Zero Balancing Wellness Center

Balancing Body Mind Spirit

My goal is to support your self-healing, wellness, and highest potential.


The Zero Balancing Wellness Center (ZBWC) is the heart of Mary Murphy’s teaching and private practice.  Originally established in Wilmette in 2008, the ZBWC is now located in Glenview, IL.  The mission of the Zero Balancing Wellness Center is to provide the highest quality of skilled, conscious touch for clients to find the optimal balancing of body, mind, and spirit.

ZB Wellness & Healing Therapy

Services

Zero Balancing Session

A typical Zero Balancing Session is received clothed on a massage table and lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. Sessions begin with a discussion of the client’s current state of health and priorities for positive change. This creates a frame for the session in which both client and Zero Balancer share an understanding of how the client is seeking to improve the quality of his or her health and wellbeing.


Sessions include a brief seated evaluation followed by the client resting on their back for the rest of the session. The practitioner assesses the client’s body for tension held in the bones, joints and soft tissues, inviting a release of this tension through fulcrums created by using gentle finger pressure and comfortable traction, allowing an effortless rebalancing to occur.


Zero Balancing focuses primarily on key joints of our skeleton that conduct and balance forces of gravity, posture and movement. ZB utilizes a form of touch called Interface which honors clear boundaries and connects consciously with both the structure and energy of the body. The Zero Balancing protocol addresses the entire body, encouraging a felt sense of deep relaxation, supporting the ability to easily let go of stress, and strengthening bodymind integration.

Remote Energy Balancing Session

During a remote, tele-health energy balancing session, we set the intention for your session by creating a frame for you based on whatever is most needed. We share a brief grounding meditation and then you either recline or sit in a comfortable position. I utilize energetic awareness and observations to guide the session. I notice physiological and energetic changes that occur in the body of my client and register what the client’s energy feels like at various places in the body. I “listen” to the non-verbal communication of the body and the vibratory qualities of bones, organs, soft tissues, fluids. The energy field can be felt as a whole or specifically in various parts of the energy “anatomy”, which underlies, supports and surrounds the physical body. A remote session can be very powerful, in a gentle and effective way. Each one is unique and individualized. It unfolds organically through the natural re-balancing capacity of the body’s ability to heal and self-regulate. Having a support for this unfolding deepens and amplifies the experience.

Service Time Price
Welcome Visit (initial intake appointment)
1 ¼ Hour
$150
Follow Up Visit
1 Hour
$140
Remote Energy Balancing appointment
1 Hour
$140

Policies:

Your appointment time is reserved for you.

Cancellation policy
A minimum of 24 hours notice is required for canceling or rescheduling an appointment, or you will be responsible for the full charge of the session. Emergency cancellations for serious medical, illness, weather delays, family emergencies are all acceptable.

Late arrivals cannot be allotted any additional time.

Informed Consent

A completed health history form is required before treatment.  Any changes or updates to your health should be communicated as they occur to provide you with the safest treatment.  I do not diagnose any condition or prescribe medications.  I will refer if I feel I am unable to address any issue. Please see your physician or other health care professional for any medical concerns.

About Mary

Mary Murphy

Therapeutic Bodywork Experience

Mary Murphy is a licensed massage therapist, Zero Balancing practitioner and faculty member, and CranioSacral therapist who has been studying touch therapies since 1981.  Originally trained in infant massage, and various forms of energy healing such as MariEL, and Therapeutic Touch, Mary graduated from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy in 1990.  She began her study of Zero Balancing in 1993, certified as a ZB practitioner in 1996, and trained as a ZB teacher joining the Zero Balancing Health Association faculty in 2004.  She founded the Zero Balancing Wellness Center in Wilmette, IL in 2008, and now holds a private practice in Glenview, IL.

Mary teaches ZB Core and advanced classes for the Zero Balancing Health Association.  If you are interested in facilitating a class locally or nationally, please contact Mary for her availability. You can also find information on Zero Balancing classes at www.zerobalancing.com.  Additional information on Zero Balancing worldwide can be found through the Zero Balancing Touch Foundation at www.zbtouch.org .

