Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68013
REFLECTIONS: ZERO BALANCING Japan. People can find practitioners at www.zerobalancing.com. DL: You know that massage is often defined narrowly as soft-tissue manipulation. We know that Zero Balancing works with the whole person and affects their soft tissues, their bones, their mind, and spirit. So how would you answer people who want to know how Zero Balancing relates to the various other systems? FS: We overlap with all the other massage and bodywork systems while retaining our clarity of focus of relating energy to structure. We can give continuing education credits to massage therapists because we're dealing with the musculo-skeletal system. We can give continuing education credits to acupuncturists because we're dealing with energy. We can give continuing education credits to physiotherapists because we also deal with joints in the body. We can give continuing education credits to psychologists because it's mind-body therapy. So we have a foot in a lot of different camps and I wouldn't define us in a narrow sense. We're a body-mind system of therapy. DL: What are some of the lessons you would say Zero Balancing has for massage therapists? FS: I would say some massage practitioners need to be aware that there is an energy body as well as a physical body, and to engage both in their massage strokes. I'd also recommend practitioners add pauses into their sessions. When you're getting a massage, it feels wonderful. Yet, sometimes it can heighten the experience to stop for a short moment and let the client experience themselves. The pause in therapy can be a very important working tool. Also, a massage can be more meaningful if the client articulates what they'd like to accomplish from "Massage practitioners need to be aware that there is an energy body as well as a physical body, and to engage both in their massage strokes." Fritz Smith the session, or what they'd like to see happen, or what they'd like to release. When one or more intentions are framed before a session, the desired result is much more likely to happen. So, rather than just having a general massage, the frame gives it an intentionality, a higher purpose. This changes the energetic field in which the massage is given and will make it even more beneficial. DL: Many massage therapists are hard workers and in the busyness of their day, it can turn more into difficult than pleasurable work. What things do you think of that can sustain inspiration? FS: I think in a massage or bodywork session, it is useful for the therapist to clearly define a beginning, middle, and end to the session. At the end of the massage, take a moment to feel empowered from what you have done. Feel uplifted because you've connected with another person in a meaningful, helpful way; experience internally the success and fulfillment of what you've done. Then when you start the next massage, you'll be starting from a higher point, not a lower one. Most importantly, follow your heart. Follow your heart. DL: How would you describe a healthy person? FS: A healthy person is basically happy, and is functional, and is loving. Physical health is free of aches and pain but is also radiant from within. Inner health is what's so important—the inner attitudinal health, the inner view of the world, these things are where health lies. The Dalai Lama says our natural state is to be happy, and I think as we approach our naturalness and our happiness emerges, we know we're moving in the right direction. DL: Are you a happy man? teacher of Zero Balancing and deep massage, cofounder of Lauterstein-Conway Massage School in Austin, Texas, and author of Putting the Soul Back in the Body and "What is Zero Balancing?" For more information, contact him at DavidL@TLCschool.com or visit www.TLCschool.com. FS: I am a happy man, thank you very much. Thanks for asking. David Lauterstein is an international Balancing, has been an osteopath since 1960, was one of the first generation of Rolfers, and also has a master's degree in acupuncture. Smith continues a busy teaching schedule around the world. He is the author of Inner Bridges: A Guide to Energy Movement and Body Structure and The Alchemy of Touch: Moving Towards Mastery Through the Lens of Zero Balancing. Dr. Fritz Smith, the founder of Zero visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 79