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Complementary Medicine: Treatment & Therapies

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Zero Balancing
By Amy Louise Ralston, MBAcC, MZBA, MKosmedUK

Zero Balancing (ZB for short, pronounced Zee Bee) can be defined as the art and skill of balancing body energy with body structure, through the use of conscious touch. ZB is a unique therapeutic tool. The aim of Zero Balancing is to work with energy and structure simultaneously. ZB bridges the gap between energetic therapies and structural therapies, maximising the potential of both and creating a new option in health care.

Dr. Fritz Smith, the founder of Zero Balancing, received his Doctor of Osteopathy in 1955 and his MD. in 1972. During the 1960's and 70's, in personal and clinical pursuit of a deeper understanding of illness and health, he became a student of yoga, meditation and Eastern philosophy as
well as becoming a certified Rolfer and licenced acupuncturist. Zero Balancing came into being during his study of acupuncture. In 1975 Fritz completed a project as part of his master of acupuncture certification in which he was searching for a symbiosis of Eastern and Western structural approaches. At that time his insights coalesced into a powerful theoretical and practical synthesis of his studies, including his clinical and personal experiences. Since then he has been teaching what has come to be known as Zero Balancing.

The principles of Zero Balancing are firmly rooted in proven scientific data. In his book Inner Bridges1, Smith states that: Modern physics has shown that in terms of light, energy can exist as both particle and wave, and that these forms are interchangeable. From the experiential viewpoint,
we not only can experience nature in terms of particle (form and structure) and wave (movement and vibration), but can also experience the interface where they meet standing in a strong wind, leaning into a tree, or at any interface where movement meets form. The meeting of movement and form is the working interface of Zero Balancing.

ZB is performed with the client lying fully clothed on his/her back on a massage table. People with physical disabilities can be treated in whatever position they are comfortable. During a Zero Balancing session we first evaluate the range of motion in specific joints, and then use fulcrums to
invite therapeutic change into areas of restricted movement. A fulcrum is a place of balance; it can be described as a point around which vital forces are invited to reorganise. In ZB we form fulcrums by introducing specific finger touch into an area of held tension. When the pressure of the fulcrum
is slightly greater than the held tension, the body can then let go of any tension which is no longer serving the health of the individual. Given a chance to let go of held tension, the body often reorganises into a clearer, more naturally relaxed state. A Zero Balancing session lasts 20 to 40
minutes.

The sensations a client can expect to feel during the session are variable, but should always feel good! People have varying responses to the treatment, which range from increased levels of flexibility and the relief of pain, to enhanced energy levels and a sense of well-being. Many people
report that having a ZB is like "meditating without trying." Therapeutic responses may emerge in the days following the session as the body processes the work. For example, stiffness immediately following a session evolving into less pain or more flexibility a few days later.

The following paragraph was written by a patient to describe her personal
experience with Zero Balancing:

"Zero Balancing is the least intrusive and most effective therapy for physical and emotional healing and relaxation I have ever encountered. As its name implies, ZB takes me back to zero, so that my whole system can be completely re-balanced. Inner peace and a total absence of stress are just two of the benefits I receive. I have had old physical and emotional patterns released. Mentally, I experience a clarity as if I have just woken up; colours appear brighter and more vibrant, and I feel alert and enthusiastic. I also experience higher energy levels, as ZB frees up the flow of energy throughout my body. To know that I am going to experience such a wonderful sense of peace, well being, rejuvenation and relief from physical symptoms is quite incredible to me. I have found that not having to get undressed, not having to analyse what I think is wrong with me, and not having any instruments used on me is a blissful way to be treated. The wonderful results of the treatment are heightened for me by my being able to surrender, have a lie down and be taken care of in a conscious way."

Zero Balancing is not used to diagnose or to treat specific conditions. However, over time it has been noted that Zero Balancing can be effective in reducing many manifestations of stress. Stress in the body can surface asemotional, mental or physical problems. By using fulcrums to introduce clearer, stronger fields of energy into the body, it is possible to facilitate the inner processing of stress, helping the client to let go of stress held in bodily tissue. For example, during stressful periods we tend to unconsciously tense our bodies throughout the working day. If we never take the chance to let go of accumulated tension, we can end up having our "shoulders around our ears." If we are invited to let go of accumulated tension instead of internalising it, then coping day to day on all levels is likely to be easier. Stress cannot then build up enough to cause
obstruction in the body tissues, and therefore resistance to life changes may be lessened. In this way, ZB is an exciting possibility in helping people to move through transitional or difficult times in their lives. For some people, a Zero Balancing session provides the time, and the possibility, to reach a point of stillness where profound changes can take place. Often, when we are able to "come down" and trade a hyped state for a more peaceful one, we find a new perspective that will help us get on with our lives in the best possible way. It is a paradox that such a simple, gentle approach to bodywork can have such potential and power for change in a person's life.

Zero Balancing is contraindicated for those people recovering from major operations and broken bones. Although ZB has been found to be very useful in pregnancy, it is suggested that the practitioner is well experienced in the technique, and that he or she has a well-established rapport with the client before beginning treatment. Zero Balancing is also contraindicated for people with schizophrenia and other mental disturbance.

Although Zero Balancing has been in existence since the 1970's, the professional organisation is relatively new, and as yet has not undertaken any formal clinical research. However, clinical observation has been recorded by therapists who use Zero Balancing in their practices. Research
projects are anticipated as the Zero Balancing Association grows.

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Links to Related Articles...

	Alexander Technique
	Amy Louise Ralston (Acupuncture, Kosmed Therapy, Zero Balancing)
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References
* Smith, Fritz Frederick, MD., Inner Bridges: A Guide to Energy Movement and Body Structure. Humanics Limited. 1986.
* Kindred Spirit magazine, issue 21, Winter 1992.
* Hamwee, John, Zero Balancing: Touching the Energy of Bone, Francis Lincoln, 2000

Further Information
Zero Balancing Association UK, 10 Victoria Grove, Bridport, Dorset, DT6
3AA, telephone 01308-420007