Investigating the Effects of Zero Balancing on the Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Dimensions of Wellness: A Phenomenological MIxed Methods Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Today the necessity for relieving undue stress on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels is obvious at this time of concomitant global crises from pandemic, societal inequity, and climatic challenges. Methods to restore and enhance human well-being are critically needed. The study of overall wellness has not yet included the role that skilled, conscious touch may play in supporting the dimensions of wellness, an awareness of which this study seeks to elevate by exploring the effects of receiving positive touch on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of wellness. Methods: The researchers chose to utilize a concurrent mixed-methods hermeneutic phenomenological research design. The quantitative aspect of this study included pre/post- session surveys assessed with a paired sample t-test along with descriptive statistics. Sixteen people were viewed as “cases” and interviewed for discovery on the essence of receiving Zero Balancing and the impact of ZB on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of health. Qualitative data was assessed for themes. Results: Analysis revealed that the essence of Zero Balancing was integration. The paired sample t-test showed a significant increase in the overall feeling of wellness after the fourth Zero Balancing session the at p< .001 level. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study we conclude that Zero Balancing is an integrative, low cost, simply administered, holistic therapy with multiple benefits. We also suggest this body therapy, with its focus on skilled, conscious touch, does facilitate wellness in the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of wellness.