Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST) and Bowen Therapy: Discover the Difference Today

What is the difference between the Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST) and the Bowen Therapy? – This is a question that I have been asked over and over again by so many Bowen therapists that I have decided to put together the following article to further explore this topic.

NST developed from the later work of Tom Bowen. In other words, he uses the techniques that his last students learned before they died. The choreography of NST was due to extensive testing using the principles of Kinesiology. There are similarities between the NST and Bowten versions, but there are also many significant differences.

These differences are the central efficacy of NST. The work is representative of Tom’s later work, not to say that this is exactly what Tom himself did, as Tom’s work was constantly evolving, NST is also evolving as practitioners learn more about the body using this wonderful technique. Combining three powerful and effective Neuromuscular Techniques. The philosophy of NST is based on the work of the chiropractor, the sacrooccipital technique of Major Bertrand DeJanette, the validation and testing tool was applied kinesiology, and the technique itself is derived from the work of Tom Bowen.

From my own clinical experience in the Geelong region, treating Tom Bowen clients, having used Bowen and now NST, the latter is more dynamic than the other versions and works more effectively. It is faster to implement and gives better results. In fact, I’ve had some of these clients say that this is similar to what Tom did. I have also seen/experienced four different versions of the work through four of Tom’s six students. NST offers an inclusive combination of all the versions, making it a comprehensive description of the type of work Tom was using in the latter part of his career.

NST is also taught within a workable theoretical and practical model, giving insight into why movements are used. The basic NST course is 5 days and is only taught to practitioners who are in clinical practice and as such is taught within anatomical and physiological limits. It covers the area of ​​the spine and extremities. In general, doctors who have taken other forms of Bowen’s find NST to be the most complete and effective version. I led a class for experienced Bowen practitioners in Edmonton, Canada this year and these are some of the comments I made. I’ve received:

"Thank you so much for sharing this work in such a beautiful way – it has taken my Bowen work to a new level." -Chelsea O’Neill-Becker

" I found my Bowen niche which makes the most sense so far" -Sherry Barrett

" This workshop confirmed much of what I intuitively knew and has given me credibility by providing a reasonable basis for this." -Jane Tews

Also a comment on the Neurostructural Integration Technique by David Howells, Chiropractor, Bowen Therapist and recently Professor of NST in the UK: "Basic Bowen training was a revelation to me in achieving structural balance and neurological function. However, there were many instances where I felt limited in what I could offer clients. NST motivated me in my thinking and ability to address pain points that clients presented. Now, on average, my number of treatments is 2-3 to address acute and chronic musculoskeletal issues. Customer feedback indicates that they consistently prefer the NST approach as they feel the work seems to go deeper to address their issues.