How does the Bowen Technique work?

The Bowen Technique or Bowenwork, enables the body to begin to restructure and repair itself. The process consists of a series of gently rolling moves across the body. There are frequent and important pauses between these moves, which give the body time to benefit from each set of moves. By combining moves, both in placement and in combination, the practitioner is able to address the body as a whole or target a specific problem. A unique tool of the Bowenwork practitioner is the ‘tissue tension sense,’ meaning that the practitioner is able to discern stress build-up in muscle groups and then utilize Bowenwork moves to release that stress.

Bowenwork aims to balance and stimulate energy flow, often resulting in a deep sense of overall relaxation. Since the body can only heal itself when it is relaxed, the healing continues as the body allows. Healing seems to occur by affecting the body’s autonomic nervous system, which creates internal stability at the cellular level.

Bowenwork is referred to as a ‘complementary’ modality. This means it will enhance and complement, not interfere with other medical attention. However, other manipulative therapies done immediately after a Bowenwork session can interfere with the effectiveness of the continuing Bowen work. It is most beneficial to the client to have no other treatments for 7 days after a Bowen session.

Bowenwork may very well be one of the single most important tools we have to facilitate healing of the whole body. The moves bring about incredible results by penetrating to a deep cellular level, incorporating the body’s unique ability to heal itself.

With the release of toxins and old patterning, the moves begin to accomplish holistic balance almost immediately. Since the Bowen Technique addresses the body as a whole unit rather than just the presenting symptoms, it embraces the physical, chemical, emotional and mental aspects of each person receiving Bowenwork.