Bowen Therapy

Until someone has actually experienced a Bowen session, it’s hard to imagine exactly what Bowen is. Although it is difficult to explain Bowen without comparing it to some of the more widely known techniques, we need to be sure to distinguish Bowen as its very own technique.

Some of the other techniques listed here may also be very helpful to a person’s condition, and we are not in any way discouraging your use of these treatments, although most of them are contra-indicated while a patient is receiving Bowen treatments.

Massage

Bowen is not Massage. Those newly introduced to Bowen often associate it to massage. However its operation and objectives are quite different. Furthermore, rubbing or even prolonged touching around a Bowen “move” just applied can weaken the effectiveness of the more. Bowen moves go no deeper than fascia on superficially accessible muscles, and only do so with gentle pressure.

Acupressure

Bowen is not Acupressure. Some of the areas of focus in a Bowen treatment will coincide with acupuncture points, but there are so many acupoints some overlap is inevitable. With Bowen “points,” though, a more focused intervention is complemented with a more economical application. In the Bowen Technique, one simple move across the structure is all it takes.

Chiropractic

Bowen is not Chiropractic. No manipulation of the skeletal system is made. Most practitioners and many clients observe vertebral movement, but this is evidence of the body realigning itself and a Bowen treatment working. Chiropractic adjustments following a Bowen treatment are counter-indicated.

Directional Energy Work

Bowen is not Directional “Energy Work.” Given its parameters, even energy work can be intrusive. Practitioners can focus too much on accomplishing their own desired results, which may or may not coincide with the client’s needs. Instead, Bowen practitioners are taught to focus only on doing a precise movement accurately, and then physically leaving the room.

Physiotherapy

Bowen is not Physiotherapy or Neuromuscular “Re-Education.” Stretch reflex, Golgi reflex and reciprocal enervation may be involved in the muscular releases, but these occur on a cellular level and expand out physically. In fact, people may fall asleep during a session, and many will not feel the effects for several days. These factors distinguish the Bowen Technique from remedial exercises or movement training that some people need for long-term injury recovery.

Trigger-Point Therapy

Bowen in not Trigger-Point Therapy. Some points are unavoidably similar even though the referral zones are different. Most trigger points are found in the core of muscles, while Bowen muscle moves are usually made where two muscles or muscle groups overlap. This and other factors seem to make Bowen most similar to fascia work but…

Fascial Release

Bowen is not Fascial Release. With each Bowen move, the fascia is rocked and minutely “disturbed”; it is not forcefully separated. After a series of Bowen sessions, adhesions tend to loosen and scar tissue frequently softens and shrinks on its own because impediments to the natural healing process are removed.

Lymphatic Massage

Bowen is not Lymphatic Massage. Bowen does stimulate lymphatic releases, in that sinuses will often drain during the session; breast lumps may shrink or be gone within a few weeks; and excess fluids are usually eliminated within the week. Bowen does not, however, use the percussion or vigorous stroking of lymphatic massage, although there is a bit of gentle “milking” done around the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle.

Emotional Release

Bowen is not an Emotional Release Modality. The intent of a Bowen session is not to effect emotional releases. However, some people report the dramatic lightening of spirit and a subtle but pervasive refocusing of troublesome emotional patterns. Many bodyworkers consciously focus on the interface between physical and emotional, trying to touch on that which is hidden behind a protective wall of hypertense musculature. Excessive pressure is not needed; Bowen Therapy confirms that the best access is gained by the least threatening approach.