Bowen Therapy is a dynamic system of muscle and connective tissue therapy that is revolutionizing health care worldwide.  It is a gentle hands-on technique consisting of a series of precise moves on specific points of the body, designed to balance the body to allow it to heal itself with minimal intervention.  It was developed by Mr. Tom Bowen (1916-1982) an Australian manipulative therapist who had an intuitive talent for healing people with occupational and sports related injuries. It is not massage, chiropractic, reiki or other directional energy work, trigger point, fascial release,  acupressure, physical therapy, neuromuscular re-education or lymphatic massage, nor is it an emotional release discipline.

Bowen work uses gentle pressure to effect changes in muscles, tendons, and fascia, and this change stimulates the body’s autonomic nervous system to rebalance and initiate a healing response. There are several theories which try to explain how this works.  One suggests that Bowen moves set up vibrational patterns that correspond to particular areas of the body, which the body then attempts to match and thereby brings itself into harmony.  Another suggests that Bowen moves create tiny bio-electrical (piezoelectrical) charges in the fascial tissue which attract water molecules to the fascia and help to rehydrate tissue which may be dehydrated and “glued” together.  

Bowen work affects not only the musculoskeletal framework, but also the fascia, nerves and internal organs, while improving circulation, lymphatic drainage, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of toxins.  Bowen may help in recovery from many conditions, including:

• Traumatic injury
• Overuse injury
• Stress reactions
• Arthritic pain
• Fatigue
• Ear/throat problems
• TMJ problems
• ADD/ADHD
• Developmental delay
• Asthma (particularly in children)
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Headache and Migraine
• Frozen Shoulder
• Infertility

A Bowen session takes between 20 minutes and 75 minutes and is performed through light-weight, loose clothing.  Before the first session your medical history and current situation will be reviewed to allow the practitioner to best tailor the work to your needs.  Bowen Therapy is safe for everyone, but different health conditions call for different aspects of the work.  

The actual hands-on work may take very little of the total time of the session, as after each series of moves, the practitioner will make sure you are comfortable and will leave the room to allow your body time to begin responding.

Afterwards, you may notice reduced pain, greater range of motion, and a sense of relaxation and well-being.  You’ll most likely notice changes in the next few days as your body continues the process begun during the session.  If your practitioner assigns “homework” of gentle Bowen exercises, you should do them daily starting on the day after your session.  These exercises are an essential part of your care and will improve the results.

Bowen works in conjunction with medical care and is not a substitute for it.