-
teus maximus.

The coccyx and adjacent fascia and ligaments can

sustain injuries during childbirth in both the neonate
and mother. Other injuries to the coccyx can occur as
a result of falls and other sustained trauma.

Assessment
As per the Coccyx procedure, decide with the client
which side of the coccyx is to be addressed first by
applying gentle pressure to each side. Begin on the
less sensitive side. Or, if both sides are equally sensi-
tive begin on the left.

Stand at the left side hip and face the client’s feet to
be balanced during the assessment of their coccyx.
Place the palmar aspect of the left 2nd finger onto
Moves 1 - 2

10 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

The following Moves (1) & (2) are strong and require After a second deep exhalation, move supero-later-
balanced challenge from both 3rd fingers. The ally over the inferior edge of gluteus maximus and
Moves are over a rounded muscle structure and the the deeper sacrospinous, sacrotuberous and lateral
fingers need to release the challenge, the wrists sacrococcygeal ligaments. Drop the wrists and open
drop to allow for this. There is a distinct release of the finger-tips to release the challenge.
ligament with muscle fibre and the client might feel
quite sensitive in this area. Move 2
Repeat as per Move (1).
Move 1
Abduct the limb on the least sensitive side of the PROVIDE A MINIMUM 15 MINUTE PAUSE
coccyx approximately 15° - 25°. There is no flexing
of the knee. Stand at the side of the coccyx being Ideally, no more procedures should be applied this
worked on and have the client turn to face you and treatment session.
the side of the coccyx being worked on.

Stand at the side of the clients hip and face their

feet. Place the palmar aspect of the near side hands
3rd finger onto the inferior border of the gluteus
maximus 2 -3 finger-widths lateral to the transverse
process of the 2nd coccygeal vertebrae. Secure the
finger with the other hand's 3rd finger if necessary
or place 2 fingers to perform the move. Push skin
inferiorly over the inferior border of gluteus maxi-
mus and gently hook its inferior border with the 3rd
fingers. Engage firm challenge supero-laterally to
the inferior border of gluteus maximus, coccygeus
sacrospinous and sacrococcygeal ligaments, which
lay deeper to it.
gluteus minimus

piriformis

levator ani coccygeus

sacrotuberous ligament
sacrospinous ligament lies deeper

Copyright © schoolofbowen 11
SACRAL RELEASE PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisite
BRM I - Lower Back Procedure

The following procedure would follow previously (1) Draw skin slack supero-laterally along the lateral
applied procedures indicated for sacral symptoms border of the sacrum, engage firm comfortable chal-
if the client's symptoms persist. lenge. Move infero-medially along the lateral border
of the sacrum maintaining the depth of the chal-
Indications lenge. (2) Repeat by placing the thumbs slightly
Long-standing lower back and hip dis- superior to Move (1) on the lateral edge of the left
comfort side sacrum. (3) Repeat by placing the thumbs
Arthritis slightly superiorly to Move (2) on the lateral edge of
Chronic sacroiliac pain the left side sacrum.
Sciatica
Gluteal pain, The pressure of the thumbs is 50:50
onto the lateral edge of the sacrum and
Moves 1, 2 & 3 the sacrotuberous ligament beneath the
3 ascending infero-medial moves along the lateral medial border of gluteus maximus.
edge of the left side sacrum.
Moves 4, 5 & 6
With the client lying prone stand at the left side of Immediately repeat Moves (1), (2) & (3) on the right
their hip and position the palmar aspects of both lateral edge of the sacrum.
thumbs onto the inferior lateral border of the left
side of the sacrum at the level of the 5th sacral ver- PROVIDE A SUITABLE LONG PAUSE
tebrae (apex). Angle the thumb pads so that the
contact made is upon the lateral edge of the sacrum
and the medial insertion of the sacrotuberous liga-
ment.

12 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

Antomy
The sacrum is triangular in shape and is typically
formed from five fused sacral vertebrae. It has a
superior surface (or base) that articulates with the
fifth lumbar vertebrae at the lumbosacral angle, and
an inferior apex that articulates with the coccyx.
The apex of the sacrum is formed by the inferior
surface of the fifth sacral vertebra, and has an oval
facet for articulation with the coccyx via the sacro-
coccygeal intervertebral disc.

The pelvic surface is concave transversely and ver-

tically. The smooth pelvic surface of the lateral
mass gives attachment to the piriformis muscle.
The upper part of the pelvic surface is in contact
with the peritoneum, the lower part with the rec-
tum. The dorsal surface is convex and irregular with
four pairs of dorsal sacral foramina. It gives attach-
ment to parts of the erector spinae and gluteus
maximus muscles.

Pregnancy
During and immediately after pregnan-
cy the procedure can be utilized except
the Moves are performed in a supero-
lateral direction and away from the coc-
cyx. This is the opposite direction to
the normal direction of the Sacral
release.

Copyright © schoolofbowen 13
BUTTOCK PAIN PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisite
BRM 1 - Lower Back Procedure
Previous Procedures Applied
Pelvis, Sacral & Coccyx Procedure

Contraindicated During Pregnancy

plaint in the lumbar vertebrae or sacroiliac joint. Or,
The Buttock Pain procedure is indicated following the client remains with persistent buttock pain on
performance of the above procedures when the cli- one side only. Ensure the client does not use a back
ent's symptoms refer less and localize into the but- pocket for their wallet or phone while sitting.
tock area or the sacroiliac on one side. This is espe-
cially true in sciatica cases where the neuralgic The Buttock Pain procedure is a manipulation of the
pains that referred to the lower limbs. After suc- coccyx as in Move (1) Coccyx procedure performed
cessful application of the above Bowen Therapy on both sides with a significant pause between.
procedures the symptoms no longer refer as much There is no application of Move (2) of the Coccyx
and are localized closer to the source of the com- procedure.

Provide a Minimum 15 Provide a Minimum 15

Minute Pause Minute Pause

1 2

Move is towards the Move away from the

symptomatic side symptomatic side

14 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

The Buttock pain procedure works best when the

coccyx is moved towards the symptomatic side first
followed by treatment from the symptomatic side.

Move 1 - To the symptomatic side

Stand at the symptomatic side flex the clients knee to
90° have the client turn their face towards the symp-
tomatic side. Perform Coccyx procedure Move (1) with
the palmar aspect of the 2nd finger whilst maintaining
firm pressure on the 'holding point' with the 3rd fin-
ger of the same hand.

1st 15 MINUTE PAUSE

Move 2 - Away from the symptomatic side

2nd 15 MINUTE PAUSE

Copyright © schoolofbowen 15
DEEP SCIATIC PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisite
BRM 1 - Lower Back Procedure
Plus + 5 Minute Pause

Previously well chosen procedures such as, Coccyx, nerves and also the plantar fascia of the foot. It is
Sacrum & Buttock Pain failed to ameliorate symp- especially effective for long-standing chronic condi-
toms. tions involving nerve symptoms. It can also be ben-
eficial for non-resolving shoulder problems, one-
Deep Sciatic procedure is a powerful treat- sided neck pain and non-resolving headaches.
ment that affects the body profoundly. It
needs long pauses before and after for its The Deep Sciatic procedure is performed only on
full benefit to be realized. one side, the symptomatic side.

