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A Bowtech Session

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.

Before the session

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.

A skilled therapist can 'read' the body's response to a session and adjust the Bowen moves accordingly.
(Image reproduced with the kind permission of First Stone Publishing from "Understanding the Bowen Technique" by John Wilks)