About Ben Calder
A little potted history of how I got to where I am now.
I found as a child I was very into the natural world, how it ticked and how people ticked, how you could affect them and their behaviour by your own action or inaction.
By my mid-teens I had decided that I wanted to be a teacher, as saw this, in my limited experience then, as one of the best ways to achieve, on a large scale, the development and growth of people.
I had already been introduced to a large number of spiritual concepts in the early 90’s New Age movement, which inspired me to start Qigong and gave me the impression that there was more to approaching life and the world than meets the eye.
Contact Me- My History
- My Development
- My Exposure
- My Hobbies
- My Training
I studied as a teacher at university, doing a four year Honours degree in Education, but felt that was the wrong direction for me to take at the time.
I moved into doing youth support work at a centre in Weymouth where I was lucky enough to do an NLP diploma course over 9 residential weekends with Reg Connelly, a certified Trainer and Master Practitioner of NLP.
This went on to be a great help when I worked as an instructor on the high ropes courses, as you could literally talk people into trying things they couldn’t believe they could do, and have them feeling great for it.
I then went onto working residentially with children with extreme behaviour and then children with autism, down syndrome and extreme behavioural and learning difficulties.
These were great stepping stones for me, and the stress I found in the work also pushed me to see a kinesiologist for symptoms I was experiencing at the time. The changes this created for me were so profound that it inspired me to start my training in (Health) Kinesiology, which I then started practicing after qualifying at the beginning of 2003.
My working life in kinesiology always seemed to come up with questions of, why does what I know not solve this riddle for that one client (when it had helped so many others) and what else could do it? It has led me on what is still an incomplete journey to keep learning new ways of working, integrating new perspectives, learning new tools and discovering all the things I didn’t know about how we as beings function and interact. I learned many advanced aspects of Health Kinesiology, Assimilation Kinesiology, Quantum Kinesiology and Touch for Health
As other major tools I added Bowen Fascia Release Technique in 2011 and Access Bars in 2016. I taught Health Kinesiology (HK) from 2007-2011 and was one of the first UK practitioners to achieve the Advanced Kinesiology Federation Registered Professional (AKFRP) status. I was also the joint deputy head of HKUK training from 2010-2011. I studied many other aspects of health, details in the training history below.
My Qigong practice started in 1990 when I was introduced to Master Lam Kam Chuen’s Zhan Zhuang (Standing Like a Tree) and have since then kept this as a major part of my personal practice. I have further studied the work of Grandmaster Wong Kew Kit, Grandmaster Mantak Chia, Dr Yang Jwing-Ming and personal study with Grandmaster Jimmy Heow in Wuji I Liq Chuan and Grandmaster Sam Chin of Chin Family I Liq Chuan and most recently with Simon Calder in LifeForce Dynamics Qigong and many other teachers inbetween.
My Yoga practice began in 1998 when I was introduced to hatha yoga. In 2000 I started studying ashtanga and had classes and workshops with Bhavani Maki and Richard Adamo and at the same time was studying at the Abhedashram run by the Universal Confluence of Yoga-Vedanta Luminary (U.C.Y.L.) Trust, at the time led by Paramahamsa Parivrajakacarya Shrimat Svami Turiyananda Sarasvati until her passing in 2003 and with several of the other key disciples at the ashram. After maintaining my personal practice intermittently over the years, I was fortunate enough to spend time studying with Beta Lisboa in Myofascial Yin Yoga in Turkey in 2015 and yin yoga now tends to be my favoured form of practice. But this is still second to my Qigong, but the two are seen as important supports for one another.
My introduction to Integral Theory and Ken Wilber began in 2011 after a massive change in personal and professional circumstances. I’m so grateful for all this taught me about lines and levels of development, shadow work and Integral Life Practice. I studied with Core Integral to gain my Foundation and Advanced Level training.
In 2011 I also began sitting in zazen when introduced to the Big Mind Zen work of Genpo Roshi, who’s work I have been studying and sitting with since. Incorporating much of the voice dialogue techniques created by Hal & Sidra Stone that Genpo uses in his process.
