Zero Balancing ~ Calm your Nervous System
Experience profound relaxation and expansion, unlock trapped energy and improve your body's natural flow. Quickly feel more grounded and energised.
Are you experiencing...
Overwhelm from daily stress?
Body feeling out of alignment?
Low energy, struggling to stay awake?
Trouble getting to sleep?
A deep need to have inner peace and harmony?
Zero Balancing helps to...
✓ Calm your nervous system
✓ Gently realign your body to feel more centred and grounded
✓ Increase vitality and life resilience
✓ Improve insomnia and sleep quality
✓ Effortlessly release somatically-anchored emotions
✓ Enter a meditative state that helps deepen self-awareness
What is Zero Balancing?
Zero Balancing is a specialised clothes-on somatic bodywork system that recognises the profound connection between the body and mind. This approach operates on the principle that physical and mental states are intrinsically linked.
For instance, intense or chaotic thoughts can manifest as physical symptoms such as anxiety, while physical illness can impact mental clarity. Zero Balancing addresses this interconnectedness by focusing on the structure of the body—particularly bones — and the flow of energy through the body, similar to principles found in acupuncture.
Human touch plays a critical role in the healing process emphasised by Zero Balancing. Our bodies are our primary means of experiencing the world, and when faced with traumatic events or prolonged stress, they can become overwhelmed. This overwhelming stress often leads to physical symptoms such as generalised anxiety disorder, digestive issues, or muscular tension as our bodies try to process and store the stress. Our bodies are constantly trying to achieve balance - or homeostasis.
Releasing held energy gives your body access to it again; people often become more energised, relaxed, and sleep better. It calms the nervous system, can help with headaches, postural issues and feeling more grounded in your body. You feel more vibrant, vital and resilient - able to take on the world from a calm inner space.
What is a session like?
Discuss you intent
A Zero Balancing session begins with a short discussion that helps to set your intentions for the session, whether they be physical, mental, emotional, or all of these. Before your session, reflect on what you wish to bring into your life, such as improving relationships, better sleep quality, reducing anxiety, increasing patience, or having a greater sense of community. We frame this intention so that the session focuses on helping you to realise it in your life.
Evaluation
Following the discussion I undertake a seated evaluation of your posture and lateral range of motion, after which you lie on your back for the bodywork.
Facilitating change
I will then work along the length of your body, focusing on your skeletal structure, identifying areas of energetic congestion through touch, applying gentle pressure or traction to these areas to facilitate release.
I will always meet you half way, never forcing change. I occasionally pause and step back to give you space while you process and integrate a release. It is a deeply relaxing experience.
Session integration
Once the palpation portion of the session is complete, I step back and hold space while you integrate the changes. People often drop into a deeper state of relaxation during this integration period.
I will then ask you to walk up and down the room several times to get used to the changes that have occurred. People are often surprised how different their body feels given how gentle Zero Balancing is.
After your session
Post-session integration typically continues for 10-20 days, with the effects compounding over the first 3 sessions when undertaken every 2 weeks.
Clients often then have a 'tune-up' session every month or two.
Each journey is unique, and individual experiences vary. Some report feeling considerably more energised for a day or two after a session. When this happens it is important to keep to normal routines, instead of doing anything more than your normal, as your body will be using this energy for healing.
Sessions
As a ZBNZA Certified Zero Balancing Practitioner with more than 11 years experience, my Zero Balancing sessions are optimised for whatever you are wanting to focus on.
Adult session, 1 hour $99
5-17yo session, 30 mins $59
Allow an extra 15 minutes for your first session to go over your client registration information.
Wear comfortable clothing (no polar-fleece, thank you); a blanket and knee bolster are available, and the heater will be on when cold.
If you have the time, I suggest going for a walk afterwards around McLaren Falls Park - it's just a 5 mins drive.
An adult must accompany 5-15yo clients.
Refer to the Session Terms.
Book now
Adult
5-17yo
Contraindications
When shouldn't I get Zero Balancing?
While Zero Balancing is a safe modality, there are times when you should not have a session. These are when you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Ascites / L
- Bilateral knee replacement
- Bone metastasis (bone cancer)
- Cancer
- Within 1st trimester of pregnancy. The 2nd and 3rd trimesters are OK
- Recent fracture (during healing and within 6 weeks of cast removal)
- Recent surgery (up to 6 weeks ago)
- Advanced rheumatoid arthritis
- Scoliosis (Grade 3+)
- Severe osteoporosis
- Acute illness (current or recently recovered less than 3 weeks ago)
- Under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol
Zero Balancing Research
Holistic Wellbeing
Investigating the Effects of Zero Balancing on the Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Dimensions of Wellness: A Phenomenological MIxed Methods Pilot Study
Rhoads, M., Murphy, M., Doucette, M., Gentile, T., Rhoads, D., Watson, J., (2020), Journal of Transformative Touch, Volume 1, Issue 1, Eastern Illinois University
There is an unquestionable need for society to address the impacts of undue stress and explore accessible ways in which to restore and enhance human well-being. Yet, to date, the study of “wellness” has not included the role that skilled touch modalities, such as Zero Balancing, may play in supporting personal transformation and healing. This study was designed to begin this process of enquiry, to explore “how is our well-being influenced by receiving conscious and transformative touch?”
