About Bowen Therapy

What is Bowen?

Bowen Therapy is a unique and gentle therapy developed in Australia by Thomas Bowen in the late 1950's.

It involves a gentle rolling movement over specific muscles or muscle tendons. The movements are done in sets, with short breaks between each set to enable the body to assimilate information received from the moves, then respond.

What does a Bowen treatment involve?

Bowen therapy is more effective if the muscles are relaxed, so treatment is usually given while you rest in a prone position (face down) on a massage table. For those who may find this uncomfortable (eg pregnancy), we have other alternatives that I will discuss with you.

A treatment usually lasts from 30 - 60 minutes, so loose, comfortable clothing is preferable.

What will I feel?

The gentle rolling movements usually give a feeling of relaxation and promote the body's own healing response as the treatment begins to work.Some of the changes you may notice as your body begins its healing process and rebalance are:

  • Better mobility, more flexibility.
  • Less pain and tension.
  • Positive reactions in the body on all levels: physical and chemical as well as the emotional and mental aspects.

Occasionally some muscle stiffness may be felt the following day, but it can be minimised by drinking 1 to 1.5 litres of water per day and taking short walks.

How many treatments will you need?

This will vary, but usually only a small number of sessions are required. Chronic conditions may need a "top up" occasionally.

Can Bowen help you?

Some of the conditions that may benefit from Bowen therapy are:

  • Back pain and sciatica
  • Neck / shoulder problems including frozen shoulder
  • RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow
  • Knee, ankle & foot problems
  • Headaches, earaches, and TMJ (jaw)
  • Groin pain and pelvic tilt
  • Fibromyalgia, chronic fatique syndrome
  • Respiratory problems & hayfever
  • Menstrual irregularities, bedwetting
  • Sports & accident injuries

For more information about Bowen Therpay or other therapists that may be closer to you, refer to www.bowtech.com.