Hands of Change
Empowering Communities
We are training Bowen therapy practitioners in low-income communities in South Africa to address critical challenges such as limited healthcare access, chronic pain, and mental health issues. Bowen therapy offers a unique, cost-effective, and sustainable solution to these problems, thereby enhancing the wellbeing of individuals, families, and entire communities.
What is Bowen therapy?
Bowen therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that uses light rolling motions over muscles, tendons, and soft tissues. Its purpose is to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, promote relaxation, and alleviate various issues including pain, stress, and musculoskeletal conditions. Being non-invasive and suitable for all ages, Bowen therapy stands as an accessible and effective healthcare option for communities with scarce conventional medical services.
The Challenge
Healthcare inequalities in South Africa greatly affect families and communities, especially in underprivileged areas. Many people rely on crowded public clinics, traditional healers, or NGOs for medical care. Yet, financial issues and systemic barriers often limit access to reliable, quality healthcare, leading to ongoing poor health and worsening inequalities.
Community Wellbeing
Healthcare issues in South Africa hurt community well-being, causing lower productivity, higher health risks, and more pressure on social support systems. Poor access to quality healthcare and untreated illnesses keep poverty and inequality going. Moreover, mental health problems weaken community strength. Tackling these healthcare gaps is essential for building healthier, stronger communities.
Our Initiative
The JAS Foundation was created to address the healthcare issues in low-income communities. We focus on empowering these communities with sustainable, community-driven solutions like Bowen therapy. Our foundation encourages resilience and improves overall wellbeing. We seek to enhance individual and collective health and quality of life.
The Value of Bowen
Bowen therapy is a gentle, non-invasive technique that helps the body heal itself by addressing musculoskeletal pain, chronic conditions, and stress-related issues. It is effective for back and neck pain, joint discomfort, headaches, TMJ disorders, and recovery from injuries. Using light rolling movements over muscles and connective tissues, Bowen therapy stimulates the nervous system, promotes relaxation, improves circulation, and enhances the body’s natural ability to restore balance and health. This holistic approach makes it ideal for those seeking safe and sustainable alternatives to conventional treatments.
Our Impact
We are actively engaged in two areas of the Western Cape: Atlantis and Kewtown.
Our partnership with the Braitex factory in Atlantis commenced in 2024 and operates on a co-pay model, where both the factory and its employees financially contribute to treatment costs. We visit the factory two to three times monthly to ensure that both day and night shift workers have access to our services, as the factory operates around the clock. Below are some stories from individuals we have treated at the Braitex factory.
We are running a pro-bono clinic in Kewtown, our founding site, which our initiative began in 2019 from the home of a community member. Each month, we treat between 18 and 25 individuals from the surrounding neighbourhoods, including Kewtown, Bridgetown, Mannenberg, Silvertown, and Mitchells Plein. To enhance our capacity to serve more people, we are now utilizing the facilities of the Al WAAGAH Institute for the Deaf. Here are some stories of the individuals we have been treating at this pro-bono clinic.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a comprehensive network of Bowen practitioners in every small town of the Western Cape over the next decade, spanning from 2025 to 2035. We aim to develop a thriving community of over 300 practitioners, serving more than 150 small towns and communities.
The inaugural cohort will commence in 2025, featuring six women who will engage in a year-long apprenticeship program. This program encompasses nine modules, with one module facilitated each month from February to November 2025. The foundation of this capacity-building initiative consists of the first seven courses required for formal qualification as Bowen practitioners. Our training programs are supervised by Bowen SA (Bowen Therapy Association South Africa). Additionally, the curriculum includes two essential courses: anatomy and an accredited first aid course.
Participants will be empowered to apply their newly acquired skills in real-world settings immediately, with the guidance of an experienced trainer at our existing sites in Atlantis and Kewtown.
Support Us
We invite you to support our mission to create meaningful change in our communities.
Currently, we are fundraising to cover the training expenses for our inaugural cohort of candidates in 2025. Our target is to raise R80 000 (roughly $4300). Every donation, regardless of size, is impactful and appreciated. You can contribute directly to our cause by contacting us.
If you share our vision for empowering Bowen practitioners in underserved communities, we invite you to make a financial contribution. Join us in our mission to transform lives, one neighbourhood at a time. Together, we can establish a network of healing hands that reaches every corner of South Africa, uplifting lives and promoting wellness.
By supporting the training of Bowen therapy practitioners in low-income areas, you will not only enhance access to affordable healthcare but also create job opportunities and alleviate pressure on the public health system. Together, we can implement a sustainable and scalable solution to some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, cultivating healthier and more resilient communities.
Let us build a brighter, healthier future for all.
Connect with us!
Excited about empowering bowen practitioners in underserved communities? Let's team up and transform lives, one neighbourhood at a time!