Karen Duff
I was born and raised in Whangārei, Northland, and in 1992 I moved to Christchurch. I have now spent more than 30 years living in Christchurch, Canterbury, and consider myself a Cantabrian with a Northland Taniwha in me. I have lived, felt, and breathed the earthquakes of 2010, 2011 and beyond, as well as the memorable snow of 1992.
I hold a deep love for the beaches of Northland, along with a passion for the sense of freedom found in Pelorus Sound, Marlborough. Spending time with family and friends is important to me, and helping others is truly a calling.
I understand pain and healing at a very personal level. In 1990, I was involved in a major motor vehicle accident that changed my life forever. I am extremely fortunate and deeply grateful to be alive and able to walk. Through my own health journey, I can also genuinely relate to people living with autoimmune conditions.
As a child, I always wanted to become a nurse. While my life did not unfold in that way, it has given me a broader understanding and a depth of knowing that I value greatly.
My professional background is diverse. I worked for the Department of Social Welfare in a variety of administrative and support roles, including Telephonist, Mailroom, Special Needs Grants Issuer, Corporate Services Branch Manager, Human Resources Assistant, Child, Youth and Family Assistant, backup typist, IT support, and within the Community Funding Agency Branch.
I also worked in the Insurance Industry as an Insurance Broker’s Executive Assistant, supporting areas including Fire & General, Travel, Life, Health, and Claims.
Later, I chose to become a stay‑at‑home mum, while also being a co‑owner and inaugural staff member of a nationwide industrial refrigeration company. Once my children were in secondary school, I explored contemporary jewellery making, which I continue to love for its creative and expressive nature.
And then, as life often does, the journey revealed another path…
I was first introduced to Zero Balancing (ZB) in 2017 by Certified Practitioner Lisa Roche (now in spirit), through my husband, who had injured himself while refereeing football.
During a Zero Balancing session with Lisa in 2018, my collarbone released long-held tension and energy related to a motor vehicle accident from 1990. The sensation was pleasant—similar to a gentle lifting and stretching—and brought a profound “thank goodness” moment as the tension moved away and the bone felt free again after 28 years of holding trauma.
Following several additional sessions, other areas of my body began to release as well. One particularly significant change was my lungs regaining the ability to fully breathe in and out with ease—again linked to the same accident in 1990.
In February 2018, I began my formal training in Zero Balancing through the ZBNZA Certification Programme. After completing over 600 hours of study, including case study write-ups, in-person courses, and both practical and theory examinations, I graduated as a Certified Zero Balancing Practitioner in Chacala, Mexico, on 01 February 2023 (delayed by one year due to the global pandemic). The programme was facilitated by Faculty and Mentors Peter Woodgate and Michael Oruch.
I have personally experienced the benefits of Zero Balancing and have seen how profoundly it can support change, clarity, and direction in life. I am deeply grateful for my exposure to this modality and for the opportunity to now support others in creating positive changes in their own lives.
I currently serve as President of the Zero Balancing New Zealand Association Inc. (ZBNZA Inc.), was previously Treasurer of ZBNZA (2025), I am the Zero Balancing Touch Foundation NZ Representative, and participate in the International Call for Zero Balancers Around the World.
Zero Balancing is unlike any other modality I have experienced—and it works.
What may Zero Balancing do for you?
Applied Functional MedicineI am currently undertaking further studies in Applied Functional Medicine, progressing steadily through the programme. My focus is on working collaboratively with you to support your health and help you function at your best.
I look forward to being able to support your wellness journey more fully in the not‑too‑distant future. Functional Medicine vs Conventional Medicine
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I began studying the Spinal Flow Technique in October 2024 and qualified as a Spinal Flow Practitioner in July 2025. This modality focuses on assessing, locating, and releasing blockages within the Central Nervous System (CNS).
Developed by Dr Carli Axford, a former chiropractor, Spinal Flow Technique is a science-based approach that supports the body’s innate ability to heal itself. It works to release layers of chemical, physical, and emotional stress that may have accumulated from birth through to the present moment.
The Central Nervous System (CNS)—made up of the brain (housed within the skull or cranium) and the spinal cord (which runs through the centre of the vertebrae)—acts as the body’s coordinator, controller, and regulator. It communicates and manages everything that occurs within the body. When disruptions or blockages occur, the transmission of nerve signals can be affected, potentially impacting muscle control, organ function, and overall bodily processes.
Spinal Flow sessions work with your body over time to help clear these blockages and disruptions. As layers of chemical, emotional, and physical stress are released, the body is supported in restoring balance. Some layers may shift quickly, while others may take more time, depending on their nature and how long they have been held within the body.
This is a powerful and effective modality. I currently offer group sessions for two people, with plans to extend this offering. All initial assessments are conducted individually with me to ensure personalised care.
FOR MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODALITIES click here
Indian Head and Hand Massage
This
modality is an extra skill I have learnt which is an amazing technique handed down through Indian Families to create a sense of calmness
and get a scalp treatment at the same time. Indian Hand Massage, works in well with Head Massage. No longer taking
on new people for this modality.
Excellence through empathy and attention to detail.