HISTORY OF BOWEN THERAPY

Bowen Therapy is a remarkable healing modality that originated in Australia. Developed in the 1950s by Tom Bowen, a man with an intuitive gift for understanding the body, this therapy has transformed the lives of countless individuals worldwide. 

Tom Bowen - The Founder

Tom Bowen, born in 1916 in Geelong, Victoria, had no formal medical training but an incredible ability to identify imbalances in the body. Through observation and experimentation, he developed a unique approach to soft tissue therapy. Bowen believed in the body’s natural ability to heal itself and designed his technique to stimulate this process gently and effectively.

His approach involved applying precise, rolling movements over muscles, tendons and connective tissues, interspersed with wait periods to allow the body to respond and integrate. This method is now the foundation of what we know as Bowen Therapy also known as Bowtech – the original Bowen technique.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition

Tom Bowen initially practiced his therapy informally, offering treatment to friends, family and his local community. Over time, word of his remarkable results spread and he began seeing as many as 13,000 clients annually. Despite his lack of formal training, his techniques gained recognition for their effectiveness.

In the 1970s, a small group of practitioners began learning from Tom Bowen directly, including Ossie Rentsch, who became instrumental in preserving and teaching the method. After Tom Bowen’s passing in 1982, Ossie and his wife Elaine dedicated themselves to bringing Bowen Therapy to the world.

A Global Healing Modality

Today, Bowen Therapy is practiced worldwide and recognised as a powerful, non-invasive therapy that supports the body’s healing processes. While the technique has been shared and practiced around the world, it remains deeply rooted in Tom Bowen’s original principles of simplicity, gentleness and respect for the body’s wisdom. 

A Legacy of Healing

Tom Bowen’s vision was to create a therapy accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or physical condition. His legacy lives on through the practitioners who continue to share his work, bringing relief and healing to people around the globe.