As with all Bowen Therapy procedures the potential to The procedure requires the symptomatic side limb
aggravate exists and Deep Sciatic procedure is one be raised approximately 6” from the treatment sur-
where caution is required especially in clients who face. The raising of the limb is followed by abduc-
have had long-standing symptoms, hip surgery and tion of approximately 6” of the same limb to allow
the frail and old-aged. access onto the deepest fibres of the piriformis
muscle and the sciatic nerve. To achieve the raising
Indications and abducting of a heavier limb it is necessary to
Pains originating deep in the buttock have either an assistant to hold the limb or a lug-
Pain referring through the buttock gage strap can be utilized.
Piriformis syndrome
Sciatica that were more referred

I.e. Pain down the back or lateral side of the leg,

knee pain, calf pain, ankle symptoms related to

16 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

An assistant can hold the client's limb with one Move

hand above the knee and one hand above the ankle. Once the most sensitive point has been located
A luggage strap is hung from the therapist's neck or place the palmar aspects of both thumbs, tip-to-tip,
shoulder and placed under the client's thigh, as the sink the thumb tips deeply into the gluteus maxi-
therapist bends and straightens over the client mus directly over the piriformis seeking the sensi-
their limb is raised, lowered and abducted easily. tive sciatic nerve. Elevate the client's limb approxi-
Smaller client's can be treated with one hand and mately 6” and abduct the limb approximately 6”
the other hand can be used to raise and abduct the while sinking the thumb tips onto the sciatic nerve.
limb. Moving the client's limb in this manner allows the glu-
teal muscles and piriformis muscle to separate and
Location provide the best contact for the thumb tips and sciatic
Standing at the symptomatic side. Palpate inferiorly nerve.
the client's buttock at approximately the mid-point
of the gluteus maximus and starting at the top of While the limb is raised and abducted ensure the
the gluteal crease. The anatomical structure is the client relaxes it while the sciatic nerve is challenged
piriformis muscle and sciatic nerve deeper than the for 2 deep exhalations. At the end of the 2nd exha-
gluteus muscles. Use the point of either thumb lation perform a deeper activation to the sciatic
pressing firmly into the buttock to ascertain a point nerve by pressing the thumb tips medially onto the
on the buttock with the most tenderness. Ask the sciatic nerve.
client to give feedback with a number between 1 &
10, a reading of 5-6 out of 10 is ideal, if the reading PROVIDE A MINIMUM 15 MINUTE PAUSE
is higher than 5-6 the procedure is likely too painful
for the sensitivity the client feels in the area. No further treatments procedures this session.

Copyright © schoolofbowen 17
BURNING HEEL PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisite
BRM 1 - Lower Back Procedure
Pelvic and Knee Procedures

Indications
against the medial border of the lateral gastrocne-
Sciatica into foot
mius pushing aside the medial border of the lateral
Heel sensitivity
gastrocnemius to position the 3rd fingertip onto the
Plantar Fasciitis
soleus muscle and tibialis tendon, which lie deeper
Ruptured achilles
to the lateral gastrocnemius. Engage challenge ante-
Atrophy of calf muscles
riorly and secure the hand with the thumb on the
Difficulty flexing foot soleus
anterior of the leg. Ask the client if the point is ten-
der and guage a reading of between 1 and 10. If you
The Burning Heel procedure was termed by Tom
find a point reading 5-6 out of 10 then maintain the
Bowen as he developed it for client's presenting
fingertip at this point. The area is very sensitive as
with this symptom. It is an exceptional procedure
it is upon the tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic
for neuralgic symptoms in the Calcaneal tendon
nerve.
and Heel.

soleus
1

tibialis

Tap the heel for sensitivity. If it is painful, the fatty

pad of the calcaneus may be disordered due to mis-
alignment in the pelvis or knee causing an uneven
weight distribution. Tom Bowen called this a 'split
heel' and the heel may require the Heel Taping pro-
cedure. The Burning Heel procedure is not indicated
for this symptom.

Perform on both limbs treating the better limb first.

2
Stand or sit at the client's better side foot facing
their flexed knee.

(1) Position the palmar aspect of the medial hands

3rd finger onto the medial border of the lateral gas-
trocnemius approximately 3 to 4 finger-widths infe-
rior to the crease of the knee. Push skin laterally

18 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

(2) Position the lateral hands palmar aspect of its

3rd finger onto the calcaneal tendon at a point 1
finger-width superior the malleolae.

Move 1 & 2 - Performed Simultaneously

Engage firm challenge anteriorly onto the calcaneal
tendon with the lateral hands 3rd finger at the same
time as firm anterior challenge is on the soleus
muscle tendon with the medial hands 3rd fingertip.
Have the client take 2 breaths and on their 2nd
exhalation activate the 2 held tendons by squeezing
tightly onto them at exactly the same moment.
Focus on the mid-point of the leg at the moment of
the Moves to ensure the exact timing. The client
should feel a distinct increase in sensitivity at the
moment the Moves are performed.

Immediately perform the same procedure on the

opposite limb and return the client's limb to rest.

PROVIDE A MINIMUM 5 MINUTE PAUSE

Copyright © schoolofbowen 19
KNEE REFLEX PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisite
BRM 1 - Lower Back Procedure
Pelvic and Knee Procedures

Move 1 - Performed simultaneously with Move (2)

Indications
Tightness in quadriceps muscles Push skin slack laterally over the patella liga-
Difficulty to dorsiflex the foot ment and engage firm challenge postero-medi-
Patella tendonitis ally with the palmar aspect of the medial hands
Osgoode-Schlatters disease thumb. Challenge for 2 breaths and on the 2nd
exhalation move the patella ligament medially
The Knee Reflex procedure is especially useful whilst firmly maintaining the depth of the
in clients who have chronic tightness in the challenge.
Quadriceps muscles, see Rectus Femoris proce-
dure also, this affects their gait and ability to
dorsiflex their foot. The patella tendons may
be tight affecting the mobility of the patella. It
is a potential treatment for Osgoode-Schlatters 1
disease, osteoarthritis of the tuberosity of the
tibia. It is also associated with ankle pronation
and fallen arches and dropped metatarsals.

Perform on both limbs treating the better limb

Perform Moves (1) & (2) Simultaneously

first. The Moves of the Knee Reflex Procedure

are activations of the ligaments and extensor
tendons, a signal.

Stand or sit at the client's better side foot fac-

ing their flexed knee and support the client's
foot into slight dorsiflexion and resting on its
heel. Depending on left or right limb:

(1) Place the medial hands palmar aspect of its

thumb onto the patella ligament adjacent and
distal to the inferior border of the patella
(apex). Support the thumb by positioning the
fingers of the same hand onto the back of the
knee. 2

(2) Position the palmar aspect of the lateral

hands thumb onto the anterior surface of the
ankle joint and over the extensor tendons of
extensor digitorum longus and the inferior
extensor retinaculum. Support the thumb by
positioning the fingers of the same hand onto
the back of the ankle.

20 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

Move 2 - Performed simultaneously with Move (1) Immediately perform the same procedure on
the opposite limb and then return the limb to
Push skin slack medially over hallucis longus rest.
and the extensor tendons, engage firm chal-
lenge the tendons postero-laterally with the PROVIDE A MINIMUM 5 MINUTE PAUSE
palmar aspect of the lateral hands thumb.
Challenge for 2 breaths and on the clients 2nd
exhalation move the extensor tendons laterally Anatomy
whilst maintaining the depth of the challenge. Patellar Ligament (Ligamentum Patella)

The pressure of the challenge onto the patella The patellar ligament (ligamentum patellae) is
ligament for Move (1) is stronger than the chal- the distal continuation of the quadriceps ten-
lenge onto the extensor tendons for Move (2). don. It extends from the apex of the patella to
The two Moves must be synchronized and affect the upper half of the anterior surface of the
a signal at the same moment. To achieve this tibial tuberosity. The patellar ligament is a
focus on a mid-point of the client's shin before strong, flat band to whose medial and lateral
the close of the 2nd exhalation. edges are attached, respectively, the medial
and lateral patellar retinacula. Respectively
superficial and deep to the patellar ligament
are the superficial and deep infrapatellar bur-
sae. The patellar ligament is approximately 6
to 8cms long.

