FAQ
What is Bowen therapy?
What can I expect on the day?
How many treatments will I need?
What is Bowen therapy?
Bowen is a holistic hands-on therapy, which works with your body’s own healing systems. It is natural and safe, and can help people of all ages and states of health. Results are relatively quick, and long-lasting. Osteopaths, sports therapists and physiotherapists are among the many professional practitioners who use Bowen, and it is being used increasingly in some areas in the NHS.
Bowen therapy was developed in Australia in the 1950’s, by Tom Bowen. Tom had no formal medical training, but a passionate interest in the human body, a strong desire to help people, and a unique gift. As people saw the results of his treatments, his name spread, and he was in such demand that he had to give up his day job to work full-time as a therapist.
After his death in the 1980s, his therapy became known as the Bowen Technique, and was used and taught by those who had worked with him. Since then, Bowen has spread rapidly throughout the world as people have experienced the results of this gentle but powerful therapy.
What can I expect on the day?
A treatment will normally take 30-45 minutes – an hour including the consultation.
The patient lies on a treatment couch, wearing underwear or light clothing, and discreetly covered with towels. If necessary, they can be treated sitting in a chair.
Using thumbs and fingers the therapist performs small rolling moves over precise points on the body. These moves instruct the body in how to balance itself. There is no manipulation or force used or needed.
During the session there are times when the patient is left resting for some minutes, to allow the body to absorb the moves that have been made. This gives the body time to make the fine adjustments necessary to let go of tension, and start the healing process
Most people find the treatment very relaxing and enjoyable.
How many treatments will I need?
People are often amazed that so gentle a treatment can have such profound effects, yet the response is very individual. Some feel different as they get down from the couch, others feel change creep up on them over the following week, others may feel very little happening until after the second treatment.
The number of treatments needed varies with each person and condition. Ideally I recommend 3 treatments spaced a week apart. If you recover sooner you can cancel any remaining bookings. Acute conditions tend to respond sooner, but even very long-term problems can respond quickly.
Whatever your problem, you can expect to see results after just a few sessions. After three treatments I will always reassess and discuss with you how your body is responding. We can decide together if you have achieved your aims, or if you are still improving.
For the small number of people who show no improvement (studies show that to be less than 10% of cases), I would try to recommend a course of action, that would help in your circumstances – maybe a different therapy or a change in lifestyle.
In 2007 BTPA conducted a study into the effectiveness of Bowen for back pain, no matter what the cause. The results after 3 Bowen treatments were;
- Full Recovery – 35.3%
- Partial Recovery – 54.4%
- No Change – 9.1%
Some people who have very long-standing or complex problems, which have improved a lot with Bowen, choose to continue with regular maintenance treatments. Others have a monthly Bowen treatment to help manage their high levels of stress or blood pressure.
