Bowen Therapy

A dynamic muscle and connective tissue therapy which stimulates the body's natural healing response and brings about remarkable results and long-lasting relief from pain.

Experienced Practitioner

Joshua Rasco has more than 15 years experience as a Bowen Practitioner and is a former teacher of the Cert IV in Bowen Therapy.

Safe and Gentle

There are no forceful adjustments in Bowen Therapy.  The moves are gentle and work with the body's intelligence.

Professional Membership

Member and former President of the Bowen Association of Australia.

Why does Bowen Therapy work?

Bowen Therapy often brings about remarkable results and long-lasting relief from pain - even if relief has not come after other therapies and treatments. This is the case because Bowen stimulates the healing capacities of the body in a unique and original way. Read more of How Bowen Therapy Works.

Bowen Therapy consists of a series of precise rolling movements over muscles, fascia, tendons, nerves and ligaments. These moves are light and can be done through clothing. There are frequent and important pauses between each series of moves giving the body time to benefit from each. Often people experience sensations such as warmth, tingling, coldness or heaviness while the body is integrating these moves and coming into greater balance.

The process of healing and re-balancing usually continues for several days after a Bowen session. Bowen Therapy is deeply relaxing and most clients experience reduced pain, increased mobility and a greater sense of well-being.

What are the benefits of Bowen Therapy?

Bowen can address a wide range of ailments and conditions. Here are a few:

Bowen Therapy and Back Pain

Back Pain and

Sciatica

Bowen Therapy can help with TMJ and jaw pain.

Jaw Pain and

TMJ Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Treatment Sydney

Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome/RSI

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Sydney

Plantar Fasciitis

& Heel Spurs

What clients have to say about Bowen Therapy

"I didn't know anything about Bowen. When I first heard about it, I wasn't getting anywhere with the treatment I was having. I'd had chiropractic, acupuncture, osteopathy and massage. They helped, but the pain always came back within a little space of time, and I was never pain free. I thought to myself "I'm desperate and I'll give Bowen a go" and I am so glad I did.

Right from the first session I have felt better. Bowen has changed my whole life, because it has given me back my body. It has taken away the fear I've had with my back and with moving my body. I'm so much more fluid. I go to sleep and I stay asleep. I don't wake up with back pain like I did every night of my life. I walk so much more easily and I feel so much lighter and I've lost that terrible fear that I had. It has really changed my whole life. It's fantastic and I tell everybody."

marilyn broadbridge, cremorne

"After an unimpressive experience involving conventional medical practitioners and numerous tests we tried the Bowen Technique. From the start we were impressed by the relaxing technique. Coupled with Joshua's experience, knowledge and calm demeanour it made for an immediately effective programme for both of us. We cannot recommend the technique and Joshua himself highly enough."

R & A Gower, Cherrybrook

Testimonials for Specific Ailments:

Back Pain

"I had back problems, neck problems and a rotating pelvis for over 15 years. I tried chiropractic, acupuncture, pilates, orthotics, physiotherapy, massage and regular exercise, but nothing fixed it permanently, the pain just kept recurring.

Bowen Therapy was recommended by a friend who had a similar problem to mine and had been to Joshua for Bowen; she said it had changed her life. I didn't know anything about Bowen, but I thought I would give it a try.

Bowen is gentle, very relaxing and it works! During the treatment and for a couple of days after you can feel it working. I now have much more rotation in my neck. The problem spots I had for years and years and years have gone. I don't have the intense back pain, especially at night, which used to keep me awake. I am so glad I came across Bowen Therapy. I highly recommended it."    

Dianne Ellis, Cremorne

-----------------------

"Bowen Therapy was recommended to me but I was skeptical of trying it because I’d never heard of it, and all of the other therapies I tried had failed."

"I had a back injury as a result of a major vehicle accident. I went to the doctor and had a CAT scan, x-ray and MRI. I also had chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, Reiki, hot stone therapy and remedial sports massage over a period of a year-and-a-half. After all these different therapies I was still in chronic pain, which affected my whole body, my mood and everything."

"I wouldn’t even say that I got short-term relief from the other therapies, at least not more than a couple of days, so I was skeptical and naturally thought, “why would Bowen work?” I had come to the conclusion that I was just going to have deal with this for the rest of my life."

