Bowen Therapy in Naarden – A Gentle Approach When the Body Is Under Stress

Many people seek help for neck and shoulder pain, back discomfort, headaches, jaw tension, or a feeling that their body is “out of alignment.”

What is less obvious is that these physical symptoms are often linked to how the body has been coping with ongoing stress, pressure, or overload.

Bowen Therapy in Naarden offers a gentle, different approach to bodywork - one that works with the body rather than trying to push change through it.

This is why many people across the Het Gooi region choose Bowen when other approaches feel too forceful or no longer bring lasting change.

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A Bowen "Move" that gently re sets the nervous system

What Is Bowen Therapy?

Bowen Therapy is a gentle hands-on treatment that supports the body’s natural ability to rebalance itself.

The work involves light, precise moves over muscles and connective tissue (fascia), followed by short pauses. These pauses are an essential part of the process - they give the nervous system time to respond and allow the body to reorganise itself.

There is no force, manipulation, or deep pressure.

Instead, Bowen Therapy offers clear, simple input and trusts the body to do what it is designed to do.

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Why Bowen Therapy Feels Different From Other Bodywork?

Many forms of bodywork focus on working directly into tight muscles or problem areas. Bowen Therapy takes a broader view.

Rather than chasing symptoms, Bowen looks at:

• overall body alignment

• tension patterns from head to pelvis

• how the nervous system is responding

When the body has been under prolonged stress, it often stays in a state of holding or guarding. In this state, muscles may remain tight, posture can shift, and pain can persist.

Bowen Therapy works gently with the nervous system, helping the body move out of constant alertness and into a state where release, balance, and change are more likely to occur.

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How Stress Affects the Body and Nervous System

Stress does not only affect the mind - it shows up physically.

Many people notice:

• tight shoulders or neck

• recurring back pain

• headaches or jaw clenching

• shallow breathing

• fatigue or poor sleep

Often, these symptoms appear long before someone considers themselves “stressed.”

Bowen Therapy supports the body to settle and reset, helping both physical tension and nervous system load to ease naturally.

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Neck, Shoulder and Back Pain – A Whole-Body View

Pain in the neck, shoulders, or lower back is rarely isolated.

For example:

• shoulder tension may be linked to breathing patterns or stress

• lower back pain may relate to pelvic balance or long-standing tension

• posture changes can affect the entire spine

Bowen Therapy works with the whole body, supporting better alignment and ease of movement rather than focusing on one area alone.

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Jaw Tension, Headaches and Alignment

Jaw tension and TMJ-related issues often connect with:

• neck alignment

• posture

• breathing

• nervous system load

Bowen Therapy includes gentle work around the jaw while also addressing whole-body balance from head to pelvis. This broader approach often helps when jaw tension and headaches keep returning.

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What Happens During a Bowen Therapy Session?

A Bowen session is calm and unhurried.

You remain fully clothed, lying comfortably on a treatment table.

Gentle moves are applied, followed by pauses where the practitioner steps away, allowing your body time to respond.

Many people find sessions deeply relaxing, even though the work itself is very light.

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Is Bowen Therapy Right for You?

Bowen Therapy may be helpful if you:

• experience neck, shoulder, or back pain

• feel physically tense or out of alignment

• have headaches or jaw tension

• notice that stress affects your body

• prefer a gentle, respectful approach

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I offer Bowen Therapy sessions in Naarden, welcoming clients from across the Het Gooi region.

My work is calm, grounded, and shaped by 25 years of experience with Bowen Therapy (I also teach the Therapy).

Sessions are tailored to each individual and respect the body’s own pace and timing.

If you’re curious whether Bowen Therapy could support you, you’re very welcome to get in touch or book a session.