The Integral All Quadrant, All Level (AQAL) approach has been instrumental to the development of my practice since 2011 and I have read much of Ken Wilber’s work on the subject. The timing of this study I certainly feel helped me to remain sane and progressing during the most challenging time of my life to date.
I have been part of a number of radio broadcasts. Including BBC Radio Shropshire, several times and an almost monthly appearance for over an 18 month period on Calon FM for their Diet, Health and Fitness programme, Talking Business programme, Now for Something Different and Empowerment Hour, having a whole month of weekly programmes dedicated to me at the end of 2016. You can find replays of all of these on my Blog, my Spreaker Podcast and some on my YouTube channel.
I have spoken at many events and conferences, including medical conferences on Cystic Fibrosis and the Bowen Technique Conference. People who know me know I love to talk about my practice and theories and I get great pleasure in sharing considerations and questions for which a little personal enquiry can lead to great insight.
On a more personal level, I have for many years enjoyed the great outdoors, trekking, exploring and climbing many great places in the world from the Jungles of Borneo, the Himalaya, South Africa, India, Bali, Spain, Austria, Romania, Canada and more.
It has always been a real delight to see how other cultures express their humanness, what it is that makes their society thrive. Plus I’ve been to all ends and sides of our own country, enjoying the delights that it has to offer in the same way.
I love my climbing, something that I have done on and off since my eldest brother first took me on the Cornish sea cliffs of Sennen Cove at age 11.
It’s a joy that has taken me to many places, geographically, emotionally and physically and I love the challenge it creates for me in every moment. I worked for a period of time as an instructor and taught high ropes courses along with climbing and abseiling, something which I intent to revive with the 1-2-1 climb feature, so that others get the chance to understand all the benefits climbing can bring to body and mind, while being guided by an experienced personal facilitator. Being in the great outdoors is a really important part of my joy in life.
I’m a really big fun of live guitar music, seeing gigs, dancing. I was in a band for a few years and still enjoy playing the guitar at times. I love to read and usually have 3-4 books on the go and my head into a whole range of lectures and learning through various media.
Qualification & Certification List
BEd(Hons) Degree June 1998
Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioners Diploma June 2000
Health Kinesiology Training Levels
- HK1 October 2001, January 2007, April 2007
- HK2 January 2002, September 2006, April 2007
- HK3 March 2002, January 2007, June 2007
- HK4 June 2002, July 2006, July 2009
- HK5 September 2002, July 2007, October 2009
- Health Kinesiology Professional Practitioners Certificate February 2003 (HK1-5)
- HK6 March 2005, November 2010
- HK7 June 2003, November 2009
- HK8 July 2009
- HK9 March 2009, August 2011
- Body Bioenergetics March 2009
- HK 16p class March 2009, April 2010
- Intrusive Energies October 2009, May 2011
- Scott Protocol October 2009, May 2011
- Nutritional BioEnergetics 1 May 2010
- Nutrition for Kinesiologists July 2002
- Foundation Kinesiology February 2003
- Assimilation Kinesiology Pt 1 March 2003
- Assimilation Kinesiology Pt 2 August 2003
- Geopathic Stress November 2004
- Authorised Health Kinesiology Teacher April 2007
- Authorised Research Associate May 2011
- Integrated Course for Health Kinesiologists June 2011
PMDD with Functional Kinesiology February 2024
- Health Skin Masterclass with Functional Kinesiology June 2024
- Harmonising QiFlow 1 IASK Ondrej Bursik Sept 2024
Epigenetics Modules via AK with Chris Astill-Smith
- From Memory Loss to Dementia March 2015
- Protocols Module 2 March 2015
- Protocols Module 3 April 2015
- Annual Update January 2016, September 2019, September 2020, September 2021, September 2022, September 2023, September 2024
- Epigenetics & the Human Biome March 2016
- Epigenetics & the Chemistry of Pain April 2016
- Seven Ages of Man & Woman July 2016
- Essential Minerals, Toxic Metals & Radiation July 2016