My practice philosophy:

Having studied healing for over 40 years, it is my belief that transformative touch is an essential element for self-healing, and personal evolution.  My own path in the healing arts began with the realization we do not stop at our skin. I came to cherish the transcendent mystery of the relationship between our physical bodies and the energy that animates us and enfolds us in the larger, interconnected field of all beings. Receiving wonderful therapeutic touch changed my life and gave me the courage to be myself and to aspire to live a spirit-driven life.  I believe human beings have the inherent capacity to self-regulate, heal, and evolve throughout life. It is my honor to support that process with my hands, heart, and soul.

My mission is to be a strong advocate for the role that skilled, conscious touch plays in human health and flourishing.  In addition to my individual work with clients, I pursue this work through teaching, writing, community service, and research.  My work is a contemplative practice of holding space for others to self-heal, grow and thrive.  If you are interested in connecting, please contact me at zbinfo@zbwellness.com or by leaving a message at 847-920-9292.

More Details:

Background

Education

  • Georgetown University, BA
  • Naropa University, MA Contemplative Education


Professional Development

  • Massage Therapy Certification
  • International Academy of NeuroMuscular Therapy Certification
  • CranioSacral Therapy Diplomate Certification
  • Zero Balancing Certification
  • Zero Balancing Teacher Training Certification
  • Additional training in neurological, visceral, and energetic therapies, trauma healing (individual, ancestral, and collective), and embodied social justice.
  • Extensive training in neurological, visceral, and energetic therapies, trauma healing (individual, ancestral, and collective), Global Social Witnessing Facilitation, and embodied social justice methodologies. 


Professional Experience

  • Owner Zero Balancing Wellness Center 2008-present
  • Research Consultant Zero Balancing Touch Foundation
  • Editorial Board, Journal of Transformative Touch, 2019-2025
  • Zero Balancing Touch Foundation Board of Directors Member 2013-2020
  • Zero Balancing Health Association (N. America) Board of Directors 2005-2013
  • Zero Balancing Health Association Faculty Member 2004-present
  • Adjunct Faculty Soma Institute of Clinical Massage Therapy 2001-2008
  • Zero Balancing and CranioSacral Therapist, Pathways Center for Children 1999-2002
  • Director of Therapeutic Bodywork, Advocate Medical Group’s Center for Complementary Medicine, 1998-2008
  • Staff Therapist, Center for Muscle Therapy, 1991-1993
  • American Massage Therapy Association Member 1990-present


Teaching Experience

  • Zero Balancing Health Association, 2004-present
  • Upledger Institute Certified Presenter 1999-2007
  • Soma Institute for Clinical Massage Therapy 2000-2008


Classes Taught 
All classes are 4-day unless otherwise noted)

  • Introduction to Zero Balancing (1 day)
  • Zero Balancing 1
  • Zero Balancing 2
  • Alchemy of Touch
  • Zero Balancing – Geometry of Healing: Advanced Palpation Skills
  • Freely Moveable Joints
  • Zero Balancing Expanded: Addressing the Viscera
  • Zero Balancing Expanded: Addressing the Skull
  • Advancing Skills Days (1-day class for any of the above 4-day classes to revisit and renew class skills)
  • Mastery: Transformation in Zero Balancing (advanced multiday residential program)
  • Teacher Training programs for ZB practioners
  • Collective Healing Practices ( 3-parts online series 2025)
  • Collective Healing Practices study groups (online 2025)
Research

Research Consultant

  • Zero Balancing Touch Foundation
  • Beta testing, exploratory studies, and pilot studies on the effects of Zero Balancing. Participation in research design, written dissemination of findings, oral presentations on findings indicating participants experienced greater perceived feelings of decreased stress, and increases in wellness, positivity of self and relational ease with others, mental clarity, and harmony.
Publications

 

