Bowen Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is Bowen therapy? Is it similar to other massage modalities out there?


Bowen Therapy uses alternate neuromusculoskeletal approaches to healthcare in which treatment is mediated through the soft and connective tissues of the body. My approach combines osteopathic principles with acupoint theory and aims to correct mechanical and neural dysfunction.

Each individual treatment is based on holistic appreciation of the systems of the body as well as its complex interrelationships and is intended to stimulate and facilitate the body's innate, natural capacity to self regulate and heal.


Bowen Therapy is safe to use on anyone, from newborns, pregnant women and the elderly, as there are no forceful manipulations used in this therapy. Bowen Therapy achieves fast and lasting relief from a wide spectrum of conditions.

Q: Is Bowen therapy an ongoing treatment therapy?

No, most conditions are essentially resolved in two to three sessions; however chronic conditions may require more extensive programs. Many clients have routine maintenance treatments at different intervals to maintain body balance and musculo-skeletal integrity and as an investment in their health.

Q: I have been told that you do not need to disrobe for a Bowen therapy treatment. Is this true?

Yes this is correct, Bowen may be done through clothing. However you may be asked to remove bulky items such as thick jumpers or thick jeans that restrict a fluid movement being performed. Ideally clothing should be light and loose with only one layer to work through.

Q: I am pregnant. Can I have Bowen therapy?

Yes, most definitely. Bowen has amazing results for pregnant ladies, assisting with back pain, sacral discomfort and tightness with the diaphragm. But please remember to tell your therapist that you are pregnant when booking your session.

Q: How long does a treatment take?

Treatment times can vary according to the presenting condition and client factors determined during the initial assessment. Typical treatment times would range from 45 minutes to one hour.

Q: Why should I choose Bowen?

The principal reason for choosing Bowen Therapy is the high rate of success in treating a wide range of presenting conditions. Often this success is achieved where other modalities have failed. In addition being non-invasive and not employing manipulation Bowen therapy is suitable for infants and the elderly. Another feature of Bowen Therapy, being?holistic, is that conditions other than those for which treatment has been?sought, are often resolved.

Q: What makes Bowen therapy successful?

Bowen therapy is a subtle yet powerful light series of ‘challenges’ (pushes) made by the therapist using thumbs or fingers, across-fibre the ‘rolling’ of a muscle, a tendon or a ligament (called the ‘move’) at specific points in the body. The gentle, but powerful moves send neurological impulses to the brain, that then, given the time process, at specific intervals, feed impulses back to realign the body. During these intervals your therapist will often leave you to relax and enjoy a quiet moment allowing the process to work its way at relaxing specific points along the body. Most moves are done either at the origin, insertion or belly of the muscles where receptors are located, informing the neural pathways on the state of tension, length or stretch in the fascia (the fabric that holds us together). This often changes a pain/muscle spasm loop.

Some people whove experienced Bowen for the first time say that they didnt notice anything at all during the treatment however improvements were felt either immediately following treatment or over the next 3-5 days.

Bowen bodywork will continue to be integrated by the body over the next 5 days.

Q: After a Bowen treatment, is there any aftercare?

Yes, to gain the results you expect you are best advised to do some easy homework:

Observe the 30 minute rule;? for the 24 hours following treatment we suggest you avoid sitting for periods longer than 30 minutes, lying down is perfectly fine.? If you must sit for more than 30 minutes, make sure you get up and walk around for 5 minutes.? This rule should not be underestimated.? Please observe. Lying down flat or sleeping is fine, lying down is fine and does not apply to the 30 minute rule.

Walk; the perfect gentle exercise. Walk for at least 15 minutes a day for the next 5 days (avoid vigorous or impact exercise for 7 days).

Water; increase the amount of water you normally drink by at least 2 standard sized glasses a day.

Wait; before trying any other modality (of treatment) to alleviate your presenting condition, please wait until 5 days have passed, it can sometimes take 5 days for Bowen to be integrated by the body. However, since we are all so unique, please speak to your Bowen therapist to discuss your situation. Remember we want to help you to fully recover?and quickly.

Q: How long will I continue to feel the benefits from the Bowen Treatment?

Relief can be profound, lasting anywhere from a few months to 6 months to permanent, affecting back pain, range of movement, digestive, respiratory, glandular and energetic systems just to name a few. The Bowen technique subtly and profoundly stimulates energy flow, promoting the body’s in built healing mechanism.

In this regard some clients elect to have maintenance treatments every 3 or 6 months whilst others enjoy the feeling of wellbeing from treatments and choose to receive Bowen therapy every 8 weeks.? We can make recommendations but ultimately it is up to you to let us know when you need a maintenance treatment.