- Platinum Practitioners Workshop January 2017, January 2018, January 2019, January 2020, January 2023, January 2024
- Masterclass July 2017
- Volatile Organic Compounds July 2017
- The Epigenetic Management of Autoimmune Disorders March 2018
- Epigenetics v's Genetic Determinism June 2018
- Essential Nutrition & Functional Biochemistry Module 7 & 8 February 2019
- Essential Nutrition & Functional Biochemistry Module 9 & 10 March 2019
- Essential Nutrition & Functional Biochemistry Module 13 & 14 May 2019
- Optimising your immune system against the COVID-19 virus May 2020
- Epigenetics Hormone Update Novemebr 2020
- Epigenetics Comprehensive Diagnostic Biomarkers in Clinical Practice January 2021, January 2022
- Epigenetics and Methylation February 2021
- Epigenetics: Sailing through the Menopause March 2021
- Epigenetics: Oxytocin and other hormones of love and hate April 2021
- Epigenetics: The Hypothalamus June 2021
- Epigenetics: Nutrition and Physical Degeneration November 2021
- Epigenetics: Neurological Disorders March 2022
- Epigenetics: Do all diseases begin in the womb? July 2022
- Epigenetics: The Heart of the Matter May 23
- Epigenetics: The Heart (Extended Module) July 23
- Epigenetics: Cognitive Decline Sept 23
- Epigenetics: Autonomic Nervous System January 24
- Epigenetics: Collagen - The Glue that holds us Together March 2024
- Epigenetics: Viruses, Toxic Metals, Allergies and Subconscious Emotions May 2024
- Epigenetics: Sugar and Spice November 2024
Bowen Technique
- Pt1-5 February-December 2011
- Certified Practitioner December 2011
- Sports Injury Level 1 December 2012
- Red Flag Assessment June 2013
- Kinetics Workshop November 2013
- Bowen Technique Explored with Ultrasound November 2014
- TMJ & Respiratory Workshop 2015
- Sports Injury Level 2 April 2017
- Importance of Symmetry (IOS) August 2021
- The Art of Bodywork November 2022
- Pregnancy & Birth with John Wilks October 2023 BTPA PDD Day
- Safeguarding with Bowen College UK March 24
- Targeting Primary Dysfunction - Graham Pennington Aug 24
- Empowering Movement with Jihan Adem & Rebecca Willis Oct 24 BTPA PDD Day
- Hormone Release The Bowen Way October 2024
Access Consciousness
- Access The Bars July 2016, October 2016, November 2016
- Access Bars Certified Facilitator January 2017
- Access Consciousness Body Process Class November 2017
- Access The Foundation December 2017
- Access 3 Day Body Class January 2019
Other Trainings
- LifeForce Qigong Foundation Weekend November 2018
- LifeForce Qigong Module 1 Jing March 2018, November 2018
- LifeForce Qigong Module 2 Qi June 2018, October 2019
- LifeForce Qigong Module 3 October 2020
- LifeForce Qigong Module 4 Shen March 2019
- LifeForce Qigong Module 1 Teaching Certification September 2019
- LifeForce Qigong Module 2 Teaching Certification October 2019
- Dao of Man September 2020
- LifeForce Qigong 5 Element Dao Yin February 2021
- Trauma and the Wisdom of the 5 Elements August 2023
- Waking the 5 Element Spirits: A Light of the Inner You September 2024
Healing Trauma with Peter Levine July 2022
Introduction to Public Health and Wellbeing with Glyndwr University May-July 2021
Level 3 Mental Health First Aid April 2022
Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity July 2021
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in Mental Health November 2021
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Dignity & Safeguarding in Adult Health & Social Care October 2021
Practical Safeguarding - Bowen College March 2024
Integral Relationships Certified Facilitator Training November 2020
Core Integral Foundation Training 2011
Core Integral Advanced Training 2012
- McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release July 2019
- Introduction to Non-Violent Communication June 2019
- Advanced Shadow Mastery Diploma 150hr training passed with Distinction April 2020
- Chinese Nutritional Therapy Diploma with distinction August 2020
- Flower Remedy Diploma February 2004
- Aromatherapy Diploma May 2004
- Hopi Ear Candling April 2004
- Anatomy & Physiology Level 3 July 2004
- Sekhem Level 1 May 2003
- Sekhem Level 2 August 2003
- Sekhem Advanced Level October 2008
- ICGT Crystal Certificate February 2013
- Tree Spirit Healing March 2007
- Herbal Medicine Study Course Jan-June 2006
- Shamanic Journeying June 2009
- Introduction to Alexander Technique May 2009