  • Rhoads, M., Murphy, M., Behrens, M. L., Salvo, R., Anderson, S., Gowen, C., Humbles, D., Quarry, V., Rosene, D., Tribelhorn, W., Urcheck, J., & Waggy, D. (2025). Grounded in Touch: The Science Behind Anxiety Relief and Human Connection. Journal of Transformative Touch, 4(1). https://thekeep.eiu.edu/ijzbtt/vol4/iss1/1/
  • Rhoads, M. L., & Murphy, M. (2024). Calming the Body, Calming the Mind: A Pilot Study on the Use of Zero Balancing to Reduce Anxiety. Journal of Transformative Touch, 3(1). https://thekeep.eiu.edu/ijzbtt/vol3/iss1/1/
  • Rhoads, M. & Murphy, M. Investigating the Effects of ZB on the Dimensions of Health. [White paper]. Zero Balancing Touch Foundation. March 2022
  • Rhoads, M., Murphy, M., Doucette, M., Gentile, T., Watson, J., & Rhoads, D. Investigating the Effects of Zero Balancing on the Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Dimensions of Wellness: A Phenomenological Mixed Methods Pilot Study. International Journal of Zero Balancing and Transformative Touch. Spring 2021
  • Murphy, M. (2019) Cultivating Embodied Connection: The role of contemplative practices in bodywork education. (unpublished Master Thesis) Naropa University. May 2019.
  • Murphy, M. (2013) Bone Deep Energy. Natural Awakening Magazine. October 2013.
  • Murphy, M. (2003) Integration and Balance: Using Zero Balancing to Enhance Bodymind Stability. International Alliance of HealthCare Educators publication.


Contributor to a Publication

  • McCormick, J. (2021). Zero Balancing: Conscious Touch and Transformation. (Chapter 5: Research on Zero Balancing). Handspring Publishing.
  • Sullivan, J. (2014). Zero Balancing Expanded: The attitude of awaiting a fish. (Chapter 5: Cranial Cavity). Palm Beach Gardens, FL: Upledger Productions.

