What Is the Bowen Technique?

Bowen is an extremely gentle, yet powerful, physical medicine/body work technique that balances the tension patterns in the body, promoting a deep state of relaxation. Gentle rolling movements with the fingers over muscle bellies and tendon sheath apparatuses gently direct the client’s body to relax the soft tissue structures such as muscles, tendons, & ligaments, which further allows the body to align its skeletal system.

While primarily known for assisting with musculo-skeletal issues, Bowen addresses the body as a whole, including the fascia, nerves, and internal organs. This results in improved blood and oxygen circulation, lymphatic drainage, and enhanced detox and cleansing.

Bowen Technique Anchorage Alaska

Who Can Benefit from the Bowen Technique?

The beauty of the Bowen Technique is that it is gentle enough to help an eclectic array of people, from pregnant moms, newborns, toddlers, elderly folks, fibromyalgia patients, athletes, the wheelchair-bound, stroke recovery patients, Parkinson’s patients, and those with fertility issues.

  • Traumatic Injuries
  • Stress Reactions
  • Arthritic Pain
  • High/Low Blood Pressure
  • TMJ issues
  • Prevention of Fluid Retention
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Infertility
  • Sinusitis
  • Leg Length Imbalances
  • Ear/Nose/Throat issues

What happens during a Bowen session?

The Bowen session usually takes place on a standard massage table but can be adapted to a sofa, bed, chair, or wheelchair. Patients typically undress down to their undergarments before lying underneath a sheet and blanket, but they can remain fully clothed if they prefer. The hands-on component involves a few movements with the thumbs and forefingers and then a two minute rest to allow the patient to integrate the “information” they are receiving. It is so gentle and non-invasive that some patients fall asleep during a session.

What can I expect after a completed session?

Most people experience immediate improvement to some degree, while others may notice improvement the next day and continuing for up to five days afterwards. It is recommended that the patient drink plenty of water and generally be gentle with oneself for 24 hours post-session. Strenuous exertion and extreme temperatures, such as a sauna or Jacuzzi, should be avoided. A deep and restful sleep generally is experienced the night of the session as well, along with more trips to the restroom as the detox and cleansing processes continue. Sometimes the practitioner will assign strengthening exercises to perform following the procedure.

Does insurance cover the Bowen Technique?

Fortunately, the Bowen Technique is generally a covered procedure as a manual therapy modality, which can be verified ahead of time through our benefits verification option.

Dr. David M. Newirth is a naturopathic doctor and operator of Alaska Natural Health Solutions in Anchorage, AK. He can be contacted @ 907-569–5757.