BowenBuzz

Calming Horses Under Pressure In this episode of The BowenBuzz, Chris sits down with Wes Russell, a highly experienced Bowen practitioner who works with both humans and horses, often in demanding, real-world environments such as endurance riding events across Queensland. Wes shares that his pathway into Bowen began long before formal training. Growing up in country Queensland with a strong affinity for animals, he originally considered veterinary work before life took him through several careers including the corporate sector and later hands-on work on a stud cattle station. That early grounding in animal husbandry and performance animals would later shape his approach as a therapist. A turning point came when Wes trained in Equine Muscle Release Therapy (EMRT) through Alison Goward, one of the pioneers of Bowen influenced equine bodywork in Australia. Alison’s structured, staged training model combining in-person intensives, case studies, and progressive skill development gave Wes a deep appreciation for working with the horse’s nervous system rather than imposing force. Wes later expanded his training to include the practical Bowen moves for humans, allowing him to work confidently with both humans and animals. A central theme of the conversation is Bowen’s role in high pressure performance environments, particularly endurance riding, where horses must pass strict veterinary checkpoints and heart-rate recovery parameters to continue competing. Wes explains how he developed a practical “band-aid” protocol, selecting a small number of strategic moves that can help a horse settle and regulate under time pressure. In these environments, the therapist’s calm presence is critical, especially amid anxious riders, cooling strategies, and the intensity of vet’s gazes.. Wes also unpacks common endurance related challenges such as horses “tying up” (muscle lock up associated with metabolic stress), lameness assessments, and recovery windows. He highlights an important distinction: horses don’t cognitively analyse treatment the way humans do. As a result, changes in breathing, posture, circulation, and relaxation can be clear, rapid, and measurable. Listeners will hear Wes describe what he looks for during a treatment: head lowering, softening through the body, yawning or licking and chewing, deeper breathing, pronounced vascular changes, and even dramatic coat pattern shifts, phenomena often associated with changes in fascial hydration and nervous system regulation. He also reflects on how owner emotion and therapist demeanour directly influence outcomes, particularly with horses as highly perceptive prey animals. Throughout the episode, Wes shares memorable stories, from lowering heart rates under pressure, to a striking behavioural shift in a previously “hard-to-catch” horse after early training, to treating riders on rugs in the grass because Bowen is, by nature, portable and adaptable. Wes finishes with a simple but powerful intention: helping more people understand Bowen’s capacity to support physical, emotional, and even spiritual wellbeing for both humans and animals. “You’ve got to remain low energy—because that’s where the horse is going to be.” — Wes Russell Key Takeaways Equine Bowen and EMRT support nervous system regulation in high-stress performance settings. Horses offer clear, observable signs of physiological change during treatment. Therapist presence and calm regulation are as important as technique. Wes completed his equine training through Alison Goward’s Equine Muscle Release Therapy (EMRT) program. A Bowen-influenced approach to working with horses through gentle, nervous-system-led manual therapy. More information: https://www.horseandridertherapy.com.au/ Sponsored by the Business of Bowen (BoB) Supporting an engaged and passionate circle of Bowen therapists committed to learning and growth The post Episode 45: Bowen Therapy, Horse & Rider with Wes Russell appeared first on Bowen Buzz.

In this inspiring episode of The Bowen Buzz, Chris sits down with renowned international instructor Sandra Gustafson at the 7th International Fascia Congress in New Orleans. Sandra shares her journey from nursing and naturopathy into Bowen therapy, sparked by her own healing experience and a deep curiosity about how gentle touch influences the body. She discusses the evolving science of fascia, the profound role of the nervous system—especially the vagus nerve—and how Bowen-style work supports regulation, safety, and whole-body healing. Sandra also explores her specialised work with women’s health, complex neurological clients, and the importance of creating a safe relational space in clinical practice. Her passion for lifelong learning and teaching shines through as she explains how new fascia research continually enriches her understanding. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder of the power of gentle touch, presence, and curiosity in holistic bodywork. . ✨ 3 Key TakeawaysBowen therapy is a neuro-myofascial relaxation techniqueSandra explains how Bowen moves influence fascia, the peripheral and central nervous systems, circulation, and even biochemical balance.Safety and connection profoundly shape clinical outcomesThe vagus nerve responds to social engagement, tone of voice, and therapeutic presence—making practitioner demeanour as vital as technique.Gentle work can support complex conditionsThrough collaborative care, Bowen-style approaches can improve function and quality of life for clients with chronic pain, neurological disorders, and emotional dysregulation. www.businessofbowen.com http://www.bowenworkforlife.com The post Episode 43: Gentle Touch meets Big Science: Sandra Gustafson on Fascia, the Vagus Nerve & Bowen Healing appeared first on Bowen Buzz.

In this episode, we’re delighted to shine a spotlight on Alice Eldred, a highly regarded Bowen therapist from the stunning region of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Alice has built a thriving practice, helping clients find relief from pain, stress, and physical challenges through the gentle, holistic approach of Bowen Therapy. Alice shares the journey that brought her to Bowen Therapy and how her practice has blossomed in the Hawke’s Bay community. From supporting people with chronic pain to those seeking greater balance and wellbeing, her work is a testament to the profound impact of this gentle yet transformative modality. “It is all about the relationships you build” Alice Alice’s dedication to her craft and her clients hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was recently recognized at the local business awards, celebrating her success as both a therapist and a business owner. We dive into what this recognition means to her, the hard work behind the scenes, and how she’s managed to build a practice that’s not only impactful but also widely respected in her community. We’ll also hear about the challenges Alice has faced along the way, what it takes to run a successful therapy practice, and why she’s so passionate about making Bowen Therapy accessible to her community. She shares some of the decisions she made along the way and the mindset she fostered . If you’ve ever wondered about the power of Bowen Therapy or what it takes to thrive as a therapist in a regional area, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights. Stay ConnectedLoved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might be curious about Bowen Therapy. To learn more about Alice Eldred, her award-winning practice, and her work in Hawke’s Bay, visit sooth my soul Contact Alice at soothemysoultherapy@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/SoothemySoul Let’s celebrate Alice’s inspiring journey and her well-deserved recognition as a leader in her field! The post Episode 41 – Alice’s Secret Sauce appeared first on Bowen Buzz.

Connecting with Mums Katrina McCarter, award winning author, speaker and entrepreneur gives us the gems on marketing to mums, the exact people many Bowen therapists would like to speak to, connect with and help. My mission: to teach businesses to understand customers, master marketing and build strategies that create lasting change and relevanceKatrina Katrina McCarter, founder of Marketing to Mums, brings a wealth of marketing expertise and a unique journey to our podcast. From her early entrepreneurial start at age 11 to her work with Fortune 100 companies, Katrina has honed her skills in sales, consumer behavior, and strategic partnerships. She grew her first online business to a national community of 150,000 with a minimal marketing budget and has since dedicated her career to empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs. Through her consultancy, Katrina provides brands with insight into the world’s most powerful consumer and teaches business owners to market effectively on limited budgets. Her passion lies in helping businesses achieve clarity, confidence, and lasting impact by understanding the nuances of customer behavior and intergenerational differences. https://www.katrinamccarter.com katrina@katrinamccarter.com partnershipmastery.global marketingtomums.com.au The post Episode 39: Marketing your Bowen Business appeared first on Bowen Buzz.