What Is Bowen Therapy?

Supporters say that Bowen Therapy, a form of holistic healing, can eliminate stress and reduce pain. In this form of therapy, a practitioner lightly rolls the body of a patient, and then, also lightly, touches specific areas of the body with thumb and forefinger in an effort to loosen and tighten muscles.

  1. Founder

    • Bowen Therapy traces its roots to Australia.

      Australian Tom Bowen is the founder of Bowen Therapy. During the height of his practice, he was treating nearly 13,000 patients a year. Bowen died in 1982.

    Light Touches

    • Light touches are the foundation of Bowen Therapy.

      Practitioners of Bowen Therapy emphasize that they are not giving massages to their patients. Instead, they are gently rolling their bodies and lightly touching specific areas of pain. Practitioners usually pause for about two minutes between touches.

    Relaxation

    • Proponents of Bowen Therapy say that the technique not only alleviates pain, but helps eliminate stress. According to BowTech, an information source about Bowen Therapy, many patients are so relaxed that they fall asleep shortly after their session begins.

    Earning Certification

    • Practitioners of Bowen Therapy can receive a Certificate of Proficiency in the Bowen Technique. This certificate is offered through the European College of Bowen Studies and requires practitioners to pass an exam and complete a training course.

    Considerations

    • Many patients schedule Bowen Therapy treatments even if they are not experiencing any specific areas of pain. The technique is supposed to leave patients feeling healthier and energetic.