Bowen Therapy History

Bowen Therapy takes its name from Thomas Ambrose Bowen (1916-1982), who was born in Melbourne and developed his distinctive technique through continuous experimentation and observation. Tom started to develop his natural abilities to facilitate healing in the 1950's as a trainer with junior football clubs. By the mid 60's he was working as an Osteopath at his Geelong practice, giving about 300 treatments per week using the unique method developed by him. A Victorian government survey in 1974 reported him seeing more than 13,000 people a year. He was an altruistic person, who would often work on children, disabled and service people free of charge.

Oswald "Ossie" Rentsch was a student of Tom and the person entrusted to document his work. It was Ossie, who has faithfully preserved Tom's unique approach to the complementary health field, promoting it worldwide through his organisation BOWTECH. This has resulted in bringing comfort to hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world.

About Fascia

Fascia is one of the connective tissues and the largest organ in our body. Fascia is like a physiological internet of connectivity, linking both the mechanical and chemical, between our body's parts, as well as providing structure and biochemical support to surrounding cells. Our fascia is also a major fluid pathway of the body. The fascia's hydration level provides strength and support for the musculoskeletal system.

About Pauses

What distinguishes Bowen Therapy from other bodywork modalities are the pauses between Bowen moves. As Bowen Therapy aims to stimulate the body's innate ability to heal itself, the pauses give it time to integrate the changes initiated by the moves. Integration results in a deep sense of relaxation and improved body awareness. During these pauses, people often feel energy, blood flow and other sensations. The pauses also help to prevent overstimulation, allowing the body to adapt to changes gradually. Following a treatment, most people feel relaxed yet energised and alert. Regular Bowen treatments help keep energy levels high and protect against stress, injuries, and illness. Bowen therapy honours the innate intelligence of the body as recognised in all the traditional healing arts.

What does Bowen Therapy do

Bowen Therapy can create significant physiological responses within the body as follows:

  1. Resets the nervous system. During the treatment, major relay points along the nervous system are activated sequentially.
  2. It stimulates cellular communication.
  3. Stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
  4. Restores proper posture and alignment.
  5. Releases dysfunctional pain loops.
  6. Softens scar tissue.
  7. Restores sleep patterns.
  8. Improves digestion.
  9. Decreases the impact of anxiety and trauma.
  10. Restores wellbeing.
  11. Increases energy.

What conditions can Bowen Therapy be used for

As Bowen therapy is an integrated holistic therapy, i.e., it treats the body as a whole, it can assist in providing relief from many health problems. The Bowen technique is safe to use on anyone, from newborns to the elderly.

  • Back pain and sciatica
  • Musculoskeletal or related neurological problems
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Neck and shoulder problems, including frozen shoulder
  • Acute sports injuries or related neurological problems
  • RSI, tennis elbow and carpel tunnel
  • Respiratory problems including asthma, hay fever and sinusitis
  • Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Knee, ankle, foot problems
  • Stress and anxiety, tension, depression, PTSD
  • Chronic conditions
  • Digestive and bowel problems, IBS
  • Menstrual problems and irregularities
  • Fertility, pregnancy and postnatal support