A Bowen Session
Bowen should not be mixed with other modalities for a period of 5 days before and after a Bowen session. Any other bodywork, including massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy etc. will interfere with the Bowen process and will stop the natural healing from progressing. The body and brain is fully involved in the Bowen conversation for 5 days and should not be interrupted.
Client assessment is performed at each visit in order to evaluate changes between sessions. A significant change in symptoms is often experienced, even after the initial visit.
In a typical Bowen session the client starts lying facedown on the massage table.
The Bowen Technique practitioner will perform a series of 4 to 6 Bowtech moves on the client and then leave the room for 2 to 5 minutes. The moves follow a set pattern designed to start the dialog between the body and brain that triggers the body to self-correct. Each move is very gentle, eyeball pressure, and can be performed through light loose clothing.
Each time the Bowen Technique practitioner returns to the room she will evaluate the client’s reaction to the session and then perform the next moves in the series.
The client may be required to turn onto his/her back for additional moves.
The session may be as short as ten minutes or as long as an hour. The length of session is not indicative of the degree of healing. Bowen follows the premise that “less is more”. The practitioner is a catalyst, setting in motion the processes necessary for the body to heal itself.
Following the session, the client is encouraged to drink a good amount of water, to walk where possible on a frequent basis, and to wait. The wait is because Bowen continues to work for 5 days following the session. For instructions on how to maximize the benefits of your Bowen session please see the next column.
Visits are scheduled approximately one week apart for the first three visits. After the first group of sessions there is a pause of 3 to 4 weeks before resuming Bowen, if necessary. Often follow on sessions are not required.