What is the The Bowen Technique?

What does treatment involve?

A Bowen Technique treatment will take approximately 45 minutes and most of the work can be performed through light clothing. Two or three treatments, at weekly intervals, are often sufficient to achieve lasting relief from even long standing pain. However, in some cases, further treatments may be required.

To receive maximum benefit, it is recommended that other treatments are not mixed with the Bowen Technique, e.g. massage, reflexology, physiotherapy etc.

How does it work?

I use thumbs and fingers in precise points on the body to make rolling type moves. These moves aim to disturb the muscles, soft tissue and energy within the body. During the treatment there are periods where the client is left resting, allowing the body to benefit from the gentle moves performed. This gives the body time to make the subtle and fine adjustments, helping to relieve tension, reduce pain and initiate the healing process.

The Bowen Technique encourages the body to realign itself. There is no manipulation or adjustment of hard tissue and no force is used to needed.

The Bowen Technique is not a form of massage.

Where did it originate

The Bowen Technique was pioneered by Thomas Ambrose Bowen, born in 1916 in Geelong, Australia.

As a young man, he worked as a labourer. After working on numerous jobs and observing football trainers and other sports professionals, Bowen developed an interest in massage and body work. By the time he was 40, Bowen had established a full time practice in remedial therapy, using his self developed technique.

By 1978, when he was interviewed by a parliamentary committee looking into complementary medicine, he was treating 280 clients per week and an impressive 13,000 clients annually. Of which, 88% needed only 2-3 treatments.