"After the first Bowen session I had instantaneous relief from my back pain. After the second or third session I went on holidays for about two weeks. Normally when I go on holiday and get out of my routine my back becomes a lot worse (I do a combination of things to manage my back - aqua aerobics, yoga, orthotics and sleeping on a supported mattress). When I got back I was surprised that I'd had no issues while I was away – I had been completely out of my routine. I thought 'this Bowen actually works.'"

"My back can be good now for months. I'm secure in the knowledge that Bowen will fix me, even when I have to do things that I know will aggravate it."

Nikki Davies, Eastwood

Sciatica

“I was in constant pain for five years due to sciatic pain. It was painful to walk and I would dread bending over. It was debilitating in every way.

At work, I made myself do my job, but the pain slowed me down quite a bit. I had to physically focus on every move I made because I knew it was going to be painful. It hurt all the time.

Since having Bowen everything is easier. I don’t shuffle any more, I walk. I stride almost. To be able to walk up steps without having to think about it is so wonderful. I almost needed a Zimmer frame the way I was walking. I couldn’t twist or turn and now I can. You wouldn’t believe the difference.

I am so happy that I am able to get back on the treadmill too. Being able to exercise again is amazing! I’ve lost several kilos and am enjoying buying new clothes.

Bowen has changed my life. After a treatment I can’t help smiling. I always feel at peace and like a weight has been lifted. When I know I’ve got a Bowen appointment, I’m like a big kid – “I’ve got Bowen today! I’ve got Bowen today!”

I definitely recommend that you try Bowen Therapy.”

Debbie Simpson, Hornsby

-------------------------------

"I had sciatica with lots of lower back pain, which ran down into my groin and hip, calf and foot. I’d seen an osteopath and I’d had some physio and it helped a little bit, but it hadn’t really done the trick. I was getting quite disheartened and was in quite a bit of pain. I couldn’t sleep, and couldn’t get comfortable anywhere. Thanks to a friend’s recommendation I gave Bowen Therapy a go.

Bowen has been the only thing that has helped me be free of sciatic pain. After about two or three sessions I really noticed a big difference and I’m now pain free.

You can spend a lot of money going to lots of different therapies and trying them all out. I have done that in the past. This is the therapy that has helped me the most. What I like most about Bowen is its gentleness and the way it treats the whole body, not just the problem area. I recommend it for back pain, sciatica or even just stress – because it is very good at calming down anxiety and nervous tension. I can feel it bring my whole body into balance. Somehow I feel more integrated, more light-hearted. I love it – I can’t think of anything else I’d rather have, and I’ve tried a few things. I recommend it to anyone, young or old.

For those looking for a good practitioner, Joshua has been fantastic and is quite intuitive. He honed in on a few other bits and pieces that I didn’t tell him about and included them in his treatment of me. Joshua is gentle and has a lot of compassion. When I’ve asked him questions, he’s answered them. I think that’s very important because people are vulnerable when they have pain and they want to be with someone who understands and listens, and he’s done that. It’s been a lovely experience.”

Judy H., Willoughby

------------------------

"I am amazed at the degree of pain that has been alleviated from my legs and knees after so many years of constant acute pain in my sciatic area, after receiving Bowen treatment. I am able to continue with my normal sporting activities without the constant reminder of ‘pain’ and especially where any form of exercise on a gradient is required.”

Veronique Donaldson, Wahroonga

Headaches/Migraines

“My fear was not so much about the headaches but what they would progress to.  They had already gotten so bad, what would come next?

I was very stressed and my digestion wasn't good.  I would feel sick in my stomach and a really strong, throbbing pain in my head.  It took a lot of effort for me to focus, which left me exhausted at the end of the day.  The strain of trying to stay alert perpetuated the headaches.  They would go on for two to three weeks at a time and were getting progressively worse.  I just couldn't get rid of them, even with medication. 

I had seen lots of doctors and had all of the scans, but they couldn't find anything wrong with me.  I had heard of Bowen Therapy so I thought I would try it.

After Bowen with Joshua I have been much more energetic.  Over the last two months I have only had a headache a couple of times.    With less pain and fatigue, my mood has improved.  I am happier and more optimistic.  So for me this has been a big improvement.

