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The Bowen Technique is set to join the exclusive group of complementary therapies to be accepted for registration by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

It is expected that the Council will open its register to Bowen practitioners within the next few weeks. This development means that members of the public will be able to choose a registered Bowen therapist in the knowledge that they meet national standards of conduct, training and competence. Practitioners will be required to register individually, or through the professional body, the Bowen Therapists European Register, and will have to meet defined standards of practices and ethics.

The CNHC was set up by the Department of Health with government backing. Apart from providing assurance to users, it represents a major step forward in the recognition of the approved therapies as acceptable complements to conventional treatment.

By providing an independent verification of standards, CNHC recognition will allow NHS Trusts, private healthcare providers, individual doctors and other elements of health provision to refer patients, with confidence, to the complementary and natural therapies involved, or to make those therapies more readily available within the settings of health centres, clinics, doctors' surgeries and hospitals.

The Bowen Technique is a drug-free, non-invasive, hands-on therapy. It has a remarkable record of success in helping clients with a wide range of conditions, including back, neck, shoulder and other acute and chronic muscular pain; stress-related conditions including depression; asthma, hay fever and other respiratory problems; sports injuries, IBS, migraine, fertility matters and a host of other health issues.  It is suitable for people of all ages, from tiny babies with colic to mature clients who suffer from arthritis.  There are many personal testimonies of Bowen working when nothing else has helped.

Once the CNHC decision on Bowen is confirmed, practitioners will be able to apply for registration. They will need to have attained the standards of qualification and experience required by the CNHC. Applicants will also need to demonstrate that they are committed to a rigorous code of conduct. Once registered, therapists will be able to display a CNHC ‘kitemark’.

The Bowen Therapists’ European Register is the main professional body for Bowen practitioners. Alongside their Bowen training, practitioners accredited by BTER must hold an Anatomy and Physiology Diploma, have a current First Aid Certificate, Public Liability Insurance and attend regular professional development courses to enhance their skills. BTER also provides members with a code of ethics and practice.  These requirements are in line with those specified by the CNHC.

BTER's website www.bowentherapists.com has details of research and articles and a 7-minute DVD about Bowen treatment; it also has a ‘find a local therapist’ facility. There is also a BTER helpline on 0844 561 7173. 

Notes for editors
Pictures of Bowen Technique moves can be obtained from MGK Communications (see below)

General media enquiries
MGK Communications                  
Michael Kennedy                         
0121 605 4048
michaelkennedy@talk21.com

BTER contacts
Helpline 0844 561 7173
Email info@bter.org
www.bowentherapists.com