In her latest blog, Bowen therapist Laura van Tatenhove dives into a profound exploration of stillness, reflection, and the need for space—both in life and in Bowen Therapy. Inspired by her meditative journey on holiday in Rhodes, she shares how allowing time for pause and introspection created an unexpected sense of clarity and freedom.
Just as she experienced transformation by creating mental space, Laura explains how Bowen Therapy uses similar principles: therapists take brief pauses, leaving clients alone to allow the body to adjust, relax, and discover its own healing pathways. These breaks aren’t just idle moments; they’re essential pauses that encourage the body to recalibrate and reconnect.
Laura’s reflections offer a unique insight into why Bowen sessions include these thoughtful pauses and how they enhance therapeutic outcomes. Read more here: https://www.bowentherapylancaster.com/post/making-space-for-change-in-art-and-in-bowen
Join Laura’s Upcoming Courses
Laura teaches CPD courses as well as the Bowen College UK’s Introduction to Bowen Therapy course. This is a two-day workshop open to anyone interested in exploring this gentle yet powerful therapy. Find out more here or email info@bowencollege.org.uk if you would like more information on studying with Laura.
Why Bowen Therapy Embraces the Art of Pause
In Bowen Therapy, the pauses or “space” during treatment are essential, deliberate breaks that allow the body time to process the therapeutic input it just received. Here’s how it works:
When a Bowen therapist applies gentle, rolling moves across specific muscles, tendons, and fascia, these moves stimulate the nervous system and initiate a healing response. However, instead of continuously working on the body, the therapist then leaves the room or steps back for a few minutes. This pause gives the client’s body a moment to respond to the stimulus without interference.
During these pauses, the body has the opportunity to “settle” and integrate the information from the Bowen moves. It can relax, recalibrate, and begin shifting towards homeostasis (balance). Many clients report sensations like warmth, tingling, pulsing, or unwinding in different areas during these breaks, which suggests the body is actively responding. This response can help the body release tension, improve circulation, and reset the nervous system—ultimately promoting healing from within.
In essence, the pauses create a space where the body can take charge of its own healing. Rather than forcing change, Bowen Therapy facilitates a gentle yet profound process where the body can “listen” to what it needs and adapt accordingly. It’s a unique aspect of Bowen Therapy that differentiates it from many other bodywork techniques.
