Tom Bowen and the “Bowen Technique” Bowen Technique derives from the work of Australian therapist Tom Bowen (1916-1982), who found that by restoring balance to the tissues of the body, the underlying cause of many health or pain problems could be addressed and the body would be able to heal itself.

Bowen made an individual assessment of each patient and the treatments he applied were then specifically tailored to individual needs.

You can also find out more about Tom Bowen and The Legacy Trust Fund.

You can also watch this short video about Bowen Therapy and learn more.

It has been seen to be effective for a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal problems, respiratory conditions, digestive issues, fertility, hormonal issues and more. It is a holistic approach that aims to balance and realign the body’s structural and energetic systems, and it is effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Presentations we frequently see in our clinic:

• Muscular and skeletal problems in neck, shoulder, jaw, hip, knees, ankles and back, including sciatica, whiplash, arthritic pain, fibromyalgia etc.

• Bell’s Palsy, Parkinson’s Disease

• Work-related injuries

• General relaxation and body balancing

• Migraine and recurring headaches

• Stress management, ME, fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and sleep problems

• Problems with posture and body alignment

• Respiratory problems including bronchitis, asthma and hay fever

• Hormonal issues, pregnancy, PMS, menopause and headaches

• Issues affecting babies and children including baby colic and bed-wetting

• Sports injuries – treatment and prevention

Some of the conditions for which Bowen is commonly used: Musculoskeletal pain: Bowen can help to relieve pain and discomfort in the back, neck, shoulders, hips, knees, and other joints. This includes sciatica and sciatic type pain and plantar fasciitis. Sports injuries: Bowen can help to speed up the healing process for sports injuries, such as strains and sprains, and can help to reduce pain and improve mobility. Respiratory conditions: Bowen has been used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and hay fever. Digestive issues: Bowen has been used to help improve digestive function and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic indigestion and colitis. Stress and anxiety: Bowen can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial for people experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

• Improved mobility and the resulting freedom to move how you want

• Do the activities you want to do that your condition has stopped you enjoying – get back to enjoying your hobbies, play with your children/grandchildren, return to your sporting activities, enjoy exercising to maintain good health

• Enjoy being pain free and feeling more relaxed

• Feel more balanced in your body and feel the benefits of improved posture

• Enjoy better digestion and improved respiratory function

• Enjoy reduced onset, duration and intensity from allergies such as hay fever, asthma, food allergies and eczema

• Aid your recovery from chronic and acute illnesses and surgeries

• Injury recovery and prevention

• Support your hormone system - freedom from peri and post-menopausal symptoms, PMS

• Improved health pre and post-natal

• A happier and healthier baby leading to better sleep for you both

• Support your little one’s health with childhood illnesses such as asthma/eczema/bedwetting

• Increased sense of wellbeing and relaxation

• Improved mental health and stress reduction

• Reduce your dependency on medications (always in consultation with your medical practitioner)

• Relief from symptoms which can often be achieved in a very short period of time saving you money and time!

Bowen therapy is gentle enough to be used on new injuries, including whiplash and over swollen tissue. In my experience, both personal and in clinic, it’s best to have treatment as soon as you can safely do so, as it aids and supports the body during the recovery process, with most people recovering a lot faster than expected.

It is suitable for people of all ages, from newborn babies to the very elderly and gentle enough for palliative care and for all levels of fitness, whether you have a disability or are an athlete.

I modify my approach to suit the needs of the individual.

Indeed 'Baby Bowen' can be offered for newborns and infants. It is extremely gentle and effective, and can offer effective relief from the following:

• Infatile Colic

• Unsettled and distressed babies

• Feeding problems

• Reflux

Bowen therapy usually brings about change in a relatively short period of time and many accute conditions should see improvement with between 1-2 sessions. Chronic problems may take slightly longer with perhaps 3-5 weekly sessions until the problem is resolved or stabilised. Many clients benefit from coming back for maintenance treatments every so often, ie monthly to three monthly to maintain balance, their sense of well-being and prevent re-injury.

