What Is It?
Bowen Therapy is a holistic, non-invasive therapy that stimulates the body's inherent healing processes. It involves gentle, rolling movements with thumbs and fingers over muscles, tendons, and neurovascular bundles, working on the fascia (connective tissue that surrounds, separates, and stabilizes every organ and tissue).
Bowen Therapy involves a messaging system. The movements activate nerve pathways, sending messages to the brain. This resets and balances the autonomic nervous system, which then improves the systems and organs of the body.
Bowen Therapy is based on the following principle: "Structure governs function." When the structure of a body tissue is disturbed, its function will be disturbed. Bowen Therapy focuses on treating the body's structures, and thus, on restoring the body's functions.
While Bowen Therapy is performed on specific parts of the body, it influences the entire body. This is due to the balancing of the autonomic nervous system. Bowen Therapy moves you from sympathetic mode ("fight or flight") to parasympathetic mode ("rest and relax"), which is where healing occurs.
Conditions Bowen Therapy May Benefit
Bowen Therapy can benefit a variety of conditions. These include but are not limited to the following:
Musculoskeletal concerns, e.g. pain, stiffness, and/or tension in muscles and joints; sprains, strains; low back pain
Stress and/or anxiety
Insomnia
Digestive issues, e.g. bloating, bowel problems, heartburn, indigestion, nausea
Respiratory issues, e.g. colds, coughs, asthma, hay fever
Bowen Therapy is suitable for all ages.
Bowen Therapy Treatment Session
During a Bowen Therapy treatment, sets of light, rolling, cross-fibre moves are performed on specific parts of the body. The practitioner will leave the room for approximately two minutes between sets, allowing the body to process signals and integrate changes before the next set begins.
Duration and Number of Treatments
An initial consultation is required to gather medical history. A 30-minute Bowen Therapy session will be performed during the initial appointment if you have booked the appointment type that includes it. Subsequent Bowen Therapy treatments are 45 minutes in length.
Treatments must be 5-10 days apart. At least 5 days are necessary for the body to integrate the changes that are occurring due to a Bowen Therapy treatment. Beyond 10 days, the changes may not hold.
The number of treatments typically varies from 3-7 treatments, depending on the state of your health. Chronic conditions or repeat injuries may require more treatments than acute concerns for significant improvement or resolution.
Preparation for Bowen Therapy Appointment
Bowen Therapy can be performed through a layer of light, thin clothing. You may be asked to remove thick or heavy clothing. Acceptable clothing includes tank tops, T-shirts, yoga pants, tights, and shorts. Less appropriate clothing includes sweaters, jeans, and thick pants.
Post-Bowen Therapy Appointment
Immediately following a treatment, you may not feel an improvement, except for a feeling of relaxation. In the next few days after a session, however, there is often stiffness or soreness, similar to a post-workout sensation. This indicates that the body is in the process of healing.
It is recommended that you do not perform stimulating activities (e.g. more intense exercise) or receive other forms of physical therapy (e.g. massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture, kinesiology) for at least two days following treatment. Doing so may disrupt the effects of Bowen Therapy. Other physical therapy appointments can be scheduled before Bowen Therapy appointments. An exercise session can also be completed before Bowen Therapy, and in the following 2-3 days after Bowen Therapy, lighter exercise (e.g. walking) can be performed.
Resources
Bolliger, M. (2015). BowenFirst Training. The Bowen College Inc.
College of Bowen Studies. (2020). What is The Bowen Technique? https://www.thebowentechnique.com/what-is-the-bowen-technique/
Victoria State Government. (2015, September). Bowen Therapy. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bowen-therapy