Bowen Therapy

Ashley Amini,
Bowen Therapist | DSHM(Hons.), FSHM

What Is Bowen Therapy?

Bowen Therapy is a holistic and dynamic modality that uses gentle and subtle input to muscle and fascia to stimulate the body to realign and heal in profound ways.

How does it work?

The Bowen Therapist uses specific patterns of moves at specific locations, stimulating the body and activating its innate healing mechanisms. Rather than focusing on a single complaint, Bowen moves address the entire body and restore balance through autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is responsible for over 80% of bodily functions and is very susceptible to external stressors. Most people today live in a constant state of high stress and sympathetic ANS over-stimulation (fight, flight or freeze mode). Healing can occur only after the ANS shifts from sympathetic to parasympathetic dominance (rest, relax and repair mode) and Bowen Therapy enables this shift at every session.

During a session, the client can experience a sense of deep relaxation and it is usual to hear loud peristalsis (gurgling in stomach). Both of these changes are indications of a profound release from stress and a shift towards parasympathetic influence.

Can Bowen Therapy help me?

Bowen therapy is very versatile. It can address both acute and chronic injuries to the musculoskeletal system such as TMJ, arthritis, sport injuries, fibromyalgia and repetitive strain injuries amongst many others.

Bowen is also effective for other health concerns including but not limited to improvement in immune system (e.g. lymphatic health), digestive health (e.g. IBS), respiratory symptoms (e.g. asthma and sinusitis) and gynecological concerns (e.g. infertility, mastitis and PMS).

Bowen is appropriate for all ages. Baby Bowen is specifically designed for newborns and toddlers and can help relieve colic, improve difficulty in nursing, alleviate asthma symptoms, etc.

Bowen’s ability to return the body to a parasympathetic state also can help clients who have experienced a plateau in their recovery process from surgery or trauma.

Finally, Bowen does not only address illness but can also help enhance performance in athletes by promoting healthy balance and alignment.

What is a session like?

A typical Bowen session generally lasts from 30 to 60 minutes. Clients usually lie on a bodywork table, or may be seated in a chair if required, for comfort. Bowen moves can be done directly on skin or through light clothing. There are pauses between each set of moves designed to allow the client's body to begin responding to the treatment. Clients can expect to feel continuing physical response to a Bowen session for several days after the treatment and as such other forms of manipulative therapy are discouraged for up to five days after a session, as they may interfere with the efficacy of the work. The Bowen therapist may advice the client to perform some light and simple exercises between sessions to optimize healing.

Bowen and other healing modalities

Bowen work is highly compatible with other holistic modalities and often can help expedite and expand healing when coupled with them.

BOWEN THERAPY PROGRAMS AND VISITS

TYPE OF VISIT	LENGTH	DESCRIPTION
Initial Visit	75 mins & $105.00	The initial visit includes a health andlifestyle assessment as well as your first Bowen treatment. This first treatment is often geared towards realigning and balancing the whole body in preparation for more focused work. We discuss the wish list of your health priorities and customize the treatment to meet them. This visit can address either chronic or acute issues. You might be given very simple, light exercises to amplify the effect of therapy in between sessions.
Follow Up Visits	45 mins/60 mins & $70/$80	These sessions include an assessment of your progress and revisiting your health wish list. We will work to treat one or two of your top priority areas. The follow up appointment can address either a chronic issue or new acute injury.
5 pack	$375	who wish to maintain healthy alignment and balance as well as those who requirea bit more time to address deep seated chronic conditions. Whether you are an athlete, your career exposes you to possibility of re-injury or if the condition you seek to resolve has been with you for a few years, this package will help you save a little while you regain your vitality.
Baby Bowen	$50	These sessions are geared towards children from newborns to age 4. Baby Bowen helps with a range of issues from difficulty nursing and recurrent colic to asthma symptoms. The treatment can happen with your baby in your arms or on the massage table depending on their level of comfort.