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What is it?

During a Bowen session, specific areas of the body are subjected to gentle rolling movements that subtly disturb and reposition the muscles. Bowen initiates a physical change because the muscular disturbance (from the rolling movements) is emitted through the central nervous system to the brain. In response, the brain sends a command to the muscle to reposition, helping to eliminate any previous inflammation or stiffness in those soft tissues.

Its pedigree

This technique is named after Tom Bowen (1916-82), the Australian therapist who developed it. As a young man in the 1950s, he regularly visited the clinic of a local man with an excellent reputation as a ‘manipulator’, watching him work and listening to what he had to say. Bowen developed his own technique on the back of this apprenticeship, and opened a clinic treating a wide range of injuries, illnesses and disabilities. In the 1970s, the Australian Government Report into Complementary Therapies found that Tom Bowen had successfully treated 13,000 people.

Bowen in pregnancy

I find that the gentle nature of the Bowen treatment helps to instil emotional calm, an attribute that is particularly important during pregnancy. My mothers tend to love the profound relaxation that it gives. It is also non-invasive. I find it invaluable for treating acute conditions like pubic pain and other musculoskeletal pain.

What it can do for you in pregnancy

 Relieves back pain

 Relieves sciatica

 Relaxes the pelvic ligaments and muscles and helps pelvic mobility – this helps the baby’s head to engage in the pelvis

 A gentle manoeuvre on the coccyx can help initiate labour if you are overdue

Can you do it yourself?

No. This technique must be carried out by a qualified therapist.