Testimonials

Dr. Fritz Smith, MD,
Founder and Developer
of Zero Balancing and Mary
“Mary Murphy is one of our star Zero Balancing practitioners and teachers.  I fully endorse her in every respect.”
Fritz Smith MD, founder of Zero Balancing.
"I can’t speak highly enough of Mary. She is truly a gifted healer. I recommend seeing Mary for healing in your body, your mind and your spirit."
D.M.Leadership Coach
D.M.
"After I suffered a traumatic brain injury, one of my physicians recommended Mary Murphy to help facilitate my recovery. She became a blessing in my life. I strongly believe I would not have made as complete a recovery as I have, had I not begun using this modality of therapy in addition to traditional therapies. Mary’s kind, gentle healing touch has been a gift."
S.L.Client
S.L.
"I have known Mary Murphy as a teacher, mentor, practitioner, and coworker. In every situation she always gives her very best. She has a most generous and compassionate heart supported by a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. This allows her to deliver bodywork or teaching precisely tailored to the needs of the individual. Her work is outstanding. "
A.F.PT, LMT
A.F.
"Each session she listens to what I say and to what my body says and responds with a sure head, heart, and hands. I experience physical relief and feel totally support mentally and spiritually in the struggle to live well midst the uncertainty and instability of my health situation."
K.K.Journalist
K.K.
"I have had chronic migraine headaches since my teens. I am a physician and a scientist and have tried everything medicine has to offer. For the first time, my headaches have come under control with the Zero Balancing techniques provided by Mary Murphy. I would recommend Mary to someone with migraine headaches without reservation."
M.L.MD
M.L.
"I have received both in person ZB sessions and remote energy balancing sessions from Mary and found them both to be very beneficial for my overall health and well-being. Her sensitivity and support has helped relieve both physical and emotional stress."
C.D.LCSW
C.D.
"Mary Murphy is not only an extremely skilled practitioner and teacher, but she is also one of the finest people I know. Mary is a dedicated and compassionate healer, uncompromising in her commitment to her clients, colleagues, and students."
D.L.Rolfer, Zero Balancing Faculty
D.L.
"After my recent remote energy balancing session with Mary, I had a pervasive feeling of well-being and confidence. I have slept better and felt very relaxed."
V.V.OT
V.V.
"I leave each ZB experiences with a feeling of well-being which permeates the entire ZB session and lingers. I feel that my whole body has been re-aligned and all the parts are exactly where they belong, and I am in a state of deep relaxation. I sometimes feel radiating energy waves in the area that is being held. Though the experience is difficult to describe, it feels like some combination of wakefulness and sleep that is a different realm than either."
C.R.LCSW
C.R.
"Among Mary’s many gifts is her embodiment of the visionary archetype. Should you have the opportunity to work with her as a client, student, or colleague, you will be touched by her compassion, clarity and ability to enlighten your own path of healing and personal growth."
L.B.L. Ac, Zero Balancing Faculty
L.B.
"I first came to see Mary because of some unrelenting pain in my neck. The pain dissipated but I found myself coming back regularly because I always left feeling rejuvenated and more the person I wanted to be. I cannot recommend the individual care and attentiveness I received more highly. I am grateful to Mary; she has extraordinary intuitiveness combined with vast knowledge."
H.H.Feldenkrais practitioner
H.H.
"Mary Murphy’s calm, nurturing and knowledgeable presence is a true gift. Her teachings have played a large role in facilitating the spiritual, mental, physical, and energetic transformation of my practice and my life."
M.S.L.Ac., CST, LMT
M.S.
"Today, the overall frequent sense of overwhelm is gone and there is energy, lightness, softness, and unforced functioning. I have no doubt that my remote session yesterday brought to light physical blocks that have not been met before and allowed for much more release and spaciousness in my body."
D. M.Client
D. M.
"Mary is an extraordinary teacher and an incredible Zero Balancing practitioner. She has the remarkable ability to combine her extensive knowledge of anatomy with her amazing hands-on skills. Experiencing a Zero Balancing sessions or learning from Mary in class is something no one should miss."
P.J.PT, Zero Balancing Faculty
P.J.
"Mary is a delight to learn from. She holds tremendous knowledge while transmitting ease and passion for the work."
J.A.LMT, L.Ac, Zero Balancing Faculty
J.A.
"Mary is a dream, who is both totally grounded, present and competent, while maintaining an inspirational connection to the ethereal."
J.M.L.Ac., Zero Balancing Faculty
J.M.
"Mary is a generous and gifted teacher, presenting the material as easy and fun so that it is a joy to learn with her."
S.J.ACM
S.J.

Classes

Freely Movable Joints - April 8-12, 2026
Freely Movable Joints
April 9-12, 2026
Madison, WI
Pre-requisite: ZB I and ZB II.
CEUs :25

Freely Movable Joints extends the Core protocol to include joints such as the knee, elbow, wrist, and more. These freely movable joints present distinctive therapeutic challenges due to the variety of the anatomy and their great ranges of motion. This class clarifies how to identify joint imbalances—whether symptomatic or asymptomatic—through skillful evaluation using ZB principles. We will learn to create unique fulcrums tailored to each joint’s specific needs

Register Here
Mastery: Transformation in Zero Balancing - Fall 2026 (TBA Soon)
Mastery: Transformation in Zero Balancing with Jim McCormick and Mary Murphy Cape Cod, MA Fall 2026 Residential Class (exact dates and registration TBA soon) MA Pre-requisites: ZB I, ZB II, and one other ZB class  CEUS: 30 A Mastery level, creative laboratory in advanced ZB to explore how to enhance our Zero Balancing sessions, and our lives, by paying more attention to our connection with our clients and to our own personal growth work in order to provide more transformation for our clients and ourselves. (Registration TBA)
For more information on Zero Balancing classes, articles, and events, contact the Zero Balancing Health Association: https://www.zerobalancing.com/
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© 2025 ZB Wellness

  • Phone: 847-920-9292
  • Address: Glenview, IL