Copyright © schoolofbowen 21
RHOMBOIDS PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisite
BRM 2 (Moves 1-8) - Upper Back Procedure
Consider West, Back Cramp & Levator Trapezius pro-
cedures.

Move 2 - Performed simultaneously with Move (2)

Push skin slack infero-medially over the tendonous
Indications insertion of levator scapula and the belly of rhom-
Chronic neck pain boideus minor. Nudge the skin slack towards the
Neck pain at night inferior hands thumb which has drawn the skin
Pain adjacent or beneath scapula slack superiorly for Move (1). Engage firm supero-
Immobility of scapula lateral challenge and at the close of a 2nd exhala-
tion move supero-laterally over the rhomboideus
The Rhomboids procedure is indicated in long- minor muscle whilst maintaining firm challenge
standing neck and shoulder problems involving through the Move.
persistent tension in the muscles adjacent to the
scapula. The scapula will have some immobility as Immediately repeat on the opposite side.
a result. Also, stabbing sensation under the scapula
or down the medial border of either scapula.
PROVIDE A MINIMUM 5 MINUTE PAUSE
Perform on both sides treating the better side first.

(1) Position the palmar aspect of the inferior hands

Moves (1) & (2) are performed simultaneously
thumb onto the rhomboideus major muscle adja-
cent to the midpoint of the medial border of the
scapula.

(2) Position the palmar aspect of the superior hands

thumb onto the tendonous belly of rhomboideus
minor medial to its attachment onto the medial end
of the scapula.

Move 1 - Performed simultaneously with Move (2)

Draw skin laterally laterally to the most lateral
attachment of rhomboideus major with the inferior
hands thumb. Rest at the medial border of the
scapula and push skin slack slightly superiorly
along the medial edge of the scapula towards the
superior hands thumb. Engage firm medial chal-
lenge and at the close of a 2nd exhalation move
medially whilst maintaining firm challenge through
the Move so as to affect the ilio costallis muscles
beneath rhomboideus major.

22 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

Anatomy Iliocostalis Thoracis

The proximal attachment of Iliocostalis thoracis
Rhomboideus Major arises from the upper borders of the angles of the
Rhomboideus major is a quadrilateral sheet of seventh to twelfth ribs, medial to iliocostalis lum-
muscle, which lies with rhomboideus minor and borum. Its distal attachment ascends to the superi-
levator scapulae in the posterior neck and chest or borders of the angles of the first to sixth ribs and
wall, superficial to the long back muscles and deep the posterior surface of the transverse process of
to trapezius, except at the Triangle of ausculation. C7. When working on one side only, it produces lat-
Together with rhomboideus minor, levator scapulae eral flexion and some extension. Both sides work
and pectoralis minor it medial rotates the scapula; together to extend the thoracic spine.
with rhomboideus minor and trapezius it retracts
the scapula. It also acts to stabilize the scapula Serratus Posterior
when other muscle groups are active. Serratus posterior superior is a thin, quadrilateral
muscle lying deep to the rhomboideus and superfi-
Rhomboideus Minor cial to the thoracolumbar fascia. It arises from the
Rhomboideus minor is a small quadrilateral muscle, lower part of the ligamentum nuchae, the spinous
which lies between rhomboideus major inferiorly processes of C7 to T3 and the intervening supraspi-
and levator scapulae superiorly in the posterior nous ligaments. It descends infero-laterally ending
neck and chest wall, superficial to the long back in four digitations, which attach to the upper bor-
muscles and deep to trapezius. ders and external surfaces of the second to the fifth
rib lateral to the angle. Serratus posterior superior
elevates the ribs.

Perform Moves (1) & (2) Simultaneously

Copyright © schoolofbowen 23
 Bowen Therapy
Training &
Instruction
Manual 6
by

Jonathan Damonte
RSHom (NA), CCH, CBT

Endorsed by the family of Tom Bowen

Special thanks to

Barry A. Bowen
BEDWETTING PROCEDURE
4 KIDS
Minimum Prerequisite

BRM 1 (Moves 1 & 2) onto the client's opposite sacrotuberous ligament

For adult and post pubescent incontinence perform at a point adjacent to the inferior lateral angle of
the standard Coccyx and Kidney procedures with- the sacrum and on the opposite side from the coc-
out the additional 'holding points' described below. cyx side chosen. This point is approximately 2 cm
from the midline and is a firm 'holding point' dur-
This procedure utilizes a variation of the Coccyx ing the entire Coccyx procedure, it is the same
procedure plus an additional pair of 'holding points' point as for Move (1) - Sacral Procedure. Place the
best provided by a parent or assistant, though these superior hands 2nd finger against the lateral edge
can be applied by the therapist on smaller children. of the painful side coccyx, same-side as the thera-
The child has received prior Bowen Therapy treat- pist. The 2nd finger is at the mid-point of the coc-
ments to balance any other areas of concern and cyx against the lateral border of the transverse
there are no other causative factors involved in process of the 2nd coccygeal vertebrae. Comfortably
their symptoms such as, dietary, environmental
triggers. Emotional causes can often underlie the
issue of bedwetting and these should be dealt with
in addition to Bowen Therapy. Bowen Therapy will
effectively treat any physiological deficiency that
might cause the bedwetting.

Treat the child once a week, each 7 days, to main-

tain the momentum of the Bowen Therapy response.
Assess each time to measure any deviation in sensa-
tion or structure. The side treated will usually alter-
nate, keep treating weekly until there are 7 dry
nights observed.

Holding Points (1a) & (1b)

Place the 4th and 5th fingers onto the medial bor-
ders of the erector spinae adjacent to the spinous
processes of the 5th lumbar vertebrae, this is the
same level of BRM 1 - Moves (1) & (2). Or, have the
parent or assistant use the palmar aspect of their
thumb and 2nd finger. Apply gentle pressure
antero-medially as if slightly squeezing the erector
spinae towards the midline.

Move 1
While the 'holding points’ (1a) & (1b) are held by
either an assistant or by the therapists 4th and 5th
fingers. Position the 3rd finger of the superior hand

26 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

sink the 2nd finger deeply against the painful side Stand beside the client's hip on the same side the
of the coccyx. On the client's complete exhalation coccyx was treated for Move (1). Open the client's
move over the skin and coccygeal ligament from same side lower limb to approximately 20˚ from the
the lateral border of the painful side of the coccyx midline and flex their knee to 90˚ and position the
to the opposite non-painful side. Use a rotation of inferior hand inferior to the knee or behind the cli-
the wrist and with the 3rd finger 'holding point' as ents thigh just superior to the crease of the knee.
a pivot point to draw the 2nd finger from one side Place the palmar aspect of the 2nd, 3rd & 4th fin-
to the other. During the move more pressure is gers of the superior hand onto the abdomen at a
placed onto the 3rd finger holding point than the mid-point between the linea alba and ASIS, pointing
2nd finger as it moves over the coccyx. the fingers to a mid-point of the same side inguinal
ligament. Keep elbows apart and in line with the cli-
PROVIDE A MINIMUM 2 MINUTE PAUSE ent's knee and opposite side shoulder and maintain
balance to avoid straining while lifting the client's
The client turns and lays supine to be in position limb.
for an optional Move (2) of the Coccyx procedure.
To 'lock the coccyx' on the abdomen via a 'boomer- Move 2 - Optional
ang' move over the rectus abdominus muscles on On exhalation lift and comfortably extend the cli-
the same side that was treated for Move (1) of the ent's flexed thigh towards their opposite shoulder
Coccyx procedure. using the inferior hand at the knee to support its
movement. When the client's thigh begins to cover
the superior hand push skin towards the inguinal
crease. Comfortably challenge onto the client's
abdomen with the palmar aspect of the 2nd, 3rd &
4th fingers of the superior hand and move supero-
medially toward the umbilicus and over the lateral
edge of the muscle then move supero-laterally over
the same muscle border. The lateral border of rec-
tus abdominus is distinctly challenged and released
during the move. Finally, to the comfort of the cli-
ent extend the leg in the direction of the opposite
1a 1b shoulder so as to stretch the thigh and hamstrings
and then fully straighten it at the knee before lower-
ing the straightened limb to rest on the treatment
1
table.

