This cure was developed by Nelson Zinc who runs NLP Santa Fe. It was published in the July(?), 1992 issue of Anchor Point, an NLP magazine. Forgive me for not quoting his article more precisely and at length but I am trying to avoid being too flagrant in violating the copyright.

The purported cure seems to be designed primarily for people with severe anxiety, especially with panic disorder. However it might also be useful before taking an important exam or giving a public speech or performance. In this case, I suspect that four or five minutes would be quite long enough. (I don't have personal experience with this, however.)

Basically what the cure involves is juggling, but only with one ball. (Juggling for idiots, I suppose you might say.) A ball with a weight of about 100 grams is recommended. This is about twice as heavy as a tennis ball. My guess is that the important thing is that the ball be light enough to be tossed easily but heavy enough to have a good solid feel when you catch it. The feeling of catching it is probably as important as the motion of throwing.

Stand in a juggler's stance, feet about shoulder width apart, hands about level with your waist. Toss the ball from one hand to the other with a nice slow rythmn (a rate of about 50 tosses per minute is recommended). Slowly look toward the ceiling, close your eyes, then return your head to its normal position (with eyes still closed). Don't let your hands cross the midline of your body. Continue for about twenty minutes. If you drop the ball, just pick it up and continue. (``Occasional dropping appears to be part of the process.'')

It's probably better to experiment and find what works for you rather than worrying about following the instructions exactly.

Steve Andreas told us about this cure during my NLP training this past summer, but I don't remember him saying anything about closing the eyes. But Zinc claims that having closed eyes is very important.

It is not claimed that this is a permanent cure for anxiety. It's simply a little kinesthetic tranquilizer to be used when you need it.

Zinc's article gives a supposed rationale for the technique having do with the two hemispheres of the brain. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Nelson Zinc, NLP Santa Fe, PO Box 9910, Santa Fe, NM 87504, (505)986-3922.