ZERO BALANCING: A HOLISTIC TOOL FOR ADDICTIONS TREATMENT & RECOVERY Beth D. Terrence, BA, LMT, CHP Zero Balancing Practitioner
What is Zero Balancing? a system of hands on healing that addresses the whole being body, mind, emotion and spirit an integration of Western medical science with Eastern energy healing practices a foundation for bringing balance and harmony into one s being through the practice of skilled and intentional touchwork a gentle, safe and clear form of bodywork which can bring the element of touch into the therapeutic process and is accessible to all an embodied experience of holistic health and wellbeing a support for the release of emotions and trauma
Zero Balancing: A Holistic Approach Zero Balancing utilizes a holistic approach to healing working on four levels: Physical Mental Emotional Spiritual
Benefits of Zero Balancing Heightens a sense of well being, and general wellness Reduces stress and promotes a better flow of energy in our bodies Enhances developmental processes Promotes personality integration Reduces body discomforts and pain Promotes postural alignment Enhances transformational processes Heightens an increased sense of connection, peace, balance and harmony Helps release tissue held memory and helps reframe our life history
A Zero Balancing Session 15 45 minutes Initial discussion and framing Seated Evaluation Client lies on back, fully clothed ZB Protocol focusing on foundational areas of body
Bridging Energy and Structure When structure and energy are balanced, restrictions and dysfunctional patterns held in the body tend to be released. There is no longer a need to hold onto what is not functional. This balance creates better functioning and ease in the body, mind and spirit. It also supports a person in living more fully in the present moment, rather than in the past or the future. Zero Balancing offer a hands on body mind therapy that balances the relationship of energy and structure within the bones and tissues of the body. By aligning energy with structure in this way, the body s natural healing processes are supported.
Interface: An Experience in Healthy Boundaries Interface is one of the key principles of Zero Balancing leading to effectiveness and clarity A ZB practitioner learns to be aware of both his or her physical and energetic boundaries as well as those of the client. This principle fosters mutual safety and respect and can enhance all forms of bodywork and relationships Through the experience of Interface, ZB offers clients a somatic (bodily) experience of healthy boundaries and containment which is a vital component for healing and the recovery process
Zero Balancing: A Tool for Addictions Treatment & Recovery Through gentle and intentional bodywork, Zero Balancing can support clients through the Post Acute Withdrawal Phase of recovery and beyond. The benefits of Zero Balancing offer relief for specific PAWS symptoms as well as fostering an overall experience of harmony and well being. Each time a client has this experience, their system is strengthened (aligned) and attuned to the possibility of new, healthier patterns of being.
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) PAWS is the second stage of withdrawal. During this stage, there are fewer physical symptoms, but more emotional and psychological withdrawal symptoms. PAWS can last up to two years and be a major factor in treatment and recovery. Post acute withdrawal occurs because the brain chemistry is gradually returning to normal. As the brain improves, the levels of brain chemicals fluctuate as they approach the new equilibrium causing postacute withdrawal symptoms. During post acute withdrawal most people experience similar symptoms. (Melemis,, Dr. Steven M., 2011) The most common Post Acute Withdrawal symptoms are: Mood swings Anxiety Irritability Tiredness Variable energy Low enthusiasm Variable concentration Disturbed sleep
ZB Naturally Eases PAWS Symptoms by: Releasing blocked energy and stress such as headaches, backaches, fatigue and depression Easing problems related to stress such as tension, insomnia and nervousness Increasing the capacity for enjoyment of daily life by improving relationships and attitudes Creating inner quiet and self understanding bringing a clearer mind and insight Improving quality of life through relaxation, feelings of contentment and ability to sustain feelings of well being
Case Study #1 Somatic Processing Client: Male, Age 42 Drug of Choice: Alcohol and Opiates Client arrived at treatment feeling extremely hopeless and lost. He had severe neuropathy from prolonged alcohol dependence and needed to walk with a cane. During our second session, the client felt a parallel flow of energy moving through one of his legs and feet. This experience renewed his sense of hope that feeling would return. In future sessions, he became increasingly aware of energy movement; this supported the door of possibility to open for him. Although, he was quite resistant to talking about his feelings, the client had several emotional releases during sessions with tears flowing. The client shared that he felt very supported and it helped to have a safe space for feelings to flow non verbally. Client carried his ZB experiences into his artwork reflecting his awareness of energy and the effects of ZB as well as a growing sense of connection. containment and balance.
In this image, client # 1 describes how he felt energetically before experiencing before Zero Balancing. He described the feelings as chaotic, disorganized and out of control.
After a Zero Balancing session, client #1 created this painting in which he expressed a feeling of alignment and containment of his energy. He also shared that he felt a strong connection to his heart and a much greater sense of stability. He entitled the work, ERAL, an acronym for Energy, Release, Alignment and Love. Prior to receiving ZB, client was hesitant in his artwork but through his experience of energy and flow, he became able to express his experience through art more freely.