AFTERCARE
Begin an, 'elimination diet', in which all dairy foods
are avoided, followed by elimination of wheat prod-
ucts and then refined sugars. These food groups
can be re-introduced into the child's diet one at a
time to test the sensitivity to them. It is also recom-
mended to eat from an ‘alkaline’ dietary meal plan.

Copyright © schoolofbowen 27
CONCEPTION PROTOCOL

There are several treatment options relating to the is established through normal signs, symptoms or
use of Bowen Therapy for issues of infertility and an hcg test (pregnancy test) to ensure the client is
symptoms relating to all stages of pregnancy. not pregnant.

INFERTILITY Perform all prerequisites and Coccyx procedure

The simple protocol for infertility is to utilize the Move (1) by assessing for the sensitive or congested
Coccyx procedure once a month at the onset of men- side of the coccyx at each session. If neither side is
ses. sensitive, address the left side. Perform Coccyx pro-
cedure Move (2) on the client's same-side abdomen.
The aim at each prior Bowen Therapy session is to If the coccyx is sensitive on the same side for 3 con-
address the underlying fertility issues. First restore, secutive sessions, perform the Coccyx procedure on
if needed, a regular menstruation and 28-day cycle, the opposite side at the next session.
this once attained is the indicator that the client has
reached a balanced state of health. All other physi-
cal symptoms need to be treated as a process of
bringing the client into physiological balance.
Various procedures are used to achieve a state of
balanced hormonal function over the course of
therapy.

The procedure that ultimately promotes fertility

and conception is the Coccyx procedure performed
monthly once balance has been achieved. It is
applied only if the client is not pregnant. Other
Bowen Therapy procedures that affect reproductive
health include: Pelvic, Upper Respiratory & TMJ and
Kidney procedures. It is also important, though not
essential, to treat both partners with Bowen Therapy.

Client with Irregular Menses

After balancing with Bowen Therapy procedures
and addressing their ‘Chief Complaints’ treat the
woman on a weekly basis with the Coccyx proce-
dure, until a regular 28 day menstrual cycle is
established.

Client with Regular Menses

Once a regular 28-day menstrual cycle is estab-
lished continue Bowen Therapy sessions once a
month at the onset of each menstruation. The onset

28 Copyright © schoolofbowen
PREGNANCY & BOWEN THERAPY
The following list outlines a variety of care methods
that can be provided during pregnancy.

During Pregnancy

Chair Bowen & Other Support

Treatment can be done with client supine

First Trimester

Nausea and Vomiting

Heartburn and Breast Discomfort
Varicosities
Insomnia
Headaches

Mid Trimester

High blood pressure in pregnancy

Carpal-Tunnel Syndrome
Back Pain
Symphysis Discomfort
Posterior Pelvic Pain

Last Trimester

Induction of Labour
Breech Presentation

Labour

Back Labour
Perineal Discomfort
Caesarian Section
Hemorrhoids

Breast Problems

Mastitis
Engorgement
Lactation problems

Neonate & Toddlers

Baby Bowen

Copyright © schoolofbowen 29
BABY BOWEN
4 NEWBORNS & SMALL CHILDREN

Most newborns will come to Bowen Therapy for

The use of Bowen Therapy on children should be Colicky Baby syndrome or infantile colic seen with
considered only in addition to the continued care of either abdominal or respiratory discomfort causing
the child's paediatrician or other primary health- their distress. The children are usually better with
care provider. pressure on their abdomens and better for being
carried or rocked, often vigorously.
Importantly the diet and health of the nursing
mother as a potential underlying factor in their Bowen Therapy offers an exceptional benefit and
child's symptoms. Advise the parents of the process relief for these types of symptoms. It can also be
you are about to undertake and ensure they are taught to the parents to be used as needed.
present for the treatments.
Baby Bowen for Neonates & Infants with Colic or
Treating newborns and small children requires Asthma Symptoms uses a modified protocol of
thoughtful assessment and choices for an appropri- Basic Relaxation procedure (BRM 2) and the
ate plan of action. Though not for any risk to the Respiratory procedure. Additionally, a modification
infant but for a speedy resolution to their concern. of BRM 3 - Moves (5) & (6) might be necessary for
The treatment itself is a confirmation of the chosen conditions not related to digestive or respiratory
plan as the positive outcome indicates a proof to complaints but are caused by congestion in the vas-
the likeliest cause for their symptoms. cular supply or nervous system through the neck.

2 1

30 Copyright © schoolofbowen
 ADDITIONAL
BABY BOWEN PROTOCOLS

Step 1 - Baby Bowen

With the child securely held and positioned com-
fortably by a parent or therapist so as to receive In a case that does not respond to the above proce-
Bowen Therapy moves on their upper back. dure look for a possible neck restriction causing
congestion or for other discomfort consider the fol-
The therapist using the their 2nd or 3rd finger per- lowing options:
forms a medial move on the child’s left Erector spi-
nae at the level of the inferior angle of each scapula Blue Sclera
followed by a medial move on the right Erector
spinae. Followed by two lateral moves using the It is usual for a newborn to have bluish sclera until
same finger on the same points with out pauses. approximately 3 months of age. After 3 months if
the Sclera of one eye is bluer, there may be a neck
Step 2 - Baby Bowen
restriction on that side.
Immediately following the therapist performs
Moves (3) to (5) of the Respiratory procedure in the
Perform Step (1) & (2) - Baby Bowen followed by
usual manner including ‘holding point’ (3a).
either:

This protocol can be repeated as soon as needed in

acute distress and when there is obvious and sig- w Left Sclera darker than right, perform Move
nificant amelioration of the child's symptoms. (5) of BRM 3

w Right Sclera darker than left, perform Move

(6) then Move (5) of BRM 3

Slow Pupil Dilation

Assess the child's response to pupil dilation using a

penlight or scope. If either pupil is slower perform
the following.

3a
Perform Step (1) & (2) - Baby Bowen followed by
5
either:
4 3

w Left pupil responds slower than right,

perform Move (5) of BRM 3

w Right pupil responds slower than left,

perform Move (6) of BRM 3

Copyright © schoolofbowen 31
TMJ ADVANCED PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisites
Upper Respiratory & TMJ Procedures
BRM 3 - Neck Procedure
BRM 2 - Upper Back Procedure

While standing at the client's head place the palmar

Indications
aspect of each hands 2nd finger onto the condlyes
Sleep apnea
of the temperomandibular joint, with the finger-tip
Seasonal allergies
pointing inferiorly towards their feet, approximate-
Sinusitis
ly 1/2 to 1 finger-width anterior to the tragus of the
Trigeminal neuralgias
ear. Ensure that the palmar aspect of the 2nd finger
Bells Palsy
is placed onto both the condyles of the mandible
Bruxism (Grinding)
and the cranial skull.

