Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a massage?

Bowen therapy is a soft-tissue modality which differs from massage in the following ways:

• There is no forceful manipulation of muscles
• No oil is used
• Bowen therapy can be performed on skin or through light, comfortable clothing

The comfort of the client is paramount, therefore, for someone unable to lie down the Bowen session may be completed seated or standing if required. This also addresses the needs of people with impaired movement.

What should I wear?

Bowen is applied through loose clothing or sometimes directly on exposed skin. It is recommended you wear loose comfortable clothing to Bowen sessions.

Do I need to do anything after a Bowen session?

During a Bowen session most people experience a sense of relaxation. Water intake of between 6 – 8 glasses daily will assist the technique and body’s hydration. It is important to keep moving, ideally not sitting in the same position for any longer than half an hour on the day of the session.

It is advised to not use any other form of bodywork for 4 days either side of a Bowen session.

How Long is a session?

Adult session - 1 hour including consultation.

Child (7 to 15 years) – 45min to 1 hour including consultation.

Infant/Child (0 to 6 years) - 30 minutes including consultation. It is common for the first session to be done while the child is seated or standing if they are new to bodywork.

What Happens in a Bowen Therapy Session?

If not completed before the treatment I will collect your details including a brief medical history and details of current conditions. Depending on the client there will be an assessment either on the massage table or standing. Where possible, treatments are given on a massage table. If this is not possible then treatments can be given standing or sitting. During the treatment there will be wait periods. This allows time for your body to respond to the treatment and for the necessary changes to occur in your body before commencing the next sequence of moves. Following the treatment, any changes will be reviewed and a treatment plan discussed.