A typical Bowen Technique session generally lasts from 15 to 45 minutes. Clients usually lie on a massage/bodywork table or bed, or may be seated in a chair if required, for comfort. A ‘session’ involves one or more ‘procedures’, each of which consists of several sets of ‘moves’. The moves are gentle, but purposeful, and can be done through light clothing. Between each set of moves, the practitioner pauses for as many minutes as are needed for the client’s body to begin responding. As the nervous system begins to adjust the tension level in the muscles, the practitioner senses when the client is ready for the next set of moves. A common approach in a session is to balance the entire body by addressing the lower back, then the upper back, and then the neck. To minimize the need for disturbing the client’s rest, all procedures that address the back of the client are completed before turning over for procedures that are done with the client lying on his/her back.
Bowtech is a ‘complementary’ modality in the sense that it enhances and complements, but does not interfere with, traditional medical attention. Bowtech’s input to the nervous system is very subtle, and the body responds over time. For that reason, it’s best to avoid other manipulative therapies for several days before and after a Bowtech session lest they interfere with the body’s response to the Bowtech.
The ideal time for a Bowtech session is immediately after an injury. That way, your body can overcome the trauma before it begins to compensate for it. (The compensations often create more problems in the long run than the initial trauma itself.) If you can’t get to a Bowtech practitioner immediately, the sooner you can, the better. Within three days is ideal for the quickest and most complete recovery.
Many people don’t find out about Bowtech until weeks, months, or even years of trying other approaches or learning to live with it. If that’s the case with you, you’ll get the best results from your Bowtech if you:
- Don’t have any other forms of bodywork for four days beforehand
- Avoid heavy exercise on the day of your session
- Don’t use ice or heat on the site of injury
- Wear or bring light-weight, loose-fitting clothing that your practitioner can work through – or be prepared to be worked on in your underclothes, under sheets or blankets for modesty and comfort