FAQs

How is it different from other therapies, such as Chiropractic, Osteopathy or physiotherapy?

All these therapies are excellent therapies, but Bowen differs in several respects. Osteopaths and chiropractors often use adjustments, or 'cracks' to realign the structure of the body. They will make a diagnosis of the patient and treat the area of concern. With Bowen therapy the approach is rather different. The therapist will take a case history, but the treatment does not set out to treat specific conditions or ailments. Instead the body is treated as a whole unit, without referral to named disease. For instance if someone came to a Bowen therapist with cancer, we would not claim to be able to help the cancer or even to treat it. Instead we are trying to help the person.

Does Bowen work on meridians or acupuncture points?

While one can see that there are points that are on or very close to acupuncture points, this is not the approach that is taught. Many practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine comment on the moves and their relationship to meridian points, but there is nothing consistent enough to draw comparisons. Tom Bowen drew much of his knowledge from books and an understanding of meridian points seems quite probable.

Is Bowen a form of massage?

No not really. The treatment can be performed through light clothing and no oils or prolonged pressure is used. At the same time there is no rubbing or friction in the move, which uses the movement of skin to effect a rolling type of action over the muscle.

How Many treatments will I need to have?

There are no guarantees here, because everyone responds differently, but on average the number of treatments required for say, a stiff neck or back is around three. Some problems need more treatments and some even less, but what won't happen is that you will be required to have a long course of treatment, only to find that it hasn't helped. Although there are never any promises, you should in most cases start to see change fairly quickly.

What can it treat?

Although we say that we do not treat specific conditions, there are of course many cases of certain conditions being helped with The Bowen Technique. To read some case histories click here In any situation there is no condition which Bowen therapists would not offer treatment. Even in very serious or acute conditions, where an injury has just occurred, Bowen can be used to very good effect. As well as bad backs and necks, Bowen also is extremely effective on more complex or organic problems, such as Asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, stress,

What does a treatment involve and what do I need to wear?

An appointment will take approximately 45 minutes and most of the work can be performed through light clothing (or directly on skin).

and you will be covered by towels during the treatment session. However, some moves are diffucult to apply through thick material such winter skirts, jeans or thick trousers with stitched-on pockets. Due to this you may be asked to remove such items but you will NEVER be asked to remove underwear or slips.

Four to five treatments, at weekly intervals are often sufficient to achieve lasting relief, although further treatments may be required. To receive maximum benefit it is recommended that other physical therapies are not mixed with the Bowen Technique for example, reflexology, massage, physiotherapy.