I think Bowen is beneficial for everyone, whether in pain or not.  You experience a closeness to your body that is easily lost in everyday life.  I am more aware of my body and more aware of the energy flow in my body.

I definitely would recommend Bowen to others and have already recommended it to a couple of friends.  I feel quite lucky to have experienced Joshua's Bowen sessions.”

Ivanka, Naremburn

--------------------------

"On the way to my Bowen appointment with Joshua I was thinking 'will I go or won't I.'

I was in the middle of a migraine and wasn't driving really well on the day. I had blurred-vision, a pounding head and was getting nauseous. Joshua did whatever he did and the migraine just eased away within the hour. It was totally gone by the time I had gotten home. I've had migraines for years, one every couple of months, but I haven't had any for the last six months since the treatment."

Robin Giles, Carlingford

Jaw Pain/TMJ Syndrome

“As a result of protracted dental work my right temporo-mandibular joint went into spasm. In spite of hot and cold compresses and gentle massage over several days I still could only partly open my mouth. For example, eating a thick sandwich was out of the question. Joshua gave me two sessions of Bowen, each of which noticeably released the TMJ until, I was extremely glad to say, normal function of the joint returned."

 M.N., St. Ives

Arthritis

"I couldn’t use my hands properly, because of my swollen knuckles and arthritis pain. It hurt if I tried to open things and my hands throbbed constantly. At the urging of my husband I tried Bowen Therapy. I didn’t think it would help but I went ahead and tried it anyway.

The day after the Bowen treatment I didn’t have any pain in my fingers. I have child-proof gate locks at my place of work and I could actually open them. That’s when I noticed that there was no pain! It had been months since I had been able to open the gate. My hands and fingers have been really good ever since.

Bowen is a non-intrusive way of removing arthritic pain. I would definitely recommend it for those with arthritis."

Robyn Giles , Hornsby

---------------------------

"I came to Bowen because I have arthritis in my wrists and fingers. It was recommended by a friend who said Bowen had changed her life. Bowen is so gentle – I don’t know how it works, it just does! During the treatment and for a couple of days after you can feel it working. The nodule on my left wrist decreased in size within hours. It was a very big nodule and it halved within two hours, which was amazing. Also, I haven’t had the arthritic pain in my wrist. I was putting ice gel and everything on it at night for the pain, but I have not had one bit of pain all winter.

I have already recommended Bowen to two others with arthritis."

Dianne E., Cremorne


Insomnia

"Since having Bowen I’m sleeping a lot better.  I’ve been a chronic insomniac for all my life.  A good night’s sleep was about four and half hours and I now sleep, most nights, about seven hours.  To be able to sleep more is just amazing for me."

Gillian Reed, Mt Kuring-gai

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

"I had never heard of Bowen Therapy. I didn’t think it would be any help at all for my carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel was so bad that I was prepared to have surgery and miss six months of work. I had spoken to a few people who had already had the surgery – some were better, but some said their carpal tunnel was worse.

I am someone that likes to try things so I went ahead and tried Bowen after hearing about it. I didn’t feel much different after the first and second sessions (except that I became very thirsty), but after the third session my elbow got really sore and a couple of days later my carpal tunnel symptoms were completely gone – I couldn’t believe it. It was like someone had switched the light on. I was absolutely surprised and other people I have spoken to just can’t believe it. Two or three months later some of the symptoms came back but after one more treatment they went away again.

The best thing is that I haven’t had to miss work. I am a mechanic and if I can’t work, I can’t earn a living. The carpal tunnel surgery is also very, very expensive and high risk. Bowen is a hell of a lot cheaper and is gentle and non-invasive.

Bowen has so many benefits, why wouldn’t you give it a try? You have nothing to lose."

Steve Giles, Hornsby

--------------------------

"I woke up one morning and my fingers were swollen like sausages and were very painful. It gave me a terrible shock – I didn’t know what was going on. I have had carpal tunnel for 8-10 years but this was something new.

I was very worried, because I am a hairdresser and I actually couldn’t work. I couldn’t sleep either. I was in agony. Massage, chiropractic and acupuncture didn’t really do the job. That’s when I knew I was in trouble – everything that I usually had wasn’t working!