Everyone is different and the response to a Bowen session can equally be as different. Responses to treatment can be immediate or can require two, three or sometimes more sessions but the number of sessions is very much determined by whether you have a single condition or multiple conditions and the type, severity, and length of time you have been suffering.

When booking a Bowen Therapy treatment for the first time, it is recommended that you plan to attend at least two treatment sessions, approximately one week apart. This allows the therapist to assess your initial response to the technique and follow up the first treatment accordingly. Most people that we treat see a positive improvement in three to four treatments at weekly intervals.

After an initial course of treatment, some people choose to book in regularly to maintain their general wellbeing or to support their lifestyle and activities whether that’s work, sports or pleasure. Whereas others will get in touch if they start to feel aches or pains or have a new injury.

A normal session will last approximately 30-45mins, though the first session might take up to an hour, due to the initial consultation.

Prior to attending your 1st session and consultation, you will be sent an intake form which you can either fill out and send back online or bring with you on the day. During a session we take into account various aspects of your life such as medical history, diet, lifestyle, sleep patterns, exercise etc. which will be recorded during the consultation period at the start of the session. All details recorded about you will be strictly confidential & kept secure.

The email will also contain a GDPR consent form and directions to our location. 

What to expect..

Each Bowen Therapy session will take up to 45 mins & the treatment will normally be given with you lying down on a treatment table if possible but can also be given seated and some work may be done standing. Static & dynamic observations will be made at the start to assess ranges of movement & any specific points of restriction or postural imbalance. You may be prescribed exercises to practice at home once the treatment has ended.

A typical session addresses all muscle groups from the legs, into the abdomen, up the spine to the upper body, neck & head. Subsequent sessions may focus on more specific areas depending on your presenting symptoms.

With primarily fingers and thumbs, I will apply small, rolling movements over muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissue at precise points on the body, using only the amount of pressure appropriate for that individual and tissue. No forceful manipulation is needed or used. Rather than 'making' the body change, Bowen 'asks' the body to recognise and make the changes it requires.

During the session I will occasionally insert short breaks at appropriate moments where I will not be in contact with the body. These breaks (usually around 2-5 minutes) are an essential part of the treatment and are what sets Bowen apart from other therapies. This time is where the changes begin happening as the brain takes time to process the therapeutic sensory input and focus on the body. During these breaks you might feel physical responses such as tingling, stretching, heat, cold or even twitching. This is perfectly normal & a good sign that blood flow & lymphatic drainage are increasing & that tense soft tissue is beginning to unwind. Most people enter a deeply relaxed state within minutes of the start of the treatment.

At the end of the session you may feel pleasantly relaxed and/or energised.

Treatment is performed on skin or over light, loose clothing. Some clothing like jeans and jumpers can be too thick, dresses and skirts can be too tight and running leggings can be too slippery to allow the treatment to be as effective.

You’re more than welcome to bring clothing like T-shirts, shorts, or joggers / leggings to change into, however if you forget and I need you to remove any clothing, I’ll cover you in clean towels. I’ll never ask you to remove underwear or any religious clothing.

During the course of your Bowen Therapy, it's recommended that you avoid other hands-on therapy such as reflexology, physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture etc. This is to ensure that the body is not overloaded with information or differing therapeutic information to deal with at the same time.

There are no known side effects to Bowen Therapy and is considered safe for everyone. However, some clients have reported that following treatment they can sometimes feel a level of stiffness, soreness, headaches and occasionally feeling like “I’ve been run over by a bus!”, showing that the brain and body have started the process of repair and will normally only last a couple of days.

Please Note: The Bowen Technique is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If in any doubt, please consult your doctor.

Yes of course! I want you to feel safe when you visit, especially for the first time so please bring a buddy with you.

Yes, I trained with Bowen Training UK who are accredited by Bowen Therapist Professional Association (BTPA) of whom I am a member. I am also a member ofComplimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and I abide to the high standards of these bodies.

Many policies allow for a quota of complementary health claims. Bowen therapy may be included, but it depends on the individual policy wording and terms. Often there will be a set number of sessions allowed within a year, so check with your insurer.