A few years ago, after injuring my shoulder, I went to see a Bowen worker who provided a very gentle hands-on therapy for 45 minutes.  It seemed hard to believe it could actually be effective, as the touch was light and it was not painful! (No pain, no gain, right?) However, much to my surprise, at the end of the session, not only was I pretty much blissed out, but I could raise my arm substantially higher than when I arrived! I was hooked and needed to know more about this Bowen therapy!

Bowen therapy is a fairly new modality, having been developed by the late Tom Bowen in Australia in the 1950's. Mr. Bowen took the principles of acupuncture, osteopathy, and maybe Shiatsu to develop his own, very effective moves. The "Bowen move" consists of a gentle, rolling movement over points on the body that correspond for the most part with the acupuncture  points. These moves affect the fascia, the muscles and the nerve endings.  The most basic effect is putting the body into parasympathetic mode – a very relaxed state, where it can heal itself, the way it is meant to do. Once the body is in this state and no longer in fight-or-flight mode,  the practitioner then may make some further moves to initiate healing in specific areas. It is fascinating. There are procedures for almost any condition. Not only that, but Bowen boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure and blood sugars and leaves people feeling good overall.