What Does a Bowen Session Actually Feel Like?
"What does it actually feel like?" is probably the question I'm asked most. People have heard the name from a friend or seen it mentioned online, but Bowen can be hard to picture until you've tried it. So here's my honest description, from the moment you arrive at my clinic in Chorley to the moment you head home.
Arriving and settling in
The clinic is a calm room in my home at 16 Cherry Tree Grove. There's no bustling reception and no clinical smell. You'll be welcomed in, offered a seat, and we'll start with a relaxed chat.
On your first visit, which lasts about an hour, I'll ask about you, your routine and any health conditions, so I can check Bowen suits you. Nothing is rushed, and you can ask me anything. Follow-up visits are a bit shorter, at about 45 minutes.
Lying down, fully clothed
When we're ready, you lie on a padded therapy couch. You stay fully clothed throughout, so loose, comfortable clothes are ideal. Most people lie on their front to begin with, and I'll usually pop a warm blanket over you, especially at this time of year when Lancashire turns chilly.
The moves themselves
Bowen uses small, light rolling moves. I use my thumbs and fingers to make a gentle roll across a muscle, a bit like a soft nudge. It's much lighter than most people expect. There's no deep pressure, no oils and no cracking or clicking of joints.
You might be aware of a light touch on your back, your legs or your shoulders, and then it's gone. Some people say it feels like very little is happening at all. That's normal.
Then, the pause
Here's the part that surprises people. After a few moves, I step back, and often leave the room for a couple of minutes. You simply lie there in the quiet.
These pauses are a key part of Bowen. For you, it's a few minutes of doing absolutely nothing. No phone buzzing, no list running through your head. Lots of people find their breathing slows and they feel very settled. It's not unusual for someone to drift off for a bit, and that's perfectly fine.
The session carries on like this, a few gentle moves, then a pause, until we're done.
How people describe it afterwards
Everyone's different, so I won't promise any particular result. What I can tell you is the words people use most often when they sit up: calm, peaceful, sleepy, "I didn't expect that", and "I could have stayed there all afternoon". Some people feel a bit dozy afterwards, so I always suggest taking your time, having a glass of water and not rushing off.
A complementary therapy
Bowen is a complementary therapy. It sits alongside care from your GP or physio, not instead of it. If you're under the care of a doctor for anything, please carry on as they advise and just let me know at your first visit.
Fancy trying it?
If you're near Chorley, Leyland, Euxton, Adlington or Whittle-le-Woods, the clinic is only a short drive away. A first Bowen visit is £50 and follow-ups are £45. If you'd like some company, the bring-a-friend double session lets two of you be seen side by side, and the first one is £50 for both.
You can find all the prices and session details on my services page, or call or text me on 07894 283038 with any questions. I'm always happy to chat.
Brett
Small moves. Big difference.
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