A Bowen Session
A typical Bowen session lasts from 45 minutes to an hour. Generally sessions are given with the client lying on a massage table clothed, but they can also be performed with the client seated if that is more comfortable. Some procedures may require sitting or standing. We only ask that the client wear light, loosely fitted clothing.
The practitioner uses thumbs and fingers to make gently rolling connective tissue moves, using light pressure, over specific points on the body. There is no forceful manipulation, nor any friction as in massage. There are frequent pauses between the sequences of moves, and the practitioner will leave the room for a few minutes. This allows time for the nervous system to process and make adjustments in the body to help relieve tension, reduce pain and initiate healing.
The experience of a session is subtle and gently relaxing. A client may even fall asleep. Many clients report a pleasant feeling of energy flowing in the body after a particular sequence.
Sessions are usually scheduled a week apart as Bowen keeps on working in the body for several days. Bowen is considered “complementary” to other medical attention, but it is advisable not to have any manipulative therapy like deep tissue massage or chiropractic for a week after the session to allow Bowen to do its work.
It’s difficult to predict how many sessions it will take to help a particular condition. Improvement in an acute condition may occur after one session, or it may take much longer for something long-standing or chronic. I encourage clients to schedule at least two sessions, a week apart, to see how their body responds to Bowen. Most clients experience positive change.
Please see Bowenwork Additional Resources for links to see various Bowen moves being demonstrated.