What is Bowen Therapy? It’s a soft-touch muscle relaxation technique that utilizes muscle “strumming” as a way to help the body heal itself. Bowen Therapy prompts the body to reset, repair and balance itself. Clients routinely report pain relief, improvement of function and recovery of energy. When people ask me what is Bowen Therapy, I note that Bowen Therapy is much like flipping your muscles’ light switches to “reboot” their ability to relax and reset.

Bowen Theory is based on the notion that gentle moves over precise points of the body can prompt the body’s innate ability to relieve pain, restriction and imbalance. Deep, manipulative or forceful treatment are unnecessary. Bowen Therapy “moves” send neurological impulses to the brain. This results in muscle relaxation and pain reduction. Such moves also can create electrical impulses to the nervous system to regain movement in joints, muscles and tendons. Common results include relief of muscle spasms as well as increased blood and lymph flow.

What is Bowen Therapy: Gentle Pressure

Bowen therapy is a hands-on therapy that uses gentle pressure. Thumbs and fingers are used to stimulate muscles and soft tissues. These “moves” act on precise points of the body. Unlike chiropractors, there is no manipulation or adjustment of hard tissue. No force is used. The Bowen Therapy experience is gentle, subtle and relaxing. Bowen Therapy is commonly used for:

• Back pain
• Shoulder restrictions & pain
• Neck pain
• Respiratory conditions
• Headache patterns
• Sports injuries

To truly answer the question, “What is Bowen Therapy,” you have to go back to The Bowen Technique which was developed in the 1950s by Australian Tom Bowen. Training courses in Mr Bowen’s technique were first offered in the late 1980s in Australia and reached the UK and USA in 1993. For more information on what is Bowen Therapy and Bowen Technique, see the American Bowen Academy »