Researchers noted the following benefits of Zero Balancing touch:
- Increased energy
- Increased feeling of rest after sleeping
- Increased sense of “physical ease”
- Increased sense of relaxation
- Decreased sensations of tension and pain in the body
- Increased sense of mental clarity
- Improved sense of connection and clarity
- Increased ability to regulate emotions
- Increased sense of feeling more grounded and present
In understanding why Zero Balancing is such an integrative form of body-mind therapy, it is important to note that this modality uniquely focuses on bone and the skeletal system. Recent research on the importance of the skeletal tissue in metabolic function indicates that skeletal tissue plays a role in the stress response (Morris, as cited in Karsenty 2019). It has been proposed that the bone derived hormone, osteocalcin, facilitates a bony-vertebrate-specific endocrine mediation of the acute stress response (Berger et al., 2019). Piezoelectric current produced through stretch, compression and tension, and conducted via connective tissue, is directed through the body, moving energy from bone to bone, indirectly affecting cartilage, ligaments and soft tissue (Geggus, as cited in Denner 2009).
Results & Conclusions
Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that Zero Balancing is an integrative, low cost, simply administered, holistic therapy with multiple benefits. It also suggests this form of bodywork, with its focus on skilled, conscious touch, facilitates positive benefits in key physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of wellness.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/ijzbtt/vol1/iss1/11/
Pilot Studies with Neuro Synchrony Institute (2015 & 2017) - Electrodermal Activity during a Zero Balancing bodywork session: An exploratory study of synchronous behaviour and evaluation of the objective, measurable physiological changes, such as stress, that occur during a 30-minute Zero Balancing bodywork session.
Reynolds, S., Strickland, J. Neuro Synchrony Institute
The 2015 study focused on “pinpointing any therapeutically significant moments and to determine if there were any periods of synchrony between the client and practitioner.“The 2017 study focused “on the collection of electro-dermal skin conductance (EDA), which is believed to isolate accurately sympathetic responses and differentiate emotional states (Henriques et al., 2013). When the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is activated (an increase in stress) sweat gland activity also increases, which in turn increases the electrical conductivity of the skin. As stress reduces in a person, the lower their skin conductance. The underlying principle is that an increase or decrease in stress will show up equally when used it in the same way as a standard polygraph test.”
Findings
- Measured stress was reduced by over 60% when a client received a 30-minute Zero Balancing session, compared to a reduction of only 12% during an equivalent resting period.
- The sharpest fall in stress was associated with the first contact on the shins at the beginning of the ZB session. It was notable that skin conductance did not decrease in a linear way in keeping with a reduction of stress, but rather in a series of rhythmic waves with each wave usually cresting at a lower level than the last.
- Importantly, this significant measured reduction in stress was also observed in the clients’ responses to the questionnaires with every participant rating themselves more positively after a ZB session. The greatest positive differences were seen in a reduction of perceived tension and anxiety, and an overall feeling of being more relaxed.
- Video recordings and collected physiological data were correlated and compared to pinpoint therapeutically significant moments during each session, including the 20-minute rest period.
- Strickland & Reynolds (2018) considered the study data strongly suggested a powerful synchronicity with the client coming into a point of “zero balance” as they experienced the skilled touch of the practitioner. This interaction between the client and practitioner during a ZB session had an unusually high degree of synchrony compared to other interactions between individuals they had studied in other professional settings.
Anxiety
Grounded in Touch: The Science Behind Anxiety Relief and Human Connection
Rhoads, M., Murphy, M., Behrens, M.L., Salvo, R., Anderson, S., (2025), Journal of Transformative Touch, Volume 4, Issue 1, Eastern Illinois University
Anxiety disorders are among the most pervasive mental health challenges worldwide, affecting individuals across all demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a leading contributor to disability and diminished quality of life, anxiety continues to rise in prevalence, exacerbated by global crises and societal stressors. This study explored how Zero Balancing supports individuals with anxiety. Researchers hypothesised that Zero Balancing would lower the perceived severity of general anxiety and reduce perceived anxiety symptoms.
Conclusion: Zero Balancing effectively reduced anxiety severity and symptoms, highlighting the critical role of somatic awareness in anxiety management.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/ijzbtt/vol4/iss1/1/
Calming the Body, Calming the Mind: A Pilot Study on the Use of Zero Balancing to Reduce Anxiety
Rhoads, M., Murphy, M., (2024), Journal of Transformative Touch, Eastern Illinois University
This study explored how Zero Balancing supports individuals with anxiety to manage their physical, mental, and emotional health more effectively. Researchers hypothesised that Zero Balancing would lower the perceived severity of general anxiety and lower perceived anxiety symptoms.
Conclusion: Zero Balancing lowered the feeling and symptoms of anxiety. Adding the use of a skilled touch protocol, such as Zero Balancing, to the treatment of anxiety has positive benefits.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1040&context=ijzbtt
Dizziness / Vestibular Issues
Zero Balancing with the Dizzy Client
Behrens, M.L., (2022). Journal of Transformative Touch, Volume 2, Issue 1, Eastern Illinois University
“Dizziness” is a colloquial term for the general experience individuals associate with a variety of problems with the vestibular system. Because “dizziness” is a general description of a symptom that may have a range of causes, seeking care from various medical specialists, the root problem is often missed, potentially leaving clients suffering for years. Over the last 10 years of clinical practice, I have found Zero Balancing to be an effective treatment for many clients referred for vestibular disorders.
The goal of this paper is to shed light on the reasons for my clinical decision making and understand the patterns of effectiveness in my work.
Conclusion: Vestibular Rehabilitation has proven to be helpful for a variety of vestibular diagnoses. The condition of vestibular migraine is emerging as the most common cause of episodic vertigo, and currently there is no PT clinical practice guideline for it due to several factors. This study indicates that the use of skilled manual therapy, namely Zero Balancing, can be a useful addition to treatment of this condition.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1030&context=ijzbtt