Bowen Therapy
What Is Bowen Therapy?
Bowen Therapy is a gentle, holistic bodywork technique that stimulates the body’s natural ability to realign, heal, and restore balance. Using subtle movements over muscles and fascia, Bowen Therapy encourages profound shifts in the nervous system, reducing pain, tension, and stress.
How Does It Work?
A Bowen Therapist applies specific, gentle rolling movements at key points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and activate self-healing mechanisms. Rather than treating just one symptom, Bowen Therapy works holistically to restore balance and function throughout the entire body.
At the core of Bowen Therapy is its ability to reset the autonomic nervous system, which controls over 80% of bodily functions. Many people today live in a constant state of stress and sympathetic overdrive (fight, flight, or freeze mode). Healing occurs when the body shifts into parasympathetic dominance (rest, relax, and repair mode)—a state Bowen Therapy naturally encourages during every session.
Many clients experience deep relaxation during a session, often accompanied by gurgling in the stomach (peristalsis)—a strong sign that the body is releasing stress and transitioning into a healing state.
Can Bowen Therapy Help Me?
Bowen Therapy is highly versatile and beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:
Musculoskeletal Issues
- Acute and chronic pain
- TMJ dysfunction
- Sports injuries and repetitive strain
- Arthritis and fibromyalgia
Systemic Health Conditions
- Immune system support (lymphatic health)
- Digestive concerns (IBS, bloating, constipation)
- Respiratory issues (asthma, sinusitis)
- Gynecological conditions (infertility, PMS, mastitis)
Bowen Therapy for Babies and Children
Bowen is safe for all ages, including newborns. Baby Bowen is designed for infants and toddlers, helping with:
- Colic relief
- Breastfeeding difficulties
- Asthma and breathing issues
Enhancing Recovery and Athletic Performance
Bowen Therapy is also beneficial for post-surgical recovery and can help athletes improve balance, alignment, and overall performance.
What Is a Session Like?
A Bowen session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes.
- Clients lie comfortably on a bodywork table (or sit in a chair if needed).
- Bowen moves are performed directly on the skin or through light clothing.
- There are pauses between sets of moves, allowing the body to integrate the treatment.
Many clients continue to experience physical responses for several days after treatment, so other forms of bodywork (like massage or chiropractic adjustments) are discouraged for up to five days to allow Bowen Therapy to work fully. Light movement exercises may be recommended to optimize healing between sessions.
Bowen and Other Healing Modalities
Bowen Therapy works beautifully alongside other holistic treatments, enhancing and accelerating the body’s ability to heal. It is a powerful standalone therapy but can also complement acupuncture, chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and more.