A Bowen treatment usually lasts around an hour.
A full case history is taken of personal details and past and present health problems. Observations about the clients body are made, looking for poor body posture and misalignment.
The treatment is carried out usually on a therapy couch in a relaxing and private environment. If it is too uncomfortable to lie down, the treatment can be performed sitting, standing or supported in another way. Children generally play and sit on their parents knees.
The treatment can be done through very light clothing or preferably directly onto the skin. It involves gentle moves being made over muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, ligaments and connective tissue. Clients generally find it an extremely relaxing and pleasant experence, often falling asleep.
In between each series of moves the client is left alone to rest for a few minutes. This allows the body to absorb the gentle moves that have been performed, giving the body time to make the subtle and fine adjustments which promote the healing process. Treatments address the whole body as well as any presenting problems
You may notice a variety of sensations such as tingling, or increased heat or energy moving through the body. After the treatment you may feel very relaxed and sometimes drowsy.
In some cases relief from the presenting symptoms can be experienced after the first visit. Many people state that over the following 3-5 days they experience reactions as the body accepts the therapy and realigns itself. Acute conditions can respond immediately, chronic conditions may take longer.
Three to four treatments 5-10 days apart, are often sufficient to achieve lasting results from even long standing pain, although further treatments may be necessary.
To receive maximum benefit it is recommended that other physical therapies such as massage are not undertaken during the few days following a Bowen treatment.
It is important to drink plenty of water following a treatment and regular gentle movement is recommended, but nothing too strenuous.