Understanding How We Can Touch Someone’s Core: A Fascial Perspective Through Cross-Sectional Anatomy and Dissection
This 45-minute talk explores how cross-sectional anatomy and human dissection can deepen our understanding of how gentle, precise touch influences the body’s core in Bowen Therapy. Rather than viewing the core as a set of isolated muscles or structures, the presentation reveals it as a continuous, responsive fascial system that connects surface to depth and supports global organisation.
Using cross-sectional anatomical images alongside insights from dissection, participants will be guided through the abdominal wall, visceral fascia, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and deep spinal layers. Emphasis will be placed on how these tissues are neurologically and fascially interconnected, helping to explain how minimal input can produce widespread and lasting change.
This presentation highlights how Bowen moves interact with layered fascia, fluid dynamics, and the autonomic nervous system—illustrating why pauses, timing, and gentle engagement are central to effective outcomes. By visualising anatomical depth and continuity, practitioners gain greater clarity around how touch at the surface can invite shifts throughout the body - celebrating how proud this therapy really is.
About Jihan Adem
Jihan Adem is a renowned Bowen Therapist, instructor, and founder of Bowen College UK. She is recognised for specialising in TMJ (jaw) issues, obstructive breathing disorders, fascia research, and human dissection with a focus on fascia. She treats individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, using a holistic approach at her practice in Dartington Hall Estate, Devon, UK.
She is also recognised for her contributions to Bowen Therapy education, developing a unique fascial-focused training programme, and collaborating with anatomy and movement specialists.
Jihan works collaboratively with teachers across the UK, Europe, and Canada, and is particularly proud of her team of UK tutors, each an expert in their field.
Having contributed to creating the world’s first fascia-focused human whole-body plastinate for exhibition with BODYWORLDS, she now conducts dissection courses at the Plastinarium in Germany, home of the BODYWORLDS exhibits, alongside fellow educator Gary Carter from Natural Bodies.
In summary, she is a leading figure in introducing a modern, fascia-informed, and holistic perspective to Bowen Therapy in the UK and beyond.