The Founder
Zero Balancing was developed by American born Fritz Smith, MD in the early 1970s.
Dr Fritz Frederick Smith received his Bachelor of Science in 1951, Doctor of Osteopathy in 1955 and Medical Degree in 1961. He practised osteopathy and general medicine from 1957 to 1972.
During the 1960s and 70s, seeking a deeper understanding of illness and health, he began studying alternative therapies, including Rolfing Structural Integration with Ida Rolf and Five Element acupuncture with J.R. Worsley.
Fritz became the first American to earn the Diploma of Acupuncture at the College of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in London, in 1972.
He studied with Swami Muktananda – a renowned yoga and spiritual teacher.
Fritz transitioned to the light in May 2024.
Origin Story
While classically trained in the allopathic modalities, Fritz' scientific viewpoint was increasingly challenged by his study of acupuncture and Eastern philosophies of healing.
He eventually developed a touch therapy that integrates a blending of Eastern thinking and Western thinking.
At first, other people started calling his new system "Fritz-ing" and attempted to imitate his techniques. In response, he formalised the principles and techniques surrounding his practice so that it could be taught to others.
While on the look out for a name, one of his clients got off the table and exclaimed, "That was amazing. I feel balanced back to zero." Hence the name Zero Balancing was born.
What is Zero Balancing?
Zero Balancing is a body-mind system of healing. Done with the clothes on, it is deeply enjoyable and relaxing for the body and mind. A treatment usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
ZB Practitioners use slow and gentle points of pressure and traction, held for only a few seconds each, to create fulcrums or 'points of balance' around which the body can relax and repair.
ZB also supports the release of physical and emotional trauma which may be stored in the body as patterns of chronic tension and imbalance.
By addressing the deepest and densest tissues of the body (bones) along with soft tissue and energy fields, ZB helps to clear blocks in the body’s energy flow, amplify vitality and support a greater sense of well-being.
What Are the Benefits?
Zero Balancing clients often report experiencing deep levels of relaxation, along with immediate and long-lasting relief from pain.
ZB may be able to help with:
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Neck Pain
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Back Pain
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Hip Pain
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Arthritis
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Tension Headaches
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Insomnia
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Postural Imbalance
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Chronic Stress -- in the body and in the psyche
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Physical or Emotional Trauma stored in the body
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And more...*
*These statements have not been evaluated by a regulatory agency
ZB in New Zealand & Australia
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Zero Balancing is being spread throughout New Zealand and Australia by certified Zero Balancing instructors.
ZB was first introduced to New Zealand by Paul Cohen in 1999. After many years of teaching ZB, and running the ZB Association of New Zealand & Australia, he made the decision to retire from ZB teaching in 2017.
The faculty expanded with Rebekah Harbour and Anne Kershaw who graduated from the same teacher training programme with Dr. Fritz Smith in 2012. Sadly, Anne recently passed away. (Read a tribute to Anne here).
Peter Woodgate joined the faculty as a certified ZB teacher in 2018,.
There are currently over 20 certified ZB Practitioners in New Zealand and Australia, and many more students of ZB who are currently on the path to certification.