The Bowen
Technique
Bowen Therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment that uses precise, subtle movements over muscles and connective tissue to support the nervous system and encourage the body’s natural healing response.
Some movements relate to recognised acupressure points, while others are intended to support proprioception (our awareness of the position and movement of our body), lymphatic flow and the nervous system.
The treatment can be delivered through light clothing and short pauses allow time for your body to respond throughout the treatment.
Suitable for people of all ages, Bowen is incredibly gentle and is typically sought out to reduce pain, improve mobility, ease stress, and support overall wellbeing.
Bowen Technique is a complementary therapy and is not intended to diagnose, cure or replace medical treatment. If you have a diagnosed medical condition, persistent or unexplained symptoms, or concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional
What can Bowen Technique support?
Pain, muscles and joints
- Back pain, including sciatica
- Neck and shoulder problems
- Restricted range of movement
- Whiplash and muscular tension
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Arthritis-related discomfort
- Hip, knee and ankle problems
- Jaw (TMJ) and facial tension
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Carpal tunnel symptoms
- General aches, pains and muscular tension
Sports and movement
- Acute and chronic sports injuries
- Muscle and soft-tissue injuries
- Recovery following exercise or physical activity
- Restricted movement and flexibility
- Postural tension and muscular imbalance
- Mobility and physical performance
Head, sleep and wellbeing
- Headaches and migraines
- Stress and tension
- Difficulty relaxing
- Sleep problems
- Feelings of low energy and fatigue
- General relaxation and wellbeing
Other concerns
- Respiratory symptoms and breathing-related tension
- Digestive discomfort, including symptoms associated with IBS
- Scar and soft-tissue abnormal sensation or numbness
- Fluid retention
- Lymphatic and circulatory wellbeing
- Pregnancy-related aches and discomfort
- Hormonal and fertility-related wellbeing
- Postnatal recovery and muscular tension
- Infant discomfort, including colic
What to expect from a treatment
Your appointment
Treatments last around 45 minutes. At the beginning of your appointment, we’ll take a little time to discuss what’s brought you to Bowen and anything you’d like me to be aware of. A list of any medications you are taking will be recorded.
During your treatment
Bowen therapy is performed through light clothing, so there’s no need to undress and no oils or other products are used.
Most of the treatment is carried out while you are lying comfortably on your front and back. If either position isn’t possible or comfortable for you, we can make adjustments to ensure you remain comfortable while still receiving effective treatment.
The treatment uses gentle rolling movements over specific areas of the body. Some areas may feel tender, but Bowen is generally a relaxing treatment. There are also short pauses throughout the session, allowing time for your body to respond to the work.
After your treatment
Everyone responds differently to Bowen. You may notice changes immediately, while for others the effects become more apparent over the following days. Changes are often noticed around day five after treatment.
A course of three treatments is often recommended to give your body time to respond and to assess how you are progressing, but there is no obligation to commit to a course. We’ll discuss what’s appropriate for you as we go.
Research and publicity
Interest in Bowen Technique continues to grow, both among practitioners and researchers. While the body of clinical research is still developing, published studies have focussed on its potential benefits in areas such as pain, mobility, physical function and wellbeing with encouraging findings.
There is also growing advocacy in Bowen from people who place a high value on physical performance and recovery. For example, adventurer and television presenter Bear Grylls, has spoken publicly about his experience with Bowen Technique and has described it as an important part of supporting his body through the physical demands of his work.
If you’d like to explore the research for yourself, you can read published studies and clinical research into Bowen Technique below.