One of my girlfriends recommended Joshua for Bowen Therapy. I knew about Bowen but didn’t know it could help carpal tunnel. I rang him and started straight away.

Since having Bowen the symptoms are negligible. I can sleep at night. I don’t have the pain, I can work. I’m no longer stressed out because I’m worried whether or not I’ll still have a career. It’s just terrific.

Also, other issues such as my sore shoulders, aching knees and swollen feet are a lot better. It is working on my whole body. I realised how much pain and tension I was living with from what I do.

Bowen is nice and relaxing, which is much different from some of the other therapies I have had. I can feel it working and I can see the results. I’m a lot more relaxed than I usually am.

I’m certainly recommending Joshua to a whole lot of people."

Sharon King, Northern Beaches

--------------------------------------

"The base of the thumb on my right hand was extremely painful all the time, to the extent that I couldn't sleep and was having to hold it in a peculiar position. I was also told by my doctor that I had significant carpal tunnel problems in my left hand and he wanted to operate .

From what I found on the internet, carpal tunnel surgery is only 50% successful. And afterwards you can’t use your hand or drive for six weeks, plus there’s the scar.

My friend had been telling me for years to come and have Bowen. I didn’t think Bowen would do anything, but when you’re offered the choice of being chopped open or giving someone a go, you give somebody a go, and that’s why I came.

The day I arrived I could barely hold a pen to fill out the questionnaire. I was in so much pain. I really didn’t believe anything was going to happen during the first session, but I walked out thinking “hang on, my hands not hurting!” That night I lay thinking “I'd better not move because maybe it will start hurting again”, but it didn’t.

I can now clench my fists which I haven’t been able to do in years – it is a really good feeling. Bowen is terrific and I have recommended it to lots of people.”

Helen Gentle, Wahroonga

Fibromyalgia

"I had been unwell and in chronic pain for 10 years, which recently was diagnosed as fibromyalgia. I had tried osteopathy, acupuncture, massage and pain medication. None of them helped much. A friend had been recommending Bowen Therapy for some time but I was sceptical of it - I thought 'Oh yeah, it will be similar to osteopathy.' Eventually I gave it a go because my friend really insisted that I try it. I am so glad she did!

Bowen has really helped my fatigue. I used to feel tired a lot. After exercise I would be really exhausted as if I'd run a marathon or something. I used to come home after sports or a day at work and just had to crash on the couch and do nothing. It's not like that anymore. Now I come home and I feel happy, I do some cooking or whatever I need to do. My energy levels have really gone up.

I am also less anxious. Now when I get up in the morning, if I'm a little bit tired I don't get worried about my pain symptoms being triggered. I am confident that I will make it through the day.

Another problem with fibromyalgia is that you usually sleep lightly and don't really recover like you would after having a good night's sleep. After Bowen I started having much deeper sleeps. Unlike the other therapies I tried, Bowen seems to balance my nervous system.

I would definitely recommend Bowen to others, especially for chronic pain and chronic fatigue. I think people with chronic pain have a hard time finding something that works. Medicine often doesn't work and even if it does it has side effects".

C.D., Hornsby

Lupus

“Bowen is the way to go for Lupus. I would absolutely recommend it for others that have Lupus.”

"I heard about Bowen Therapy from a friend who was seeing Joshua. She said I should try it because I was having a lot of flare-ups. I waited for a while because I didn’t know of anyone else that had had Bowen and I was going to a chiropractor at the time for my Lupus, but eventually I gave Bowen a go.

The problem with Lupus is that you just never know when it is going to attack. It is an autoimmune disorder and can attack anywhere in the body, inflaming joints, muscles and internal organs. Some days I’ll get up in the morning and can hardly walk. Other times it will affect my hands or neck and make it very painful to move. It is worse in cooler weather, but it is bad in the summer too.

Stress at work has a lot to do with the onset of an attack, but as soon as I have Bowen I begin to relax. Bowen loosens me up and releases the tension. I find that Bowen is helping to keep the inflammation and flare-ups under control and helping me to manage it more.

Bowen definitely works better than the chiropractic I was receiving. Chiropractic was too harsh for my condition. Bowen is a gentle technique and the way to go for Lupus. I would absolutely recommend it for others that have Lupus."

