Bowen Technique FAQ
What is the Bowen Technique?
The Bowen Technique is a unique form of bodywork developed by Tom Bowen from the 1950's until his death in 1982. Bowen is a soft-tissue manipulation technique which is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, as well as digestive and respiratory conditions.
Unlike most physical therapies where the therapist imposes an intervention strategy on the body, Bowen allows the body to heal itself. The movements are thought to trigger the brain to correct imbalances within the body, with most of the correction occuring during breaks in the treatment while the therapist leaves the room. The rebalancing continues for several days after the session has finished, so that a client often finds that while they feel better immediately after a session, they may feel even better a couple of days later.
What happens during a treatment?
Bowen is usually carried out on a massage table, although it can be carried out standing or sitting. The therapist uses anatomical landmarks to precisely position the moves. These moves are carried out in pre-determined sequences and are usually a gentle rolling movement using the fingers or thumbs.
After performing a set of moves, the therapist will leave the room allowing your body time to integrate the moves just carried out. Some clients feel sensations such as tingling, heat, or cold as the muscles release. A treatment is very relaxing, and some clients even fall asleep.
A Bowen Technique treatment usually lasts between 15 and 45 minutes, with a full client history being taken at the first appointment.
What should I wear for a Bowen treatment?
Unlike most therapies, Bowen can be carried out through light clothing. Try to wear something lightweight and non-slippery. A cotton T-shirt and thin trousers are ideal. If you are wearing bulky items such as jumpers or jeans, you will be asked to remove these for the treatment. Clients are appropriately draped at all times during the treatment.
Is Bowen safe during pregnancy? What about for babies?
Most Bowen procedures can be carried out safely during pregnancy, and can help provide relief from lower back-pain, breathlessness, heartburn, morning sickness, as well as opening up the pelvis in preparation for childbirth.
All Bowen procedures are safe for babies, and there are additonal procedures for unsettled babies, baby colic, and neck restrictions. Bowen can also help a baby expel mucous inhaled during childbirth and help to correct imbalances caused by the birthing process.
How many sessions are needed?
Your therapist will usually recommend an initial course of three treatments over three weeks. Most conditions will show improvement within these three sessions, although some chronic complaints may take longer to respond. In some cases, you may be advised to return for an occasional maintenance session following the initial course of treatment.
Is Bowen a form of massage?
No, Bowen is a unique bodywork modality which uses gentle precisely located rolling movements over particular muscles, nerves, tendons or ligaments to achieve long-lasting relief from pain. Bowen does not use massage, deep pressure, or prolonged contact.