What is Bowen
The Bowen Technique is a soft tissue remedial therapy, named after its innovator Tom Bowen, who lived in
Geelong in Australia. The technique involves the use of fingers or thumbs to move over muscle, ligament tendon
and fascia in various parts of the body.
The work is very subtle, relaxing and gentle involving no hard or prolonged pressure. Normally, during a session
the client lies on the therapy table. Most of the work can be performed through light clothing, although it is
preferable to work directly onto skin. Each session varies according to the presenting problems of the client, all
treatments address the whole body, including moves on the lower and mid back and legs, the upper back and
shoulders before finishing with neck moves with the client supine (face up).
An unusual feature of the work is between each set of moves I leave the room allowing the client’s body to rest.
This is a key element of Bowen. When a Bowen move is made, the response mechanism is thrown into a degree
of confusion as to what the appropriate response should be. The moves aren't painful and so therefore defence
isn't called for. There is no friction or rubbing so no need to increase fluid to the area. The breaks give the nervous
system a chance to make the necessary  corrective actions. In the process other information can be gathered by
the body and it is common for areas not being directly treated to respond to the treatment.

What Responds Well to The Bowen Technique?
The most common presentation is back pain and here Bowen excels. Frozen shoulders respond well as do neck
pain, hayfever, asthma and migraines. Sports injury is a field of remedial therapy that is becoming very aware of
The Bowen Technique. Not only do sportsmen report fewer injuries when treated regularly but they also notice an
increase in performance.

Reactions
Reactions to treatment are not uncommon and include tiredness, increase in original symptoms, stiffness,
headaches, flu like symptoms, increased dream activity. It is important to complete the exercises and movements
guidance, the drinking of water and to return for treatments. It is vital that a client does not cease the treatment in
response to a strong reaction. The moves are so subtle that if a strong reaction is experienced it demonstrates
how profound the work can be and further treatments are essential if the full effect is going to be felt.

Other Therapies
An important rule during a course of Bowen treatment you will be asked not to have other forms of physical or
energetic therapy whilst receiving Bowen. The treatment is in effect asking the body to undertake a process of
repair. Mixing interferes with this. Before or after a Bowen you should leave a period of a week of having an
alternative treatment.

Length, Number and Cost of Treatment Sessions
A treatment session will last around 45-60 minutes and costs £35.
Treatments should be scheduled for between five and seven days apart. An initial set of three is recommended
and this is the average number of treatments. Most people respond well within two to three sessions, when even
long standing chronic pain can be relieved. There are always going to be exceptions and some people’s
conditions might need further or even on-going treatments.
It is recommended that clients return for regular treatments every two to three months to maintain optimum health.
The Bowen Technique