What is Bowen Therapy? 

The Bowen Technique, or Bowen Therapy as it is now referred to, was first developed by Tom Bowen in Australia in the 1950’s based on his belief that the body has the ability to modify, adjust and heal itself. 

Bowen Therapy is a very gentle, non-invasive, hands on remedial therapy in which the therapist makes sets of rolling type moves over muscles and soft tissue at precise points of the body using thumbs and fingers. No force or manipulation of bones is used.  The technique sends impulses to the brain to trigger the body’s healing system and enables the body to reset, repair and balance itself.   

The general response from clients is that the treatment is very subtle and relaxing.  Clients also report that they experience relief from pain, improvement of movement and recovery of energy. 

The gentle effectiveness of Bowen Therapy makes it suitable for all ages, from the very young to the elderly.  It can be used throughout pregnancy and it is now being used at top levels sports clubs to treat injuries, muscular skeletal problems and nerve pain including Rugby and Premiership football clubs.  

What happens in a Bowen Therapy treatment

Bowen Therapy treatments are holistic, addressing the whole body as well as any presenting problems. In the first session a full history of illnesses, injuries and accidents is taken as well as details of the presenting problem, postural assessments made and the first treatment is given.  

The treatment can either be performed through light, loose clothing (T-shirts, leggings type material) or directly onto skin – you will be covered by towels on a therapy couch throughout the session with only the area being worked on exposed. 

During the Bowen Therapy treatment a series of gentle, rolling moves are made over muscles and soft tissue, with rest periods of one or two minutes between each series, allowing the body to respond to the moves that have been performed, giving it time to make the subtle adjustments which initiate the healing process. 

The first session, including consultation and assessment, usually lasts about 75 minutes with subsequent treatments lasting from 45 – 60 minutes.  It is recommended that initially treatments are scheduled 7-10 days apart and that a set of three treatments take place at this regularity in order to establish how you respond to treatment.  Effects can be surprisingly strong given the gentle nature of the work itself, sometimes only 2-3 treatments at weekly intervals may bring lasting relief, although further treatments may be required for chronic conditions. 

After your treatment

Here’s a few helpful tips to enable you to get the most from your treatment at Bowen EnergyWorks:

• Please ensure that you drink water regularly after your treatment as your body relies on water for effective functioning and flushing of toxins from your system.  The recommended guideline is 2 litres a day.   
• For the four days immediately following a treatment try not to sit still for more than 30 minutes.  Getting up and walking around the room to have a little stretch helps avoid stiffness and aid the flow of lymph around your body after treatment.   
• Please avoid any over-exertion or impact type of exercise on the injured area of your body but do continue any gentle exercise regime after 2 – 4 days.
• For 7 days before and after your treatment do not have any other types of physical therapy.  This gives your body a clear space to respond to Bowen Therapy and to avoid overloading your body with other therapeutic information.   Other physical therapies include: massage, reflexology, chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture etc.  You can however use homeopathy, Bach/Bush Flower Essences, nutritional therapy and dietary therapy. 

Part of the healing process may be a response by your body as it assimilates the treatment it has received.  Responses differ from person to person but may include tiredness, an increase in the original symptoms, headaches and thirst.  It is important to follow the instructions on movement and drinking water following treatment to help the body absorb the treatment.   

Once presenting issues have been resolved it is recommended that clients have regular monthly to bi-monthly “top up” treatments as part of a health and postural maintenance programme. 

If you would like to book and appointment or discuss anything about the treatment please contact Lin