Usually in a Bowen Technique session, the client lies on a couch, however their comfort is paramount and if this is not possible he or she can be treated sitting in a chair or standing. The moves are made on skin or can be done through loosely fitting clothes. The treatmentt is very relaxing and it's not uncommon for people to fall asleep during a session.. A carefully orchestrated series of gentle movements are made along the spine and at specific points throughout the body. These movements consist of a subtle rolling of muscle, nerve, tendon and connective tissue. The therapist leaves the room between each pattern in the series so as to allow the patient the maximum space for deep relaxation and integration of the information received.

The specific moves on the soft tissue act upon the body’s autonomic, or self-governing, nervous system to enable it to achieve homeostasis at a cellular level and regain its own natural balance.
Sessions usually last one hour and usually take place about a week apart. Often no more than two to five sessions are required for the treatment of most conditions but this may vary with the problem and the individual.

WHAT IT IS NOT

Bowen is not Massage.

Those newly introduced to Bowen often associate it with 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 move. Bowen moves go no deeper than fascia on superficially accessible muscles, and only do so with gentle pressure.

Bowen is not Acupressure.

Some of the areas of focus in a Bowen treatment will coincide with acupuncture points, but there are so many acupressure points, some overlap is inevitable. With Bowen "points," though the application of the move is focused and economical. In the Bowen Technique, one simple move across the structure is all it takes.

Bowen is not Chiropractic.

The skeletal system is not directly manipulated at any time. Realignment comes as a result of the body's own natural adjustment following the Bowen treatment.

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.