Use this procedure if there’s limited response or no

Request the client attempt to place the first knuckle
response to other well-indicated procedures such
of their 2nd and 3rd fingers between their teeth,
as, Upper Respiratory & TMJ, Headache, Sinus and Eye.
this is to make as wide a space in the temperoman-
dibular joint capsule as possible. If the client has
The TMJ Advanced Procedure is performed immedi-
limited ability to open their TMJ joint the procedure
ately at the close of the Upper Respiratory Procedures
can be performed with 1 finger knuckle only
and involves a repetition of the TMJ Procedure Moves
between their teeth.
(1-8) and two additional Bowen Moves (9 & 10) over
the anterior border of the masseter muscle whilst the
Their fingers remain positioned for the TMJ
jaw separated as wide as is comfortable. The TMJ
Advanced Procedure Moves (1-4), Moves (7-10) and
Advanced procedure is contraindicated in a client
not for Moves (5 & 6). These moves are the same as
that has had surgical intervention to their TMJ joint.
the first 8 moves of the TMJ procedure and the
opening wider of the TMJ joint provides deeper
access to the capsule of the TMJ joint.

Moves 1 & 2
(1) On the left side draw skin anteriorly and engage
gentle challenge medially before moving posteriorly
over the condylar fossa with the palmar aspect of the 2nd
7 finger.

(2) Return the 2nd finger to its starting point and

draw skin superiorly, engage challenge and move
1
inferiorly over the condylar fossa.

9 Moves 3 & 4
2
5 Repeat Moves (1) & (2) on the right side tempero-
mandibular joint.

For Moves (1-4) the palmar aspect of each 2nd finger

while moving over the ligaments at the TMJ will sink

32 Copyright © schoolofbowen
deeply into a groove between the joints. The jaw line, sideburns, and in front of the ear where a pair
will move fractionally under the pressure of the of glasses would sit. Draw skin anteriorly, engage
fingers and the movement is felt on the opposite gentle challenge and move posteriorly over the neu-
side jaw joint as the moves are performed. When rovascular bundle of superficial temporal veins,
the client has two finger knuckles spaced between arteries and nerves (7). Repeat on the right side (8).
their teeth the joint is opened wider and the moves
are deeper within it as if the finger pads would melt Moves 9 & 10
through the joint to affect its deepest structures. With the client's one or two fingers still between
their teeth landmark a point on the client's left and
Moves 5 & 6 right cheeks by defining a midpoint between the
The client removes their fingers from between their corner of their mouth and the superior anterior
teeth. Position the palmar aspect of the left 2nd insertion of the ear cartilage. This point is over the
finger onto the left posterior border of the mandi- anterior border and inferior to the masseter inser-
ble inferior to the left side condylar process and tion at the anterior of the lower border of the zygo-
adjacent and anterior to the left side meatal carti- matic arch. Place the palmar aspect of the left and
lage of the left ear canal. Challenge anteriorly and right hands 3rd fingers onto the anterior border of
move inferiorly over the attachments of the left the masseter muscle. Draw skin slack supero-poste-
lateral temperomandibular ligaments on the poste- riorly to the left ear engage challenge onto the left
rior mandible (5). zygomatic arch. Wait for a 2nd exhalation and per-
form an infero-medial curved move with the left
Repeat on the right side (6). 3rd finger over the left masseter muscle (9). Draw
skin slack supero-posteriorly to the right ear engage
Moves 7 & 8 challenge onto the right zygomatic arch. Wait for a
Have the client reposition two fingers, if possible, 2nd exhalation and perform an infero-medial curved
between their teeth and position the left palmar move with the right 3rd finger over the left masse-
aspect of the 2nd finger onto the superficial tempo- ter muscle (10).
ral veins, arteries and nerves at a point one finger-
width anterior to the superior meatal cartilage of PROVIDE A MINIMUM 10 MINUTE PAUSE
the left ear, in the bald spot posterior to the hair-

10

Ideally place 2 finger knuckles between

the teeth for Moves (9) & (10)

Copyright © schoolofbowen 33
THORACIC PROCEDURE
CHEST PAIN & SCOLIOSIS
Caution: Ensure that a competent medical opinion
has been sought and provided for any chest symp-
toms that are new or old.

The Thoracic procedure is a simple protocol using CHEST PAIN

familiar moves, it can be used to address either
chest pain or scoliosis. There is only one differ- Minimum Prerequisite
ence and that is. After using Thoracic Procedure to General ‘balancing’ Bowen Therapy treatment per-
treat chest pain, no more treatment is given that formed 1 Week prior, at this session minimally per-
day. Wheras, after using Thoracic procedure to treat form BRM 2 - Moves (1-8). BRM 1 (1-10) can also be
scoliosis you can provide more treatment that day. applied if needed to help a client fully relax.

It combines variations of the following: Indications

BRM 2 - Moves (1-8) One-sided chest pain. The nature of the pains can
Respiratory Procedure Moves (1-5) be muscular, nerve, intercostal or related to respira-
BRM 3 - Moves (1), (3) & (2), (4) tion. The client should be under the care and medi-
Or, Moves (2), (4) & (1), (3) cal supervision for any cardiac related disorders
Moves (5) & (6) are NOT performed and the client must be stable before performing the
following procedure.

If indicated for chest discomfort and one-sided

chest pain the Thoracic procedure used to treat
chest pain would complete treatment for that ses-
sion and it should not be combined with any other
Bowen Therapy procedures.

2 1

3a

4 3

34 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

CHEST PAIN SCOlIOSIS

Step 1 Step 1
BRM 2 - Moves (1-8) Perform the prerequisite BRM 2 - Moves (1-16)
PAUSE PAUSE

Step 2 Step 2
Respiratory procedure - Moves (1-5) Perform the Respiratory procedure - Moves (1-5)
PAUSE PAUSE

Step 3 for left sided symptoms Step 3

Perform BRM 3 Moves (1) & (3) ~ (2) & (4). Perform BRM 3 Moves (1) & (3) ~ (2) & (4)
Moves (5) & (6) are NOT performed. Moves (5) & (6) are NOT performed.
PAUSE
Step 3 - for right sided symptoms
Perform BRM 3 Moves (2) & (4) ~ (1) & (3). Alternate Each Visit the Left & Right Sides.
Moves (5) & (6) are NOT performed. In other words, choose to treat with BRM 3
PAUSE Moves (1) & (3) ~ (2) & (4) the first weeks
visit and then on the next use BRM 3
SCOLIOSIS PROCEDURE Moves (2) & (4) ~ (1) & (3), and so on.

Minimum Prerequisite If treating for chest pain or discomfort no

BRM 2 - Moves (1-16) at this session. BRM 1 (1-10) further Bowen Therapy procedures
can also be applied if needed to help a client fully should be applied after.
relax.
Respiratory Procedure Moves (1-5) In treating scoliosis or other curvatures
of the spine it is possible to perform
Following the use of Thoracic procedure for scoili- additional procedures that are indicated
osis other clearly indicated procedures can be for the client this session if the mini-
applied. Excepting those that require BRM 3 as a mum prerequisites for them have
prerequisite, as BRM 3 (5) & (6) have not been used. been performed.

3 4

1 2

1 Perform Moves (1) & (3) ~ (2) & (4)

Or, Moves (2) & (4) ~ (1) & (3)

Copyright © schoolofbowen 35
CHEST PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisite
None. The Chest Procedure can be performed in
isolation or as part of any Bowen Therapy Session.

