What is Bowen Therapy?

Bowen is a holistic remedial body technique that works on the mechanoreceptors and soft connective tissue (fascia) of the body. It is a form of myofascial release. Bowen therapy can be used to treat musculoskeletal or related neurological problems including acute sports injuries and chronic or acute conditions. It is gentle and relaxing and does not use forceful manipulation.

Bowen therapy is performed on the superficial and deep fascia. The fascia, or soft tissue, is the part of the connective tissue that envelops, separates and influences every organ and tissue in the body. The gentle moves are performed in precise locations to gain maximal influence of the receptors of the nervous system with minimal inputs.

The Bowen technique is safe to use on anyone, from newborns to the elderly and for any musculoskeletal or related neuromuscular complaint. It is a holistic treatment that treats the whole person and aims to treat the cause of problems, rather than the symptoms (Bowen Therapy Federation of Australia).

What to expect from a treatment

Bowen treatment consists of sequences of small moves at varying pressures, each at a specific site on the body. The treatment is pleasant – therapists use light, cross-fibre manoeuvres of muscle, tendon or ligament with no forceful manipulation.

A treatment will typically last around one hour. It can be provided through a layer of light clothing, although you may be asked to remove heavy or thick garments. During this time, the therapist may leave the room for periods of two to five minutes at a time. This allows time for your body to respond to the treatment and for the necessary changes to occur in your body before commencing the next sequence of moves.

Bowen is not necessarily an ongoing therapy. The person may experience relief after just the first session and significant resolution or recovery within three sessions. However, chronic or long-standing conditions or repeat injury may require additional treatments and if symptoms do not resolve, you should see your doctor. Many people with long term chronic conditions such as Parkinson's Disease find benefits from attending regular Bowen treatments as part of their continuing treatment plan (Better Health Victoria).

Bowen as a complimentary therapy

Bowen Therapy is considered a "complementary" modality that enhances traditional medical care without interfering with it. It is a holistic and non-invasive hands-on approach. The specially placed Bowen moves are gentle yet purposeful, without forceful manipulation, designed to trigger the body's regulating mechanisms.

Responses within the body can continue for up to five days after treatment. Integration or processing times following the application of moves are crucial, allowing the body to respond and unwind towards a healthier state. Therefore, it is generally recommended to have Bowen Therapy as a stand-alone session, avoiding other manipulative therapies for several days before and after to prevent disruption of the Bowen messages.

Bowen Therapy "honours the innate intelligence of the body". The technique delivers "signals to the nervous system at specific locations (on muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves), and the body does the rest, responding in its own time, as it is able".

Rather than focusing solely on a specific complaint, Bowen Therapy often addresses the entire body to restore balance, primarily by influencing the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The aim is to shift the ANS from a sympathetic ("fight, flight or freeze") dominant state to a parasympathetic ("rest, relax and repair") dominant state, which promotes healing. Ultimately, the Bowen technique "allows the body to heal itself with minimal intervention" (Oswald and Elaine Rensch, 2014).

After a treatment

Clients are advised not to have any other physical therapy or other forms of manipulation – such as massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture or kinesiology – for one week after the treatment, while your body adjusts to the treatment. 

Fascia responds very differently when well-hydrated, so it is important to drink enough water. To aid the body in recovery, it is recommended to engage in light movement and avoid sitting for long periods.

Frequently asked questions

  • We are located 10kms out of Armidale at 52 Argyle Mining Vale Rd. Metz. The clinic is in a beautiful natural setting to enhance the relaxation experience.

  • Bowen Therapy can be performed through light clothing. If you wear heavy clothing, like jeans, you may need to undress to bra and underwear, but you will be covered with towels to maintain your privacy and keep you warm and comfortable for the treatment.

  • Unfortunately, Bowen Therapy is not currently on the government health care rebates list.

  • We don't diagnose conditions, Bowen Therapy and energy alignment therapies are considered complimentary therapies, safe to use alongside other medical treatments. 

“Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live.”
— Jim Rohn