This final piece was done by client # 1, just prior to his departure from treatment; it reflects the following benefits of Zero Balancing: a sense of connection to greater whole energetic experience and awareness opening to receiving support a sense of grounding self expression and creative flow sense of balance clarity and stability
Case Study # 2: Numbness to Feeling Client: Female, Age 60 Drug of Choice: Alcohol Client reported being a chronic alcoholic since her 20 s with many treatment episodes. She had lost almost everything due to her drinking, including her relationship with her children. She appeared hopeless and numb. Upon initial treatment, client felt very dense energetically. The feeling was like she had a balloon surrounding her and the practitioner was just barely touching the very edges of her protective shell. During subsequent sessions, client s armor appeared to dissipate; she reported beginning to feel lighter in body and spirit. During fourth session, upon working on client s upper back and ribs, she began to shed tears. This had not happened before; in almost 30 days, practitioner had never witnessed this client crying at all. Upon check in, client shared that she did not know what specifically she was crying about but that she was suddenly aware that she was feeling. She indicated that she had felt numb for so long, believing that she would never experience feelings again. A great part of her hopelessness and despondency stemmed from this belief. Client was encouraged to let the feelings fl0w, which they did for a some time and then subsided as we moved to closing. Upon check out, client looked much lighter and brighter. She shared her gratitude for having this experience; she felt like it was a breakthrough for her recovery and a return to hope.
Zero Balancing: A Safe Container for Clients in Early Recovery Clients in early recovery can fluctuate between extremes of emotions and/or numbness. Clients may be misdiagnosed as bi polar during this time. Zero Balancing offers a safe space for clients to be supported in their emotional experience whether it be over reactive or numb. The support that comes from the place of interface helps to take them below the level of chaos to their center, a place they may not even know exists. Many clients have armoring that is heavily built up over many years and often through traumatic experiences. As demonstrated by client# 2, Zero Balancing can assist with: Dismantling armor Experiencing feelings Resolution of numbness Emotional release in safe container Non processing processing Releasing long held emotions and trauma Getting into the body
Integrating Zero Balancing into an Addictions Treatment setting Individual Sessions Sessions can range from 15 45 minutes Weekly or bi weekly sessions are beneficial Framing of sessions supports clarity and intention setting Integration of overall treatment process Meditation & Education Awareness of Energy and Structure Meditation to support balance of energy and self awareness Understanding of holistic healing approaches through dialogue and somatic experience
Overview While ZB feels relaxing and nurturing, the work is effective in releasing deeply held physical, emotional and mental patterns. (Chase Ryan, 2009) Zero Balancing offers a safe, nurturing and transformative holistic tool which can support addictions treatment and recovery. By offering clients a somatic experience of change through energy movement, increased self awareness and embodied wholeness, they are able to move through the addiction treatment and recovery process with greater confidence, hope and ease.
Who are Zero Balancers? Zero Balancing is offered by a wide variety of health professionals. They include acupuncturists, chiropractors, craniosacral therapists, massage therapists, medical doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, osteopaths, physical therapists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists and others Practitioners may be found in private practice, health and wellness centers, hospitals and spas. Certification in Zero Balancing follows approximately 175 hours of continuing education (100 class hours, 75 practical), one on one mentoring and successful performance evaluation. This individualized learning program transforms students of Zero Balancing into practitioners who embody the fundamental skills of this art. For additional information or to find a practitioner in your area, visit Zero Balancing Association www.zerobalancing.com
Author s Bio Beth D. Terrence, BA, LMT, CHP is a holistic health practitioner with over 15 years experience. She has been practicing Zero Balancing for 12 years. In addition to a private practice in Annapolis, MD, she serves as the Holistic Health Practitioner for Sagebrush Treatment Center in Vienna, VA, a residential holistic addictions treatment program. At Sagebrush, Beth offers a program which integrates Zero Balancing as well as other bodywork and holistic modalities including Energy Centered Bodywork, Meditation and Mindfulness, Shamanic Healing and Bach Flower remedies. For additional information on her work or how Zero Balancing and other holistic modalities can be integrated into Addictions Treatment programs, please visit her website, www.wavesofgrace.com. For additional information on Sagebrush, visit www.sagebrushva.com.
References Chase Ryan, Kate. The Zero Balancing Technique. Massage Magazine, October 2009. pp. 70 73 Smith, M.D., Frederick S. Core Zero Balancing Study Guide, 3 rd edition. Frederick F. Smith, M.D. 2009. Smith, M.D., Frederick S. The Alchemy of Touch. Complementary Medicine Press, Taos, NM. 2005 Melemis,, Dr. Steven M. Post Acute Withdrawal (PAWS), 2011 http://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/post acute withdrawal.htm To learn more about Zero Balancing or find a practitioner in your area, visit www.zerobalancingassociation.com