Move 1
With both hands back-to-back move the breast tis-
Indications
sue inferiorly from a point inferior to the mid-clav-
Lymphatic congestion
icle. Use the inferior hands 2nd finger on its radial
Breast discomfort, Cystic tissue
side to draw the breast tissue and skin slack inferi-
Mastitis
orly to the level of the marker. With the palmar
Shoulder problems and chest area discomfort
aspect of the superior hands 2nd finger placed on
the anterior fibres of the lateral border of pectoralis
The procedure can be taught to clients to perform
major, pectoralis minor and serratus anterior, locat-
on themselves on a regular schedule to ease chest area
ed on line with the coracoid process. Push skin
congestion.
slack laterally with both hands and engage comfort-
able postero-medial challenge onto the lateral fibres
Contraindication
of pectoralis major. While maintaining the depth of
It is recommended that the Chest Procedure not be
challenge using the palmar aspect of the superior
performed on anyone with pectoralis or breast
hands 2nd finger move both hands medially over
implants. Or, on any client with a concern about or
the lateral border of pectoralis major, pectoralis
any client with breast cancer.

Discuss the Chest procedure with your client and

gain their consent before performing it. It's advised
to have a third party present and it is not necessary
to expose the breast as the moves can be performed
through clothing and even a padded bra.

Treat the better side first. With the client lying

supine stand at their right side to perform the pro-
cedure on the left side and stand on the left side to
perform the procedure on the right side.

1
It is useful to guide the taking of slack while per-
forming the moves by placing a marker such as a 2
pen under the clients arm approximately two finger-
widths distal to the axillary crease.

Note: Mr. Bowen performed this proce-

dure with his hands back to back, his
thumbs flexed into his palms, and his
fingers extended, with the radial border
of his index fingers resting on the body to
perform the moves.

36 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

minor and serratus anterior beneath to release the

muscle edge.

Move 2
With both hands back-to-back positioned at a point
inferior to the breast and in line with the mid-clav-
icle move the breast tissue and skin slack superi-
orly. Use the radial side of the superior hands 2nd
finger to push the breast tissue and skin slack supe-
riorly to the level of the marker. Palpate for a
depression or groove between the 5th and 6th ribs
in line with the mid-clavicle with the palmar aspect
of the tip of the inferior hands 3rd finger. Draw skin
slack medially with both hands and engage com-
fortable posterior challenge with the inferior hands
3rd finger tip and move laterally through the groove
of the ribs as far as the skin slack allows.

Stand at the opposite side and repeat Moves (1) &

(2) on the opposite side.

PROVIDE A MINIMUM 5 MINUTE PAUSE

Copyright © schoolofbowen 37
VAGUS NERVE PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisite
BRM 1 - Lower Back Procedure
BRM 2 - Upper Back Procedure
BRM 3 - Neck Procedure

(SCM). Draw skin slack laterally along the superior

Indications border of the clavicle engage very gentle challenge
The Vagus Nerve Procedure is indicated and move medially over the omohyoid tendon. The
for the following symptoms: 3rd fingertip stops at the sternal attachment of the SCM.
Stomach and cardiac spasm
Low libido Moves 3a, 3b & 3c
Breathing difficulties Stand at the left side of the client and position the
Difficulty swallowing left 3rd finger supinated onto the posterior border
Chronic pain in rib cage of the clavicle adjacent and lateral to the omohyoid
Diaphragmatic pain especially on left tendon. Perform 3 gentle lateral moves each one-
side finger width lateral to each other along the poste-
Pancreas, gallbladder and liver prob- rior edge of the left clavicle. The 3rd fingertip gen-
lems tly moves laterally with the belly of the inferior
Rapid heart beat omohyoid muscle.
Tingling in first 3 fingers
Liver region sensitivity
Anxiety

Ensure that the client has received a clear medical

diagnosis for any chest related symptoms and is
under the care of a qualified medical practitioner.

Move 1
With the client lying supine stand at their left side
position the palmar aspect of either hands 3rd fin-
ger onto a point adjacent and superior to the left
clavical and the tip of the 3rd fingertip lateral to the
sternal attachment of the sternocleidomastoid
(SCM). Draw skin slack laterally along the superior
border of the clavicle engage very gentle challenge
and move medially over the omohyoid tendon and
vagus nerve. The 3rd fingertip stops at the sternal
attachment of the SCM.

Move 2 2

With the client lying supine stand at their right side 3c

3b
position the palmar aspect of either hands 3rd fin- 1
3a

ger onto a point adjacent and superior to the right

clavical and the tip of the 3rd fingertip lateral to the
sternal attachment of the sternocleidomastoid

38 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

Moves 4a, 4b & 4c Move 6

Stand at the right side of the client and position the Stand at the clients left side and perform Move (3)
right 3rd finger supinated onto the posterior border of the Elbow/Wrist Procedure. Position the right
of the clavicle adjacent and lateral to the omohyoid hands intermediate phalanx of the 3rd finger onto a
tendon. Perform 3 gentle lateral moves each one- point adjacent and proximal to the medial epicon-
finger width lateral to each other along the poste- dyle. Bend the fingertip into the elbow crease and
rior edge of the right clavicle. The 3rd fingertip gently challenge the anterior border of the biceps
gently moves laterally with the belly of the inferior brachii and neurovascular bundle. Move gently over
omohyoid muscle. the median nerve, neurovascular bundle and biceps
brachi posteriorly.
Move 5
Stand at the client's right side and reach across to PROVIDE A MINIMUM 10 MINUTE PAUSE
the left side with the right hand thumb touching the
axilla and the fingers extended the 3rd finger
should be approximately on a small neurovascular
bundle located between the lateral margins of the
6th and 7th ribs. The bundle is sensitive to touch
and it is acceptable to ask the client for feedback on
the most sensitive spot. When located perform a
gentle anterior move over it with the palmar aspect
of the 3rd finger.

4c 3c
4b 2 1 3b
4a 3a

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 Modules 5-6 Bowen Therapy Instruction Manual

VAGUS NERVE ANATOMY Respiration

In the lungs, they stimulate the smooth muscle in
the wall of the bronchial tree, tending to increase
the resistance to airflow (by causing bronchocon-
striction), again counterbalancing the sympathetic
Vagus' means 'wanderer' - and that is indeed what effect which tends towards relaxation.
these nerves are. Attached to the brain stem, and
emerging through the base of the skull into the Digestive
neck, the right and left vagus nerves innervate In the alimentary tract they stimulate smooth mus-
through their branches a widespread range of body cle in the walls of the stomach and of the intestines,
parts, from the head down to the abdominal organs. acting through the nerve networks between the lay-
ers of smooth muscle, but they have the opposite
These nerves contain fibres that are both incoming action on the smooth muscle sphincter that tends
to the central nervous system (the majority) and to prevent the stomach contents from moving on.
outgoing from it. Sensory information comes from
the external ear and its canal, and from the back of Endocrine
the throat (pharynx) and upper part of the larynx. They stimulate glandular secretions of stomach
Longer fibres travel in the branches of the vagi from acid and of the digestive enzymes that are released
the organs in the chest and in the abdomen: from into the stomach and intestine, and the ejection of
the lungs and the heart, and from the alimentary bile from the gall bladder. They also influence the
tract, including the oesophagus and right down to release from the pancreas of the hormones that pro-
half way along the colon. The incoming signals lead mote the storage of absorbed nutrients.
to many reflex responses, mediated at cell stations
in the brain stem, and entailing either autonomic or All these effects add up to support of activity in the
somatic motor responses. For example: irritants in alimentary system during and after eating, when
the airways stimulate vagal sensory nerve endings the parasympathetic effects predominate over the
and lead to a cough reflex; information on the state opposite quietening effects of the sympathetic
of inflation of the lungs causes modification of the nerve supply.
breathing pattern; distension of the stomach leads
to reflex relaxation of its wall. The outgoing, motor The term 'vaso-vagal' attack refers to fainting, when
fibres in the vagus nerves represent most of the from a variety of causes ranging from emotional
cranial component of the parasympathetic division shock to the pain of injury - there is a strong para-
of the autonomic nervous system. sympathetic outflow in the vagus nerves, causing
slowing of the heart that leads to a fall in blood
Cardiovascular pressure sufficient to cause unconsciousness.
Vagal stimulation slows the heartbeat, and exces-
sive stimulation can stop it entirely. We know now
that vagal nerve endings act on the heart's pace-
maker by the release of the transmitter acetylcho-
line; this modulation of the heart rate is continu-
ous, counterbalancing the action of the sympathetic
nerves at the same site. The vagus nerves also pro-
vide a pathway for reflex reduction of the cardiac
output if the blood pressure tends to rise.

