TO YOUR HEALTH
tocol can help people practice bodywork with more ease in their own body while also having more effect on their clients. A Zero Balanc - ing class is structured in a way where participants both give and re- ceive bodywork from each other, led by an experienced faculty, and often assisted by high level practitioners. In these classes, we teach our unique understanding of the foundational types of touch that can be used, with specific focus on our hallmark quality of touch that ZB specializes in — Interface touch. This, along with our core theories of how to simultaneously engage structure and energy, and the Core ZB protocol itself are some of the many topics covered. It takes 4 of these foundational classes, plus some extra work, to become fully certified as a Zero Balancing practitioner. At 25 CEUs per class, this is also a fantastic way to get continuing education credits for a complementary modality. Although Zero Balancing just celebrated its 50th year, it is not as well-known as some other modalities. The ZB community has, in some ways, kept itself insular, but has recently been making strides to continue to spread the word of this touch-therapy system. The DC metro area has been a hotspot for ZB for decades; there are many peo- ple here who practice or know ZB on some level. You can seek out a local practitioner on the ZB website, www.ZeroBalancing.com, as well as look for intro ZB classes in your locale. If you don’t see any classes nearby, you can use the practitioner search feature to reach out to fac- ulty members to come teach a class in your area! Would you like to move through the world and through your life with less pain, tension and overwhelm? If you are a practitioner, would you like to connect with your clients in a way that creates more ease, and more success in your own work? Consider getting a Zero Balancing session, and adding ZB to your personal, and/or professional, health - care repertoire. This holistic modality offers an effective system that can provide more ease and assist to alleviate suffering in mind, body and spirit. Jared Urchek, L.Ac., CZB, is a licensed acupuncturist in Maryland, a certified ZB practitioner, and a certified Faculty member of the Zero Balancing Health Association. He has been studying and prac - ticing healing arts and herbalism for over 20 years. His practice is in the Berwyn neighborhood of College Park, MD; he also teaches ZB classes there, as well as anywhere else in the world where a group of people want to learn. www.vital-traditions.com/
the larger networks of tension and dysfunction; more importantly, they can get their hands on the underlying core structure and wellness that is deeper and more fundamental to us than our tension. By put- ting clearer, stronger fields of energy through the deep core structures of our bodies, they have the opportunity and invitation to release old tension patterns. This may mean when the client gets up from the ta- ble, they feel lighter. Maybe they feel taller, a lesser need to slouch, or their gait changes. It may mean when they get back to life or work and a stressful situation comes up, that stress doesn’t “land” in the body in the same way. It becomes easier to respond authentically, kindly and more easily when we are in touch with ourselves in a more present and flowing way, and not as locked into old tension patterns. Research Findings In recent years the Zero Balancing community has dedicated a growing set of resources to scientifically studying the impact of Zero Balancing. To date, practitioners and researchers have conducted peer reviewed studies such as “Zero Balancing and Anxiety”, “ZB and Dizzi - ness”, the “Influence of Conscious Touch on Wellness,” and “The Re - lationship of ZB to Contemplative Practices.” There are EEG studies through the NeuroSynchrony Institute, and a growing list of case stud- ies of individual sessions. A larger national study on ZB and its pow- erful effects on anxiety is about to be published as well (these studies can be found at https://zbtouch.org/research/). As we continue to move into the future, there is still much to learn and understand why this modality is so effective. The ZB community is leading the research charge with these early findings as we contin - ue to advocate for more resources to expand the field of scientific re - search. These early findings contribute to the larger body of scientific knowledge and set the groundwork for new hypotheses, methods and findings that can continue to be studied. Who Can Benefit from Zero Balancing ZB is a modality for truly anybody. It can bring us back to our bodies by being able to give and receive quality, safe, and meaningful touch — things that have been increasingly difficult in the age of technology and social distancing. ZB, in my opinion, is one of the best modalities out there for lower back pain, joint pains, and tensions in the body. It is also optimal for helping to create a sense of ease and wellbeing in a person’s life — and certainly we can all benefit from less pain and more ease. As ZB touch is grounding, well-boundaried, and safe, it has shown to be particularly good for those who’ve experienced trauma of any kind. Further, it’s a great modality to help tend the bodies of athletes, medical personnel and others who put the body through a lot of repetitive strain. Zero Balancing is an excellent tool for helping to release old patterns and find new and easier ways to move. One noteworthy aspect of Zero Balancing is how well it works in conjunction with other modalities. The collective of ZB practitioners is made up of massage therapists, acupuncturists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, chiropractors, and people of many other professions. Because Zero Balancing is gentle, holistic, and based on a set of clear principles and theories, it can be easily worked into other systems. For my practice, that looks like blending acupuncture and ZB in each treatment, along with herbal medicine. For others it may mean utilizing ZB to help achieve occupational performance goals, working it into physical therapy treatments, or perhaps using it in conjunction with massage techniques. Professional Development: Learning to Practice Zero Bal- ancing Learning the foundational theory of ZB as well as the Core ZB Pro-
Kimberly Dawkins Founder, Ener-Ki
Services offered: Reiki Extractions Soul Retrievals Ancestral Constellations Cord Cutting Other Shamanic Practices
Visit: www.ener-ki.com Contact: kimberly@ener-ki.com • 410-929-4596 617 W. Lexington Street, Suite F • Baltimore, MD 21201
PATHWAYS—Winter 24-25—57
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