- Dragon in the Land, Wizard in the Stone October 2010
- Yin Fascial Yoga – 100hr Subtle Body Module August 2015
SURE for Mental Health: Managing Change and Self Care During Covid19 Spring 2021
SURE for Mental Health: Male Victims of Sexual Violence Spring 2021
SURE for Mental Health: Managing Your Mind: Anger Spring 2021
SURE for Mental Health: Male Suicide Awareness Spring 2021
SURE for Mental Health: Introduction to PTSD Spring 2021
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What People Say
Testimonials
I love Ben's qigong classes, They have helped a lot in my recovery following a work injury. I appreciate how the sessions adapt to where I am each time, even supported by a chair when needed. I live too far away to attend most in person classes, the live stream facility has been such a contribution. Thank you Ben.
Ben has a wealth of knowledge and is really friendly. Ive had a couple of Bowen treatments which were brilliant. My son also saw him a few times and Ben made him feel really welcome. The centre itself is calm, clean and inviting. Highly recommended
Ben helped me prepare for a marathon. His advice, training and integral health techniques were a revelation. Not to mention his positive energy and focus. I would definitely recommend Ben for anyone who is looking to improve their health or work towards a specific goal.
Not sure if you realise what a huge help you have been on my journey - not sure I could have done it without your help....You Rock
Before I had a series of Bowen sessions I had lived with lower back pain and discomfort for over ten years. I had four Bowen sessions each about three weeks apart, after the first session I felt a notable difference in my posture and in the strength of my spine, strangely I felt taller, and as the weeks progressed Ben very skilfully addressed a variety of tension points that were connected to the stress and strain I was unintentionally placing on my lower back; in trying to prevent by back pain I was actually placing overexertion on other areas. By the fourth session I knew that my discomfort had been resolved and I am now able to move much more freely and flexibly without worrying about my back. Like everything in life there are no miracle cures but by working with the body and supporting the healing process through a gentle process of muscle movement, I found that Ben's professionalism and expertise of the Bowen technique worked for me.
10 days after the session for my daughter, she received a "Heart Award" at school for her positivity. She has been bright, positive and done after school activities - clubs and sports 4/5 evenings! She wouldnt even leave the house unless 100% required a few weeks back. I thought I should share this with you. Thank you.
I have found these sessions really helpful, adapting to my needs and helping me to make positive improvements in my life. Ben is extremely personable and I'd highly recommend his services.
Ben really knows his stuff. the Bowen treatment sessions led to a real improvement in the back problems I was suffering with
I've struggled with my hip for a long time, and following a few moans and groans to Ben, he suggested I come and pay him a visit! Well.. a few sessions later, and a few weeks of rest went by and I'm running better and faster than ever!! It's made such a difference.....in my performance and it's down to Ben. Ben is friendly, super positive, and always greets you with a great big smile but is still very professional. I highly recommend paying Ben a visit, and seeing how he can help!!
I feel like Ive come such a long way since my first session with you and I just wanted to express my gratitude to you for the treatments and advice youve given me Thank you!!!
Ive been visiting Ben for Kinesiology, to deal with stress and anxiety, for a couple of years now and I highly recommend him - in fact I do, I mention him and the positive impact Kinesiology has on me and my family all the time - and recommend him to friends and clients alike!
I have received treatment from Ben for various reasons, migraines and post-cancer operation etc during the last 14 years. Each time I went to him to start treatment I had begun to feel desperate and wonder if I would ever recover! So I feel indebted to his professional and effective methods that have helped me in so many ways.