40 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

BURSITIS, CYSTS & OSTEOPHYTES Trochanteal Bursitis

Commonly a result of misalignment, injury or
inflammatory processes of a hip joint, this painful
BURSA
inflammation is an inflammation between the bursa
There are hundreds of bursa scattered throughout
at the greater trochantor.
the body. The function of a bursa is to decrease fric-
tion between two surfaces that move in different
CYSTS
directions. Bursa can be thought of as a Ziplock bag
A cyst is an abnormal, sac-like structure that can be
with a small amount of oil and no air inside. Imagine
found anywhere in the body. Cysts usually contain
rubbing this bag between your hands; movement of
a gaseous, liquid, or semisolid substance and have
your hands would be smooth and effortless. A Bursa
an outer wall, known as the capsule. Cysts may be
functions as a smooth, slippery surface between
small and visible only under a microscope, or they
two moving objects.
may grow to a very large size and displace normal
body structures.
Bursa are found at points where muscles and ten-
dons glide over bones. Without the bursa between
Cysts occur commonly in numerous tissues and
these surfaces, movements would be painful.
organs and are often named according to their par-
ticular anatomic location.
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa. Normally,
the bursa provides a slippery surface that has
Baker's Cyst
almost no friction. A problem arises when a bursa
A swelling in the space behind the knee (the popli-
becomes inflamed. The bursa loses its gliding capa-
teal space) composed of a membrane-lined sac
bilities, and becomes more and more irritated when
filled with synovial fluid that has escaped from the
it is moved. When the condition called bursitis
joint. Baker cyst is named after the British surgeon
occurs, the normally slippery bursa becomes swol-
William Morrant Baker (1839-1896). Also called a
len and inflamed. The added volume of the swollen
synovial cyst of the popliteal space.
bursa causes more friction within an already con-
fined space. Also, the smooth gliding bursa becomes
Ganglion Cyst
gritty and rough.
Is a tumor or swelling on top of a joint or the cover-
ing of a tendon attachment or insertion. It looks like
Bursitis can result from any repetitive movements
a sac of liquid (cyst). Inside the cyst is a thick,
or due to prolonged and excessive pressure.
sticky, clear, colorless, jellylike material. Depending
Similarly in other parts of the body, repetitive use
on the size, cysts may feel firm or spongy. One
or frequent pressure can irritate a bursa and cause
large cyst or many smaller ones may develop.
inflammation. Another cause of bursitis is a trau-
Multiple small cysts can give the appearance of
matic injury. Following trauma, such as a car acci-
more than one cyst, but a common stalk within the
dent or fall, a patient may develop bursitis. Usually
deeper tissue usually connects them. This type of
a contusion causes swelling within the bursa. The
cyst is not harmful and accounts for about half of
bursa, which had functioned normally up until that
all soft tissue tumors of the hand.
point, now begins to develop inflammation, and
bursitis results. Once the bursa is inflamed, normal
Ganglion cysts, also known as Bible cysts, are more
movements and activities can become painful.
common in women, and 70% occur in people
Systemic inflammatory conditions, such as rheuma-
between the ages of 20-40. Rarely, ganglion cysts
toid arthritis, may also lead to bursitis. These types
can occur in children younger than 10 years. They
of conditions can make patients susceptible to
most commonly occur on the back of the hand (60-
developing bursitis.
70%), at the wrist joint and can also develop on the
palm side of the wrist. When found on the back of
the wrist, they become more prominent when the

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 Modules 5-6 Bowen Therapy Instruction Manual

wrist is flexed forward. Other sites, although less stress or rubbing of a bone for a prolonged period
common, include: of time. This can be due to osteoarthritis or inflam-
mation such as tendonitis. Normally there is a layer
~ The base of the fingers on the palm, of cartilage along the edges of bones where they
where they appear as small pea-sized come together to form a joint. With osteoarthritis,
bumps. this cartilage layer becomes worn away, and the
~ The fingertip, just below the cuticle, bones can rub directly against each other. New bone
where they are called mucous cysts. forms in response to the stress or inflammation. It
~ The outside of the knee and ankle the is the bone's method of trying to stabilize or protect
top of the foot itself.

The cause of ganglion cysts is not known. One the- There are other medical conditions that are com-
ory suggests that trauma causes the tissue of the monly associated with bone spurs. These include a
joint to break down forming small cysts, which then condition known as plantar fasciitis. This is an
join into a larger, more obvious mass. The most inflammation of the fascia or connective tissue
likely theory involves a flaw in the joint capsule or where is attaches to the heel or calcaneus. Diffuse
tendon sheath that allows the joint tissue to bulge idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and ankylos-
out. ing spondylitis are both inflammatory disorders
that affect the body's ligaments and causes bone
The ganglion cyst usually appears as a bump (mass) spurs in the spine.
that changes size. It is usually soft, anywhere from
1-3 cm in diameter and doesn't move. The swelling Bone spurs do not always cause symptoms. Many
may appear over time or appear suddenly, may get people have bone spurs but do not know it.
smaller in size, and may even go away, only to come However, if bone spurs rub against other bones they
back at another time. can cause pain or a loss of normal motion in a joint.
This is most common in the hips, knees, hands and
Most ganglion cysts cause some degree of pain, feet.
usually following acute or repetitive trauma, but up
to 35% are without symptoms, except for appear- If the bone spurs rub against tendons or ligaments
ance. The pain is usually nonstop, aching, and made they can cause pain or a tear. This is common in the
worse by joint motion. When the cyst is connected shoulder and can lead to a rotator cuff tear.
to a tendon, there may be a sense of weakness in
the affected finger. If bone spurs occur in the spine, they can cause
pain and loss of motion, but they can also pinch the
Bone Spurs nerves or spinal cord. When nerves in the spine are
A bone spur (osteophyte) is an outgrowth of bone pinched, it is known as radiculopathy. It can cause
that can occur along the edges of a bone. It is also pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms
called an osteophyte. Bone spurs are can form in or legs. If the spinal cord is compressed, it is called
any bone, but are most commonly found in joints, myelopathy. This can cause problems with balance,
where two or more bones come together. They also weakness, and pain.
occur where muscles, ligaments, or tendons attach
to the bone.

Some of the most common parts of the body affect-

ed by bone spurs are the neck (cervical spine), low
back (lumbar spine), shoulder, knee, foot, and heel.

Bone spurs typically occur because of continued

42 Copyright © schoolofbowen
BURSITIS PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisites
Perform the adjacent joint procedures with their
appropriate prerequisites as well as the procedure
for the joint in question.

The Bursitis Procedure can be repeated once weekly

Indicated for soft, hard, medium and small pockets or more frequently if indicated. The procedure
of inflammation resulting from repetitive strain, releases the congestion around the inflamed area
injury or inflammatory processes elsewhere in the and reduction of swelling and pain is clearly observ-
body such as, Ganglion cyst, Baker's Cyst, able in more recent conditions, in long-standing
Osteophytes (Bone Spurs) & scar tissue or adhesions symptoms the procedure may need to be repeated
in the fascia. The Bursitis Procedure is used for the persistently.
treatment of inflammatory processes adjacent to
joint structures wherever there has been repetitive The Bursitis Procedure utilizes two paired Bowen
strain, injury or inflammatory process elsewhere Moves away from the midline of the swelling and
that affects the structures causing even further pain performed bi-laterally at the distal and then the
and inflammation. proximal ends of it.

