The Bowen Therapy Technique

Bowenwork is a hands-on form of bodywork that utilizes a sequence of light rolling movements with the thumbs or fingers over specific areas of the body. This "Bowen Move" stimulates the brain and body to come together and begin self-healing. It is holistic in that it affects the whole body and not just specific symptoms. It is like hitting the body's reset button to take it out of "fight/flight/freeze" (Sympathetic Nervous System) and into healing/rest/digest (Parasympathetic Nervous System).

The original Bowen Technique was developed by Tom Bowen in Australia during the 1950s and 1960s. It wasn't until very late in life that he was persuaded to share his gift with a few select colleagues who went on to document and teach Bowenwork around the world.

Bowenwork can help the body recover from many conditions, from traumatic injury to chronic illness, depending upon the body's capacity to heal. Bowenwork benefits all ages, from newborns to the elderly, due to its gentle, non-invasive nature.

The following is a short list of conditions that respond favourably to Bowenwork.

  • Back Pain and Sciatica
  • Digestive and Bowel Problems
  • Earache, Vertigo, and Tmj Problems
  • Migraines and Other Types of Headaches
  • Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Hip, Knee, Ankle, and Foot Problems, Including Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions and Hammertoes
  • Menstrual and Hormonal Irregularities
  • Neck and Shoulder Problems, Including "Frozen Shoulder"
  • Groin Pain, Pelvic Tilt, and Uneven Leg Length
  • Respiratory Problems, Including Asthma and Hay Fever
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, Rsi
  • Colic in Babies
  • Scoliosis
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Tinnitus
  • Lymph Edema
  • Sports and Other Traumatic Injuries

Bowenwork differs from other hands-on therapies such as massage, chiropractic and acupuncture in that sets of very gentle "Bowen moves" will be done on various areas of the client's body. Then, the Bowen practitioner will pause the treatment to allow the client's body to begin to respond to the signals created by the sequence of Bowen moves. The treatment continues once the body changes. Sets of Bowen moves make up various procedures. Many clients will have significant improvements in their conditions after only 2 or 3 treatments. The body will continue to process the Bowenwork for a couple of days between treatments.

Robyn has created a quiet, comfortable treatment room in her home at 538 Lower Oak Leaf Road outside of Athens, Ontario. She will also accommodate clients with mobility issues by coming to their homes for treatment, provided they live within a 50 km radius of Athens, Ontario. Extra travel charges will apply to homes outside the 50 km radius. Please contact Robyn for a quote.

Prior to your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a client intake form. Together, we will review the intake form and discuss your health issues and concerns. A visual assessment will be done to determine the best course of treatment.

The treatment will take place with the client lying on a treatment table or seated in a chair, whichever is more comfortable. The Bowen moves can be applied through light clothing (t-shirt, shorts, yoga pants) or on bare skin, depending upon your comfort level. No oils or lotions are used. You will be draped with sheets for your comfort and modesty. The first treatment will last approximately 1.5 hours. Subsequent treatments will be approximately 1 hour each.

To begin, I suggest 3 treatments scheduled 5–10 days apart, with 1 week being optimum. The time between treatments allows the body time to integrate the Bowenwork. What happens between the treatments is as important as what happens during a treatment. The body will continue to change as the brain and body process the Bowenwork during that time. Clients will usually see significant improvement within these 3 treatments. If required, additional treatments are scheduled at least a week apart, with most conditions resolving or significantly improving within 3–8 treatments. After that, the client can book "tune-ups" as required.

Oak Leaf Bowen Therapy is accepting appointments for evenings and weekends only. No walk-ins, please.

Each treatment is $60. The terms are cash or e-transfer.

To book a Bowenwork treatment with Robyn, please call her at (613) 924-1555 (landline) or contact her by email at [email protected]

Please call for a quote if you wish to have a treatment in your home, and you are more than 50 km from Athens.

Oak Leaf Bowen Therapy