Jenny Sexton


Tinnitus

"It was tinnitus and an on-going issue with dizziness that eventually led me to Bowen. The tinnitus was quite severe at the time. I had a constant ringing in the ears. It was so uncomfortable - a dull ache that was a constant companion. I did all of the traditional things to no avail, like going to the GP and having all the tests.

Bowen has absolutely helped the tinnitus and dizziness. It was such a debilitating thing and I’m just forever grateful that it actually really helped. That’s what I like most about Bowen, that it actually fixes the issue. So, I have found Bowen to be fantastic in that sense and it is also a really nice, calming experience. I just find it is really helpful and I have no qualms in recommending it, because it’s just fantastic."

Sarah Nott, North Sydney

------------------------------

"Bowen definitely decreased my tinnitus, which I have had for the last ten years. It was like cicadas on a hot summer’s day. I found it difficult to hear the TV and sometimes the phone was very difficult. I now have days where I have none at all – I can be working away and realise, “it’s quiet”. I can go for periods of three or four days with no ringing at all.

I appreciate Joshua’s knowledge. I like the way that he explains what he is doing and if I have particular issues I know that he listens to me and that is something I don’t feel that I get from my specialist or doctor."

Gillian Reed, Mt Kuring-gai

Chemotherapy Support

"Originally I came for Bowen for my frozen shoulder. On top of the major surgery I had just gone through and the rounds of chemotherapy that I would soon be starting, the shoulder pain was just too much. I couldn't sleep and was finding it difficult to function. Luckily, at that point a friend suggested I try Bowen.

I was amazed at the results I started seeing with my shoulder, it was such a relief. Then when chemotherapy started, Joshua began working on increasing my vitality. When I could feel how the Bowen was working through my system, I was sold!

Bowen had a big impact on helping me get through chemotherapy. I really looked forward to my non-chemo week (I had a round of chemo every other week), because I knew I would be having Bowen. It helped me re-centre after each blast I received.

Without Bowen I would have had a harder time physically and emotionally. I don't think I would have been able to get back into the right space to face the next round of chemo, especially when I knew I had to front up again and again and again. It was very reassuring to know that Bowen was available to me, something which helped me feel better, build up strength and better tolerate each round of chemotherapy."

Take the first step towards a healthier, relaxed, more energetic you.

About your Bowen Therapist

Joshua Rasco, Bowen & Craniosacral Therapist, Meditation Teacher

I first tried Bowen Therapy in 2000 for a painful shoulder I was experiencing. My shoulder improved rapidly with Bowen and I was especially amazed at the profound relaxation and sense of well-being I felt after each session.

This inspired me to learn Bowen, which I've been practising now since 2005. I am also the former President of the Bowen Association of Australia and a former Bowtech Bowen Instructor.

Bowen Association of Australia
Joshua Rasco, Bowen & Craniosacral Therapist, Meditation Teacher

Bowen Therapy FAQs

How long is a Bowen Therapy session?

An initial Bowen Therapy session will last from 1 hour to 1 1/4 hours. Follow-up Bowen sessions usually run from 45 minutes to 1 hour.

How many Bowen sessions will I need?

Three sessions are recommended to address an acute condition when there is no other complicating health condition. For chronic conditions around six initial sessions are often necessary. These are estimates as each session is tailored to the individuals response to the Bowenwork.

In many cases regular maintenance sessions (every 3 to 6 weeks) is necessary to maintain optimal health and well being.

How does Bowen Therapy work?

Read our article on How Does Bowen Therapy Work?

What are the origins of Bowen Therapy

Bowen Therapy was originated by Tom Bowen of Geelong, VIC, Australia.

What are the fees?  What forms of payment do you accept?

Initial Bowen Consultation................ $125

Subsequent Bowen Consultation....$110

Children: 3-12yrs.... $80; Under 3yrs.... $30


Cash, Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

Are health fund rebates available?

Unfortunately, as of 1 Apr 2019 health fund rebates are no longer available for Bowen Therapy.

What should I wear?  Can Bowen be done through clothing?

Yes, Bowen can be performed through clothing. No jeans, dresses or skirts please. Shorts are ideal.

