Bowen Therapy, also known as Bowen Technique is a holistic, non-invasive bodywork technique that aims to promote healing, pain relief, and relaxation. It was developed by Tom Bowen in 1950s in Australia. He originally discovered this technique while trying to find some way to help his wife.
Bowen Therapy involves a series of gentle and precise movements performed by the practitioner in a specific order and on specific points of the body. These are usually done using the fingers and thumbs and involve a rolling type movement over muscles, tendons and fascia (connective tissue). These movements are designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
Diving deeper into its philosophy, the technique is based on the idea that these delicate subtle movements can send signals to the nervous system, promoting it to reset and rebalance. This can result in various physiological responses, such as the relaxation of tense muscles, improved circulation and pain reduction. A major advantage? It's non-aggressive nature makes it suitable for everyone – from babies to the elderly.
Typically, a Bowen session ranges between 30-60 minutes. Clients can expect to lie down comfortably, fully clothed, on a massage table. Many have described feeling a deep sense of relaxation both during and after the session. Depending on the condition, multiple sessions might be suggested for long-term relief.
I trained in Bowen Therapy in 2017 and from the outset was amazed that simple movements could have such a positive effect on the body. I had many brilliant outcomes with my case studies from people being relieved of sciatica, to people being able to lift more weight during their gym sessions. As a massage therapist, I know how long it usually takes to create difference in a muscle, but this treatment works incredibly fast and people who had been suffering with long term pain were now able to manage this.
My most profound revelation with Bowen Therapy was...
My biggest ‘wow’ moment with this treatment was with someone who wasn’t a case study and who hadn’t come for Bowen. He actually had come about a knee problem, but had three weeks previous suffered with Bell's Palsy – a neurological disorder that causes facial paralysis or weakness in one side of the face which causes one side of the face to droop.
I asked him if I could try using some of the Bowen movements around his face to see if I could help. He consented and I worked on the side of his face that was affected. I left the room briefly to wash my hands and get him a glass of water. On returning my client was sat on the side of the couch in awe. I was intrigued at this until he told me that for the past three weeks, he had been unable to feel the inside of his mouth. He could now feel the inside of his mouth! To say we were amazed was an understatement.
He returned a week later, this time he asked if I could try and get his eye closed as he was struggling to sleep. I thought this was quite a tall order, but as I love a challenge, I thought I would give it a go. This time I performed a full Bowen treatment on him. When I got to the face, I performed small movements around the eye and over the face. I then asked if he could close his eye as I held my breath. I can’t tell you how thankful we both were that it had worked! I was stunned and we both ended up in tears of joy. It is quite incredible when you are able to create that much change in someone’s life and be the facilitator of someone’s healing.
Since then, Bowen Therapy is a huge part of my tool kit and has helped so many people to be pain free. If you would like to know more then send me a message or give me a call. I look forward to making a difference in your life.
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