I have been seeing Ben in respect of Access Consciousness for about 4 months now. I have had just 3 sessions but the sessions and tools provided by Ben mean that I am now moving forward potently, after 3 years of paralysis.Massive changes are occurring for the positive. How does it get any better than that? Thank you Ben for enabling me to know how to get a new life up and running.
So I cant quite believe Im writing this a week on but his legs seem nearly cleared, hes now not drinking any milk.... he eats more in one meal than he did all day and I dont want to speak to soon but 2 nights now he has slept through.compared to waking under every 2 hours the last few weeks. ...in one small week our lives seem much improved!
Amazing and talented guy and really warm and professional. Saw my daughter for a Kinesiology appointment and determined several essential vitamins and minerals she was struggling with. With the help of epi-genetic products, she was soon back to full strength and then typically stopped taking the products and fell ill and tired again! Awesome knowledge! Thank you Ben.
Excellent service from start to finish, the booking system was very straightforward and the clinic (Chester Wellness Centre) is spotlessly clean. I can highly recommend Ben Calder who has given me my life back!! After suffering debilitating headaches for many years, and having various medications and procedures done by neurologists, two sessions with Ben has completely cured them. There is no pressure to book further appointments, unlike some therapists.
Had my first live stream class with Ben on Thursday. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more classes online and in person. Thank you.
I recently attended the "Embracing your Shadow" online workshop with Ben and it was a fantastic experience. I had a vague idea of what shadow work was, and only really knew that I was probably avoiding it! The workshop was so informative and clearly explained, but it was also experiential, no mean feat with it being online! Ben slowly built our understanding and offered support and insight whenever we shared or asked for clarification. He is a truly gifted teacher and helped me to grasp the main concepts by offering examples and different possible approaches. My only regret is that I live too far from Shrewsbury to be able to attend anything in person regularly, but the online platform was still a great experience. Thank you Ben.
Over the past 4 months Ben has guided me to make changes to my diet, breathing and awareness and I am now reaping the benefits. I have controlled my runners stomach, I feel much more awake, alive and I have made life changing decisions which I am not sure I would have made otherwise. Ben has a wealth of experience, knowledge and infectious positivity. Thank you Ben
Wow! As I left my session with the amazingly knowledgeable Ben Calder I said: I feel lighter! I feel so light because I now know what my body does and does not like. I cannot stop talking to everyone about how amazing Ben is! Everyone should go and see him! What an amazing soul Ben is! Super grateful that our lives crossed
Im feeling SO much better! One week after the session I went to bed and fell asleep in 10 minutes instead of spending two hours worrying for the first time in nearly a year! nMy energy is increasing every day, Ive been easily doing my 10,000 steps (I was struggling to do 3000 before as was so tired and couldnt face leaving the house). nThank you so much!
Ive been seeing Ben for years now, initially for lack of energy but now I feel he really helps me to be the best me I can be......(he) has so many tools to help tease out issues and solutions. Its always interesting, useful and educational. Mostly its fun too. Ive learned stuff about myself, changed the ways I think and behave and evolved as a person thanks to his skill. I also feel way better than I did all those years ago. I recommend him to everyone for everything. As my old Dad said wouldnt be surprised if he could cure wooden legs !! Thanks Ben, keep doing what you do and thank you
I've been working with Ben for just over a year now and have found his support incredibly helpful. Most recently, Ben has taught me specific techniques for managing emotional response and staying calm and in control during moments of extreme pressure. Ben's walk and talk sessions are fantastic and I would highly recommend him!
