Bowen Therapy

Living with acute pain caused by an injury or a chronic medical condition can be a frustrating experience. However, Bowen Therapy may be able to provide the relief you need without the troublesome side effects associated with prescription painkillers.

Bowen Therapy is a technique developed in the 1950s by Australian healer Tim Bowen. Although Bowen was not formally trained in any healing practices, his unique methods made him immensely popular among local residents in search of gentle and effective pain relief. His clinic treated over 13,000 patients per year, including athletes, people with severe back pain, and children with disabilities.

Typically, a Bowen Therapy session lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. The treatment is a noninvasive and drug free holistic healing method. No oils are used and most of the treatment can be done while the patient is wearing light clothing. The practitioner simply uses his/her thumbs and forefingers to make gentle rolling movements on different muscles throughout the body. There are also short waiting periods, generally about five to 10 minutes, incorporated into the session to allow the body to naturally readjust as necessary.

Bowen Therapy works by helping the body remember how to heal itself. It helps enhance circulation, lymphatic and venous draining, posture, joint mobility, and the elimination of toxins from the body while promoting the normalization of cellular physiology and tissue integrity. The goal of the sessions is to help the patient’s nervous and bioenergetic systems come back to a state of balance. For this reason, practitioners recommend that patients avoid all forms of bodywork—including backrubs—while undergoing a Bowen Therapy treatment plan.

Bowen Therapy is rather unique in that many patients report rapid, long-lasting pain relief. Results will vary according to a patient’s personal medical history, but progress can generally be seen after two or three sessions. Most practitioners will recommend that those who are new to the Bowen Therapy method initially commit to three treatment sessions, one per week. In most cases, Bowen Therapy is not needed on an ongoing basis.

Although Bowen Therapy is not technically a form of massage, it does help to release built-up stress in sore muscles and create a feeling of profound relaxation. In fact, many patients report they feel rather sleepy after a treatment. Some people also claim that Bowen Therapy promotes a feeling of overall well-being that can lead to improvements in depression and other mental disorders.

While Bowen Therapy can be very helpful in aiding the healing process for people who suffer from acute pain, it’s important to realize that it is not intended to replace standard medical care. It is recommended that you meet with your healthcare provider to discuss the best way to incorporate Bowen Therapy into your treatment and pain relief plan. Bowen Therapy is also much more effective if you commit to leading a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, drinking eight to 10 glasses of water per day, and walking for at least 20 minutes per day.

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