What is Bowenwork Therapy?

Bowenwork is a gentle yet dynamic coordinated system of manual therapy ‘moves’ that triggers the autonomic nervous system (ANS) to self regulate. The clients’ feedback response revitalizes the body’s awareness through all the systems of the body which includes nervous, musculoskeletal, and fascial.

Practitioners initiate a series of ‘moves’ or activations on specific areas of the body and when combined with ‘rest periods’, these moves turn on nerve endings otherwise known as mechanoreceptors. The body’s response to the activation which occurs during the rest period includes a balancing of the autonomic nervous system and changes in the musculoskeletal and fascial systems affecting the body’s ability to return to an equilibrium and harmonious state, removing blockages to the free flow of energy in the body. In other words, pain diminishes and rest and recovery can begin. From the point of view of complementary health care, when the body’s systems are in balance, its physical, emotional, and mental functions are able to return to a healthy state.

Bowen therapy involves gently stretching the fascia under the skin which stimulates mechanoreceptors, promoting pain relief. This form of therapy uses gentle and precise rolling hand movements(moves.) The intention of a Bowenwork session is to stimulate the innate healing systems within the body so that the autonomic nervous system will self regulate, energy will move more freely, and the body’s self healing capacity has been revitalized allowing the healing to commence.

The length of a Bowenwork session can vary because each session is customized to the needs of the client. Not overstimulating the nervous system is the goal. “Less is Best”, is the rule of thumb. Sessions do not have a fixed duration but rather can vary from a few moments to an hour, with the rest periods generally taking more time than the hands -on work. Responses in the systems of the body can continue for up to 10 days after each Bowenwork session. Appointments are typically scheduled 5-10 days apart to allow these processes to complete before providing new input.Client and practitioner are working together as a team to relay information and client is given self-care advice to promote the body’s positive response to the Bowenwork.