What is Bowen Therapy?

 

Bowen Therapy was developed by the late Tom Bowen (1916-1982), who practiced in Geelong, Australia.

 

Bowen Therapy is a very gentle yet powerful healing modality addressing the cause, not just the symptoms of pain and dysfunction through gentle moves made over muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments, joints and nerves. These sets of moves or ‘procedures’ used in a Bowen session facilitate the release of the fascia which surrounds muscles, organs, bones, nerves, arteries and veins (and also acts as a communication network throughout the body) as well as catalyze a shift in the Autonomic Nervous System from a sympathetic state (fight or flight) to a state in which the body can rest, relax and heal itself (parasympathetic).

 

Bowen Therapy can address both acute and chronic conditions and provides profound and often long term or permanent relief for many specific injuries and other health problems. It is also great for relaxation, stress relief, boosting energy levels and lymphatic drainage.

 

As it is so gentle, Bowen Therapy can be used to treat babies, the elderly and even pregnant women.

 

A Bowen Therapy session will typically last between 30 – 60 minutes.

 

 

What can Bowen Therapy treat?

 

Following are just some of the conditions Bowen Therapy can provide fast and long term (or permanent) relief from:

 

Back pain and sciatica

Headaches and migraines

TMJ and upper respiratory conditions

Neck and shoulder pain, including frozen shoulder

Hip, knee, ankle and foot problems, including plantar fasciitis

Sporting injuries

Tennis and golfers elbow

Carpal tunnel and RSI

CFS / fibromyalgia

Stress and anxiety

Hormones and fertility

Digestive issues

Pregnancy related issues

Bedwetting

 

 

What happens in a Bowen Therapy treatment session...and after?

 

Bowen moves are best performed directly on the skin where possible and generally while you are lying on the therapy table. One or more procedures will be performed in a session and after performing each procedure the practitioner will pause and move away for the required amount of time (generally 2 minutes, or more if required), allowing your body time to respond and start adjusting. Many people feel different sensations during and after a Bowen Therapy session, some include tingling or areas of warmth/cold, tension or emotional release, increased energy levels or deep relaxation, improved posture. It is important to remember that every ‘body’ is unique and each person will respond differently.

 

It is very important to be well hydrated prior to, and after a Bowen Therapy treatment as this improves the body’s response to treatment.

 

It can take up to 7 days after a treatment for the Bowen treatment to fully integrate with the body therefore it is advisable not to have any other form of bodywork performed within this time.

 

 

Want more information?

 

Bowen Association of Australia

 

Bowtech - The Original Bowen Technique

 

Bowen Therapists Federation of Australia