Ensure the client has received a competent medical Move 1

diagnosis for any lumps they bring your attention Palpate the superior border of the bursa or cyst.
to especially if they are not adjacent to a joint and Position the palmar aspect of either a thumb or fin-
tendon attachment. ger onto the supero-medial border of the swelling,
draw skin slack medially to the midline of the swell-
right wrist shown ing and apply comfortable lateral challenge. Move
laterally over the superior medial border of the
swelling to the comfort of the client (1).
2 1
Move 2
Position the palmar aspect of either a thumb or fin-
4 3 ger onto the superior lateral border of the swelling,
draw skin slack laterally to the midline of the swell-
ing and apply comfortable medial challenge. Move
medially over the supero-lateral border of the swell-
ing to the comfort of the client (2).

Move 3 & 4
Perform a lateral and medial move at the distal margin
of the swelling as per Moves (1) & (2) described above.

PROVIDE A MINIMUM 2 MINUTE PAUSE

AFTERCARE & EXERCISE

The application of anti-inflammatory ointments such
as, Iodex ointment and apple cider vinegar and soaks
in Epsom salts and Washing Soda are essential to con-
tinue the benefits of the Bowen Therapy procedure.

Copyright © schoolofbowen 43
PSOAS PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisites
BRM 1- Lower Back Moves (1 & 2)
BRM 2 - Upper Back Moves (1-4) & Moves (9-16)
Kidney & Respiratory Procedure Moves (3-5)

If this procedure is indicated, attempt to resolve the

condition with other appropriate procedures during
previous sessions
It is a major postural muscle and is a prime hip
The Psoas Procedure is indicated for the following flexor. Its origins explain why this procedure may
symptoms: Leaning forward at pelvis or lumbar lor- be of benefit to low back problems. This procedure
dosis, difficulty standing upright & unresolved is also beneficial for people who spend a lot of time
groin pain and chronic relapsing Sciatica & seated or bending forward at the hips.
Herniation. Observation of the client's free hand
position at their thigh when standing as any asym- Immediately after completion of Respiratory
metry can indicate unevenness in the psoas group Procedure Moves (3-5) and all other prerequisite
of muscles. procedures stand at the first side being treated or
begin with the left side. Discuss the Psoas Procedure
with the client or have a third party present when
working on younger clients.

Anatomy
The psoas muscle originates from the transverse
processes of all the lumbar vertebrae and the inter-
vertebral discs above each lumbar vertebra from
T12 to L5. It inserts and receives with the iliacus,
the majority of the fibers of iliacus on its lateral
side. The conjoined tendon of iliacus and psoas
major attach into the lesser trochanter of the femur.
With the origin fixed, it acts with iliacus to flex the
hip joint.

Bend the clients knee and rotate it laterally to access the Psoas mus-
cle. Support it with a pillow or on your own knee.

44 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

Move tion. The activation will feel as if the 3rd finger slips
Position your flexed knee onto the treatment table over one or more of the fibrous insertions of iliacus
to support the client's flexed and externally rotated and psoas major. The client will feel an increased
thigh. Using the 3rd finger of the superior hand pal- level of sensation after this.
pate medially the inguinal crease to the medial 1/3
where a soft hollow adjacent and inferior to the Return the clients limb to the treatment table and
inguinal crease gives access onto the insertion of stand at the client's other side to perform the Move
the iliacus and the conjoined fibres of psoas major on the opposite limb.
deeper to it. While challenging these fibres postero-
laterally ask the client to define the sensitivity or PROVIDE A MINIMUM 15 MINUTE PAUSE
pain they feel from the challenge on a scale of 1-10.
The pain level needed to confirm location and No other procedures should be performed this session
depth of challenge is at a level of between 4-6.

The 3rd finger can be over the femoral artery while pal- AFTERCARE & EXERCISE
pating and challenging for pain sensitivity, if the pulse
of the femoral artery is felt re-position the medially and Have the client sit comfortably upright on a chair or
deeper while challenging more laterally to avoid it. bed and position a firm pillow or exercise ball
between their knees. Stand the feet onto the toes to
Use a second finger to secure the challenging 3rd raise the knees above the level of the hips and
finger and maintain the level of pressure at between squeeze the pillow or ball together for a few sec-
4-6. Gently turn the fingertip and challenge the onds, the effort is focused at the groin where the
psoas and iliacus muscles supero-laterally. After a psoas, iliacus and adductor longus are exerted.
second exhalation perform a supero-lateral activa- Relax and repeat 6 X once daily.

Gluteus
medius

Psoas major

Iliacus

Copyright © schoolofbowen 45
LEVATOR TRAPEZIUS PROCEDURE
Minimum Prerequisites
BRM 2 - Upper Back Procedure
BRM 3 - Neck Procedure

Holding Point (1a)

With the client sitting or standing face the anterior
This simple and effective procedure is an essential
side of the shoulder being addressed first. With the
tool in the treatment of the chronically tight necks
palmar aspect of the lateral hands 3rd finger pal-
and shoulders of people who come for Bowen
pate the trapezius muscle at a point superior to the
Therapy. The Levator Trapezius Procedure is usu-
medial angle of the scapula and at a mid-point
ally indicated for use at follow-up sessions when
between it and the anterior border of the trapezius.
there has been little or no effect to the tension in
Ask the client for feedback as you palpate for the
the trapezius muscles and the levator scapulae
point of maximum inflammation and sensitivity
deeper to them, often one side is worse than anoth-
(1a). Once this point is found rest the 3rd finger on
er. The procedure can be used on one side only but
it and position the palmar aspect of the medial
is chiefly indicated for use bi-laterally.
hands 3rd finger onto the deltopectoral triangle of
the opposite shoulder at a point inferior to the
clavicle and adjacent and medial to the coracoid
process (1).

2
Symptoms indicating its use are quite clear as the
client will complain of tightness in the top of their
shoulders, be sure to ask the location of their symp- 1
toms, or the tension is felt when performing other 1a

moves. The pain in this area can be extreme and

there is often a palpable inflammation in the levator
scapulae when performing BRM 2 Moves (6) & (8).
The tension is sometimes unchanged until this pro-
cedure is performed, even after many visits and
many well-indicated procedures have been utilized.

46 Copyright © schoolofbowen
by Jonathan Damonte for The School of Bowen

Move 1 Move 2 - Optional

Re-secure the lateral hands 3rd finger onto the tra- Position the palmar aspect of the 3rd finger onto
pezius muscle and the levator scapulae deeper to it the posterior margin of the levator scapulae approx-
and engage firm and focused inferior challenge (1a). imatel 2 finger-widths inferior to its insertion or
Push skin slack with the medial hands 3rd finger approximately at the level of the mandible (jaw line)
superiorly over the superior border of the pectora- on the side of the client’s same side neck. Push skin
lis major to its superior insertion adjacent and infe- slack posteriorly and engage anterior challenge on
rior to the inferior border of the clavicle and ask the the client’s exhalation move anteriorly over the
client to take 2 deep breaths. Engage inferior chal- levator scapulae.
lenge and on a second exhalation move inferiorly
over the superior border of the pectoralis major Consider: North, Rhomboids, Sternum, Chest, West
muscle insertion, the move is short and precise. At and various Shoulder Procedures.
that moment there should be a release of tension
that is felt in the 'holding point' (a). Repeat if it is
not clearly felt.

Repeat on the opposite side.

PROVIDE A MINIMUM 5 MINUTE PAUSE

1 1a
1a 1

Copyright © schoolofbowen 47