Bowen Technique

What Is the Bowen Technique?

The Bowen Technique—also known as Bowen Therapy—is a gentle, non-invasive bodywork therapy that helps the body reset and heal itself naturally. Developed in Australia by Tom Bowen, this technique uses precise, rolling movements over muscles, tendons, and fascia to stimulate the nervous system and activate the body’s internal healing mechanisms.

At Gentle Waves Massage & Wellness Centre, we offer Bowen Therapy as a safe, restorative treatment for clients of all ages, including those with chronic pain, injuries, or sensitivities to deep pressure.

How the Bowen Technique Works

Bowen Therapy uses gentle, rolling movements over specific points of the body. Between each series of movements, your practitioner will pause and allow your body time to respond, usually for about 1–3 minutes.

These pauses give your nervous system space to reset, allowing the body to shift out of fight-or-flight mode and into deep healing.

Who Is the Bowen Technique For?

Bowen is ideal for those who:

• Have chronic pain but are sensitive to deep pressure

• Suffer from stress, insomnia, or burnout

• Are recovering from physical or emotional trauma

• Live with autoimmune or neurological conditions

• Want a holistic therapy that supports long-term healing

• Prefer a gentle, relaxing approach to bodywork

It’s suitable for all ages—from infants to seniors—and is often used to complement other therapies or medical treatments.

What to Expect During a Bowen Session

At Gentle Waves Massage & Wellness Centre, your Bowen session includes:

• A brief health intake and discussion of your symptoms

• Treatment on a massage table (fully clothed, no oils used)

• Gentle, targeted moves over muscles and fascia

• Strategic pauses between sets of movements

• A quiet, deeply relaxing environment

Most sessions last 45–60 minutes, and many clients notice improvement after just 1–3 visits.

Benefits of the Bowen Technique

Bowen Therapy works on multiple levels—physical, emotional, and energetic. Its effects are often subtle yet profound.

Physical Benefits:

• Relieves muscle pain, stiffness, and tension

• Helps with back, neck, and joint pain

• Improves posture, flexibility, and range of motion

• Accelerates recovery from injuries and surgeries

• Reduces headaches, TMJ pain, and sciatica

• Aids in managing fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic fatigue

Systemic & Holistic Benefits:

• Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”)

• Enhances circulation and lymphatic drainage

• Promotes hormonal balance and digestion

• Reduces stress, anxiety, and mental fog

• Encourages deep relaxation and energy flow

Unlike deep tissue massage, Bowen work doesn’t rely on force or intensity—instead, it encourages the body to reorganize itself from within.

Risks and Side Effects

Bowen Therapy is extremely low risk when performed by a trained practitioner. However, clients may experience short-term effects as the body adjusts.

Normal Post-Treatment Reactions May Include:

• Mild soreness or tingling

• Fatigue or emotional release

• Increased urination or digestive activity

• Temporary flare-up of old symptoms before improvement

We encourage clients to stay hydrated and rest after a session to support the body’s natural detox and healing process.

Contraindications

Though Bowen is gentle, it may not be recommended in the following situations:

• Immediately after major surgery (without clearance)

• During a high fever or acute infection

• In the first trimester of pregnancy (unless cleared)

• If you have an implanted electrical device (e.g., pacemaker – inform your therapist)

Always inform your practitioner about your full health history. Bowen can often be safely adapted for most conditions.

Ready to book?

Ready to try a gentle yet powerful approach to healing? Our certified practitioners provide professional Bowen Technique sessions customized to your body’s needs.

Let your body reset, rebalance, and heal—from the inside out.