Treatment Information
What to Expect During Your Bowen Sessions
The Bowen Technique offers a gentle yet powerful approach to healing. Understanding what to expect can help you get the most from your treatment experience.
Before Your First Session
Preparation Guidelines
To prepare for your Bowen session:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours before your appointment
- Timing: Avoid intense exercise immediately before your session
- Medications: Continue taking any prescribed medications as normal
- Meals: Try not to arrive on a completely empty or overly full stomach
- Clothing: Wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing (thin cotton is ideal)
- Forms: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete intake paperwork for your first visit
Health Information
Please inform your practitioner about:
- Your current symptoms and health concerns
- Past injuries or surgeries
- Medical conditions and diagnoses
- Medications and supplements you’re taking
- Recent treatments from other healthcare providers
- Pregnancy status (if applicable)
During Your Session
Initial Consultation
Your first session begins with a thorough consultation. We’ll discuss:
- Your health history and current concerns
- Your goals for treatment
- Any questions you may have about the process
This information helps tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
The Treatment Experience
A typical Bowen session follows this pattern:
- Assessment: Brief observation of posture and movement patterns
- Positioning: You’ll lie on a treatment table, typically starting face down (accommodations can be made if lying down is difficult)
- The Moves: The practitioner will perform gentle rolling movements at specific points on your body
- Pauses: Brief periods where the practitioner steps away, allowing your body to integrate the work
- Repositioning: You may be asked to turn over or change positions during the session
- Completion: The session ends with integrative moves
What You’ll Feel
The Bowen experience is subtle yet profound:
- Most moves feel gentle and comfortable
- Some areas may feel briefly tender if they’re in distress
- Many people experience a deep sense of relaxation
- Some feel warmth, tingling, or subtle pulsing in areas being addressed
- You may feel your muscles twitching or releasing
Session Duration
- First visit: 45-60 minutes (including consultation)
- Follow-up visits: 30-45 minutes
- The treatment itself: 15-45 minutes depending on what’s being addressed
After Your Session
Immediate Post-Treatment
After your session:
- Take a few minutes to re-orient before driving
- Avoid sitting for prolonged periods if possible
- Walk gently for 5-10 minutes to help integrate the changes
The Integration Period
The Bowen Technique continues working for several days after your session. During this time:
- Days 0-1: You may feel deeply relaxed, occasionally mildly sore, or unusually energised
- Days 1-3: Your body processes the information and begins making changes
- Days 3-5: Integration continues; symptoms may fluctuate as the body rebalances
Home Care Instructions
To support your body’s healing process:
- Water: Drink plenty of water for at least 3 days after treatment
- Movement: Take gentle daily walks to support circulation
- Rest: Honour your body’s need for rest if you feel tired
- Heat/Ice: Avoid heat treatments (hot baths, heating pads) for 48 hours unless specifically directed
- Other therapies: Postpone other bodywork for 5-7 days to allow full integration
Follow-Up Schedule
For optimal results:
- Allow 5-7 days between Bowen sessions
- Most conditions respond well to 3-4 sessions
- More complex or chronic conditions may require additional sessions
- Maintenance sessions every 4-6 weeks can help sustain improvements
Treatment Frequency & Results
Recommended Treatment Schedule
The Bowen Technique works cumulatively, with each session building on the previous one:
| Condition Type | Typical Number of Sessions | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Acute injury | 2-3 | Weekly |
| Recent onset (1-6 months) | 3-5 | Weekly |
| Chronic conditions | 5-8 | Weekly, then biweekly |
| Maintenance | As needed | Every 4-6 weeks |
What to Expect in Terms of Results
While individual responses vary, many people experience:
- Relief from acute pain often within 1-3 sessions
- Improved mobility and function within 2-4 sessions
- Gradual improvement in chronic conditions over 3-8 sessions
- Deeper systemic balancing with consistent treatment
Some clients notice immediate improvement, while for others, changes develop more gradually as layers of compensation patterns unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I exercise after my Bowen session?
A: Light walking is beneficial, but avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours to allow the body to integrate the changes.
Q: Why do I need to wait between sessions?
A: The Bowen Technique initiates a healing process that continues for several days. Waiting allows this process to complete before introducing new information.
Q: Can I receive massage or chiropractic care between Bowen sessions?
A: It’s best to avoid other hands-on therapies for at least 5 days after a Bowen session to prevent conflicting information to the nervous system.
Q: Will I need to undress?
A: No. Bowen can be performed through light clothing.
Q: Is Bowen painful?
A: Bowen is generally very gentle. Occasionally, tender areas may be briefly uncomfortable when touched, but the technique should never cause significant pain.
Q: Can I bring someone with me?
A: Yes, you’re welcome to have someone accompany you to your appointment if you wish.
Q: What if I’m pregnant?
A: Bowen is safe during pregnancy and can be very helpful for addressing pregnancy-related discomfort. Please inform your practitioner if you are pregnant.
Q: Can children receive Bowen?
A: Yes, the Bowen Technique is gentle enough for newborns and highly effective for many childhood conditions.
