FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What is The Bowen Technique?
The Bowen Technique is a very gentle hands-on remedial therapy, which reminds the body to repair and realign itself.

What conditions can The Bowen Technique treat?
Click to see a diagram of conditions treated by The Bowen Technique.

How does The Bowen Technique work?
The Bowen Technique shifts the balance between the body and the brain by informing the brain of what is happening in the body. It’s a bit like there is a fuse broken along the line. When that happens we first check the light bulb, then we check the fuse box and finally we check the light switch. Once we know where the problem is or what started it we just need to rewire the whole thing and get that communication level going again. But at the end of the day, we don’t know how it works but we just know that it works very well and very effectively.

Why do you give breaks during the treatment?
One of the characteristics of The Bowen Technique is that after performing some moves, the practitioner leaves the room for 2-4 minutes to give the body some space and a chance to respond  to what the practitioner did.

Can you use strong pressure for Bowen treatments?
No, we apply very gentle pressure during a Bowen treatment. We work on the superficial fascia which is a tissue just below the skin so our gentle moves are enough to reach them. With too much pressure, these tissues will lock up and the treatment won’t be effective.

Julian Baker the leading expert in The Bowen Technique and fascia explains that deep pressure is considered detrimental to intelligent bodywork approaches and how every structure can be accessed without the need for pain for the client or tension from the therapist.

Is Bowen therapy a form of massage?
No, Bowen is not a massage and so does not involve any manipulations of soft tissue like rubbing or friction like during a massage. It can be performed through light clothing and there is no oil used.

Who will benefit from receiving The Bowen Technique?
Bowen Therapy is used safely with great success on people of all ages, from
newborn babies to the very elderly. There are no violent twists or cracks during a treatment.

How can it help me?
By releasing stress at a very deep level, via its calming effect on the nervous system, Bowen sets the scene for the body to heal itself. In contrast to many other hands-on therapies, Bowen does not attempt to force the body to change; rather it asks the body to recognise and make the changes necessary to bring it back to balance.

Why should I have The Bowen Technique as supposed to a massage?
The Bowen Technique will help the body rebalance and make adjustments to where the body is at its best or needs to be to function properly. In the long term, Bowen can help maintain a healthy body and mind, free of pains and aches. There is nothing wrong with having a massage. I love having a massage, it feels good but in the long run, it won’t help resolving issues.

How is it different from other therapies, such chiropractic, osteopathy or physiotherapy?
Osteopaths and chiropractors, for example, adjust the body by ‘cracking’ to realign the body at a structural level. They also make a diagnostic and treat the area of concern. With Bowen therapy, we take a case history of the person and then treat the person as a whole. If someone suffers from headaches, for example, the Bowen therapist will prepare the body to initiate the healing process and then the body will take over to re-balance and adjust itself.

How many treatments will I need to have?
There is no guaranty as to how many treatments one should have as everyone is different but in general for a stiff neck or a backache, a person should see an improvement after three treatments. Sometimes a change will happen quicker and other times it might take more treatments but very rarely will a person need treatments for a long period of time.

Can I mix The Bowen Technique with other therapies or treatments?
It is recommended that Bowen is not mixed with other (alternative or remedial) therapies. After receiving a Bowen treatment, the body will continue to heal or self-adjust for up to ten days. So, you should stop other therapies for at least one week before and during the course of Bowen Therapy otherwise your response to treatment may be limited. However, Bowen therapy does not interfere with allopathic medications or treatments. If you are under medical treatment, it is sensible to inform your doctor about your plans to receive Bowen Therapy.

Will I have to undress for treatment?
No.Treatment can be performed directly onto the skin with the client in their underwear or if preferred through light clothing. In this case please wear something lightweight and non-slippery. A tee shirt and loose trousers or shorts(not jeans) are ideal.

Can the therapist diagnose my problem?
No. Bowen Therapists do not diagnose. Bowen Therapy is about preparing your body so that it can self-adjust and repair itself. If you want a diagnosis, you will be advised to see your doctor.

What do you charge for a Bowen treatment?

Price list can be viewed here