Woman laying on back with knee bent, therapist performing Bowen treatment to her

What is Bowen therapy (a/k/a Bowen Technique or Bowen treatment)?

Although currently not widely found in the States, the Bowen Treatment is a very gentle therapy suitable for all ages (yes, this includes Bowen therapy for babies!) that began several decades ago with Australian, Tom Bowen.

The Bowen treatment is a non-invasive, relaxing yet stimulating approach to holistic healing. Bowen therapy encourages the body to correct and heal itself.

The Bowen Technique is an application of hands on techniques designed to release fascia and soft tissue while stimulating the system’s receptors and returning the body to state of balance.

Through this approach, Bowen therapy will treat the cause of the problem(s) rather than merely tending to the symptoms. This is essential, as it ultimately promotes permanent healing and the relief of pain.

Designed to treat the entire body for balance and inner harmony, the Bowen Technique is not altered per specific treatment (or how it will be performed).

In other words, it is not relevant if an individual has been diagnosed prior to receiving Bowen therapy. Where radiology and testing expenses are concerned, this might be comforting for those considering alternative therapies.

Bowen Technique benefits

The Bowen Technique benefits begin with how it treats the entire body. It is for this reason that many people have discovered that Bowen therapy can be effective where other modalities may not have been. As a welcome surprise, clients have also reported that issues and concerns, such as lack of energy, emotional imbalance and stress, have also been resolved!

Individuals experiencing any of the following may find Bowen Therapy to be the answer they were seeking: pain (back, neck, shoulder or other), carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, temporal mandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), lumbago, asthma, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, listlessness, stress and sporting or trauma injuries.

Among the initial immediate benefits of Bowen therapy most clients report are: more energy, less pain (if any remains at all), more enthusiasm for life, improved circulation, a more balanced system, a boost to the immune system and overall general well being.

What to expect with a Bowen treatment

Prior to your first Bowen treatment, a consultation will take place. Provide honest information about your medical history, symptoms you are experiencing and medication you are taking.

After the consultation, you will be advised to drink a lot of water prior to your treatment. A properly hydrated system allows for a more effective fascial release during the Bowen Therapy session.

Your practitioner will tell you whether or not you will disrobe for your Bowen treatment. Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing in case you are not asked to disrobe. Your therapist will tell you how to lay on the table and provide adequate privacy.

Bowen therapy chart

When your therapist returns to the room, they will being your treatment with a few basic moves. Relax and allow them to move you without resisting. These moves will warm the system and prepare it to receive therapy.

Next, they will incorporate rolling movements across specific areas of fascia and soft tissue. These areas will belong to particular muscle groups, their tendons, ligaments and associated nerves.

The Bowen practitioner will work for a determined time interval and then quietly leave the room. This is part of the treatment. The quiet space provided allows the system to work with the rejuvenated flow of energy while the tissues rehydrate. As this transpires, they become more malleable, circulation is increased and the healing process begins.

The practitioner will return after several minutes and continue working. This process will continue throughout the session until completion.

After your session and how often to have a Bowen treatment

After your Bowen treatment, you might realize that your pain is gone. Your energy will be revitalized and restored. Your mind will be clearer and you might very well believe your youth has been restored and you are once again invincible!

Regardless of your state of new found euphoria, drink a lot of water. It was necessary to hydrate before the treatment and it is equally necessary to restore hydration afterward.

Know that there is a possibility of further physical or emotional changes that might take place as the therapy continues to work.

In addition, discuss with your therapist how you should proceed with your treatments. How many, how often and how soon varies with each individual. When working through particular issues or concerns, it is common to require more than one session, often close together.

Your Bowen therapist will best be able to advise you for your particular needs. As you continue with therapy, they will reassess your progress with each appointment.

Before your Bowen treatment, clear your plate. Make sure you have a relaxing day planned afterward. Refrain from stressful, hyper activities for a few days. The continued state of relaxation allows your system to heal while continuing to give it the attention that it requires.

Categories for Bowen Treatment
Alternative Therapies
Energy Healing Techniques

Back to Top

As an affiliate, we earn a small commission for qualifying purchases via links on this site. The commission is paid by the advertiser and does not affect the price of the product or cost the consumer. It is how we help pay to keep this site free to use!