More About Bowen Therapy

Bowen Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive bodywork technique that uses precise, rolling movements over muscles and connective tissue to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and relieve pain or tension.
 
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment, and stay well-hydrated before and after your session.  Avoid other bodywork (like massage or chiropractic) for 7 days before and after treatment to allow your body to fully respond.
 
During a Bowen session, gentle moves are made over specific muscles and tissues, with short pauses in between to allow your body to respond.  Most people feel deeply relaxed, and effects may continue to unfold over 7-10 days.
 
After a Bowen treatment, your body may continue adjusting for a week or so. To support this process, stay hydrated, take gentle walks, and avoid other bodywork for about 7 days. You may feel relaxed, tired, or notice shifts as your body rebalances.  Your next appointment would be best within 5-10 days of the first treatment, with 7 days being optimal.  
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Watch these videos to find out more about Bowen Therapy, what to expect during a treatment and how to support your body to get the most value from your Bowen treatment.  If you prefer reading, there's information below the videos.

Watch this next video to find out more about
how Bowen works on your body.

Watch this video to find out more about what
​you can expect to feel during a Bowen treatment.

How Bowen Therapy Works

Bowen Therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment that works holistically by stimulating the body's connective tissue and nervous system.  Through a series of precise, rolling movements over muscles and soft tissue, the body is encouraged to recognise areas of tension and imbalance—often resulting from physical or emotional stress—and begin the process of self-correction and healing.

These movements trigger waves within the connective tissue (fascia), which can resonate throughout the body for up to 10 days.  These waves help to:

1. Release Tension: Like brushing out knots in hair, the movements help to unwind restrictions and adhesions in the fascia and muscles.
2. Promote Communication: The movements send signals to the brain, prompting a full-body response that supports healing in the targeted and surrounding areas.

The Power of Pause
A key feature of Bowen is the pause between sets of moves.  During this time, the therapist leaves the room to allow the body to process the treatment without distraction.  Sensations such as warmth, tingling, or shifts in tension are common—these are signs the body is actively responding.  Treatment continues once these sensations settle.

Focused and Minimalist Approach

• One Issue at a Time:  Bowen is most effective when the body is not overloaded.  While an initial session includes general balancing, subsequent treatments typically focus on one priority area (e.g., knee or neck pain), guided by both the client's input and the body's responses.
• Timing Between Treatments:  To preserve Bowen’s subtle effects, it's advised to avoid other forms of bodywork (massage, chiropractic, etc.) for at least 7 days before and after a session, unless in specific circumstances such as acute injury or pregnancy-related issues.
• Treating the Body as a Whole:  Bowen often works indirectly.  For example, moves performed between the shoulder blades may relieve lower back pain due to the interconnected nature of fascia throughout the body.

Bowen Therapy supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms with minimal intervention, making it a gentle yet powerful modality for restoring balance and function.

What to Expect During a Bowen Treatment

For your first session, you'll complete a short form about your health and treatment goals. Your therapist may ask follow-up questions to better understand your concerns and desired outcomes.

During the Session

• Clothing: Bowen can be done through light, loose cotton clothing, but some moves may require skin contact. Dress comfortably; blankets are provided for warmth and privacy.
• Comfort: Your relaxation is essential. Let your therapist know if you're uncomfortable, too hot/cold, or need extra support with cushions or positioning.
• Positioning: You'll usually start lying face down with support for your head and ankles. If needed, you can be treated seated.
• The Technique: The session involves gentle, precise moves at specific points on the body, followed by short pauses where the therapist leaves the room. These "waits" allow your body to respond and integrate the treatment.
• Minimal Conversation: To help your nervous system relax, the session is kept quiet. Feel free to ask questions or report sensations, but general conversation is avoided.
• Therapist Guidance: You may be asked to breathe in/out, turn your head, or remain still during certain moves. Your therapist may lift a leg or foot—please allow them to do this without assisting.
• Sensations: It's normal to feel tingling, warmth, cold, or buzzing during treatment. These sensations are helpful and should be reported, as they guide the therapist's next steps.
  

After the Treatment

• Sessions typically last about an hour, or up to 90 minutes for first-time visits.
• You'll likely feel deeply relaxed. Move slowly when sitting up, and let your therapist assist you.
  
• ​If you feel light-headed, sit quietly or lie back down. You’ll be offered water to help you rehydrate and clear any toxins released during the session.

How to Support Your Body After Bowen

Bowen Therapy creates gentle waves in your connective tissue that continue working for 5–10 days after your session. Healing begins on the table but continues as your body rebalances.  To maximise the effects of your treatment, follow these simple Golden Rules:

Support Your Recovery

• Move Regularly
  Light movement helps your body realign - especially for back issues.  Stand and move every 30 minutes on the day of your treatment.
  
• Walk Daily
  Gentle walking (20–30 minutes) helps flush toxins released during your session through the lymphatic system, which relies on muscle movement.
• Drink Plenty of Water
  Stay hydrated to support healing and detox.  Sip water throughout the day.  Aim for about 25ml per kg of bodyweight daily (e.g. 2L for 80kg). Only count plain water—other fluids don’t have the same effect.
• Avoid Other Bodywork
  Avoid massage, chiropractic, or other treatments for at least 5 days.  These may disrupt the effects of Bowen.
• Wait Patiently
  Healing can continue for up to 10 days.  Let your body process the changes before deciding on further treatment.
• Don’t Use Heat or Ice
  Avoid applying heat or ice for at least 48 hours.  If inflammation is present, apple cider vinegar compresses may help (test for skin sensitivity first).
• Do the Exercises (if given)
  If your therapist provides exercises or advice, following it will enhance the results of your treatment.

What You Might Notice

• You may feel tired, emotional, or notice an increase in symptoms before improvement.
• Many people report feeling more relaxed and balanced over the following days.
• If anything feels unusual or concerning, don’t hesitate to reach out to Prue on 0427 143 743.  Always consult your doctor for urgent symptoms.

After Your Session

• Be Aware
  Note any changes in pain, sleep, stress, or movement to discuss at your next visit.
• Book a Follow-up (If Required)
  Another session can be helpful, especially 5–10 days later.  If you're feeling great, you may not need another—but we’d still love to hear how you’re doing.
• In Special Cases
  Bowen can be given on demand for issues like asthma, pregnancy-related pain, or injury.  Short treatments are available, just get in touch.