I attended a Shadow Workshop with Ben this weekend for the second time, the first of which was just over 4 years ago. Revisiting my shadow elements throughout this period has transformed my thoughts and feelings surrounding certain relationships and helped me to explore the challenges I experience with more compassion and understanding. Bens` tuition, knowledge and advice offering an effective toolbox for balancing those diverse parts within myself; seeing such parts in others with greater clarity and has a direct correlation in my personal growth and healthier character evolvement. Ben is a natural facilitator and teacher. He is gifted in providing a setting which allows people to explore and evolve safely, choice fully and pressure free... knowledgeable, fun, super interesting and just cool to hang out with him and other like-minded individuals.The workshop being his first online Virtual Shadow course has been a complete success! so pleased for you Ben! It has been an absolute pleasure taking part and connecting with you to again explore this important topic and to connect with so many other interesting people from other parts of the country and world. Looking forward to next stages
I have been a client of Bens for nearly two years now. He is always personable, friendly and professional and I would highly recommend Ben and Bowen practice to everyone.
I am sure that if it wasnt for your classes, the function in my left bicep would have not come back. Also I would have not been able to recover from my chemotherapy so quickly, I can not thank you enough.
Thank you so much for today. It was a last minute decision for me and I am so pleased I decided to join you. I am feeling really great now. I am so glad you have started (LifeForce Qigong) on zoom, even though sadly I am not able to join in the chat. For a little while before that 1st class I could feel myself going down mentally. I had been doing some practice on my own, definitely not for long enough or often enough, I don't have the motivation on my own. So joining your classes makes all the difference for me. I am now in a really good place again. So thank you very much. Looking forward to Monday.
I initially arranged an appointment with Ben for help with energy levels that I thought might be related to my strict vegan diet. Ben quickly identified some adjustments that made an immediate difference, enabling me to get more focused on my business. I can't say I always understand the techniques, but I do know that they have worked well for me.
Session really helped today.......the new Walk and Talk sessions, I do hope they stay. I found it easier to talk for sure. Less conscious of myself so allowed freer thinking/talking. Found it very productive. Helped sort out how I'm feeling for sure, made better sense of it. Feel I can get some positivity back now
As someone that has quietly practiced Qigong for many years it was great to join a class and get feedback that fully supported my journey. Great day and will be back for more
I've been seeing Ben every 4-5 weeks now for around two years. I can't explain Kinesiology but it, and Ben, have helped me travel to a calmer more settled and self aware place. Ben always listens, gives time and space, and has gone above and beyond for me on several occasions. I've recommended Ben many times and will continue to do so. I'm sure just being in the same room as him calms me down sometimes! Try Kinesiology... it'll blow you away!
I can highly highly recommend Ben , he has helped me enormously over the last year. He is very easy to work with, kind and understanding and has an astounding wisdom and knowledge . He truly helps you to a higher state of health and awareness
I'd also like to say that the appointments I have had with you have made such a big difference to my life. Although it's been hard cutting things out of my diet, I can't believe how much my skin has improved since my appointment with you. I will continue to recommend you to my family and friends because as I have said, the appointments I have had with you over the years have improved my well-being so much!
I have been a client of Ben's since 2003/4 when I was diagnosed with a fairly serious thyroid disorder. I had been quite unwell with this for a long time and even after diagnosis and treatment, I was still not feeling at all well. From the time of my first visit, my life was turned around. I actually got my life back after living in a fog for such a long time. Then about 4/5 years ago, I was diagnosed with arthritis in the base of my spine. I decided to visit Ben again and I'm so glad that I did. Again, this was a turning point for me. The treatment and advice given by Ben have made a huge difference to my life. I can't recommend him highly enough.
Ben is an expert in his profession. I was made to feel comfortable and totally at ease throughout my treatment. I left feeling uplifted, energised and positive. Highly recommend and looking forward to more treatments :-)
Ben is a very knowledgeable, professional and kind. I've already recommended him to so many others for so many different health reasons as his talent is so wide spread. I always leave feeling I've benefited, clearer and positive.
Ben is a skilled and experienced holistic therapist in several disciplines, passionate about his work. He takes time to listen to your problems and work out the best approach for you. Insightful; compassionate; resourceful and encouraging. I consider him a rare find and recommend him without reservation. He is also a genuinely decent person and has very kindly helped me in an emergency - beyond the call! Try him and his centre where there is an array of talent.