Is Bowen Therapy a type of Massage?

Bowen Therapy is not massage but it is a type of bodywork. Bowen Therapy is gentler and more precise than massage. Bowen moves stimulate the body's own innate healing potential allowing for a very powerful response, which continues for at least two to three days after a session. A Bowen practitioner starts this process but the body does the rest. With massage it is the practitioner that endeavours to bring about healing in the body through their manual kneading and massaging.

What qualifications are necessary for Bowen Technique practitioners?

A Certificate IV in Bowen Therapy 10533NAT and a Diploma of Bowen Therapy 10534NAT are offered through Bowen Training Australia. A Certificate IV in Bowen Therapy is the minimum requirement for Bowen practitioners to receive insurance and become a member of a professional association such as the Bowen Association of Australia.


Joshua Rasco has been practising Bowen Therapy since 2005 and has attained a Diploma of Bowen Therapy and the post-Diploma Specialised Bowen Procedures 2 certificate. He is also a former Cert IV in Bowen Therapy instructor with Bowen Training Australia.

What are the benefits of Bowen Therapy?

Besides the ability to address and resolve specific ailments troubling the client, the holistic nature of Bowen provides the additional benefits of deep relaxation and greater sense of well being with each treatment. Many also comment on a greatly improved quality of sleep. Bowen is also preventative - it keeps the body supple and healthy.


Where are you located?

5/9 Hill St, Roseville, NSW 2069

"My fear was not so much about the headaches but what they would progress to.  They had already gotten so bad, what would come next?


I was very stressed and my digestion wasn't good.  I would feel sick in my stomach and a really strong, throbbing pain in my head.  It took a lot of effort for me to focus, which left me exhausted at the end of the day.  The strain of trying to stay alert perpetuated the headaches.  They would go on for two to three weeks at a time and were getting progressively worse.  I just couldn't get rid of them, even with medication. 


I had seen lots of doctors and had all of the scans, but they couldn't find anything wrong with me.  I had heard of Bowen Therapy so I thought I would try it.


After Bowen with Joshua I have been much more energetic.  Over the last two months I have only had a headache a couple of times.  With less pain and fatigue, my mood has improved.  I am happier and more optimistic.  So for me this has been a big improvement.


I think Bowen is beneficial for everyone, whether in pain or not.  You experience a closeness to your body that is easily lost in everyday life.  I am more aware of my body and more aware of the energy flow in my body.


I definitely would recommend Bowen to others and have already recommended it to a couple of friends.


I feel quite lucky to have experienced Joshua's Bowen sessions."

ivanka, naremburn

"You will think that Bowen is a new-age therapy and that it hasn't got a hope in working.

I first encountered Bowen Therapy about twenty years ago. I had an absolutely unbearable back after camping with the children. When I returned home I was bent over at 90 degrees and just had to lie in bed for three weeks.


I was in such agony that I tried Bowen Therapy on the recommendation of a friend. After the first session I could stand up straight and after a few more sessions I was fine. After all of these years I don’t have any problems with my back.


What I like most about Bowen is the fact that it works. I’ve had success with the problems I’ve been there for, in a very gentle way that felt safe."

judith, willoughby

"For a time now I have enjoyed and benefited from the Bowen treatments. Having endured pain in my leg for some weeks I am now entirely pain free and my movements are normal. I also found my whole body has benefited very much with a feeling of wellbeing."

W. G., Killara (aged 98)

"Since having Bowen I’m sleeping a lot better.  I’ve been a chronic insomniac for all my life. A good night’s sleep was about four and half hours and I now sleep, most nights, about seven hours.  To be able to sleep more is just amazing for me."

Gillian reed, Mt ku-ring-gai

"On the way to my Bowen appointment with Joshua I was thinking 'will I go or won't I.'

I was in the middle of a migraine and wasn't driving really well on the day. I had blurred-vision, a pounding head and was getting nauseous. Joshua did whatever he did and the migraine just eased away within the hour. It was totally gone by the time I had gotten home. I've had migraines for years, one every couple of months, but I haven't had any for the last six months since the treatment."

Robyn giles, carlingford

Accelerate the 
healing process, book a Bowen Therapy session today