elieving the mind can have a direct and dynamic effect on the life energy in the body, Dr. Randolph Stone took this to its logical conclusions when he said ”as we think, so we are.” Polarity therapy, a holistic healing system for balancing life energy, was founded by Randolph Stone, a doctor of chiropractic, osteopathy, and naturopathy, in the early part of the twentieth century. A combination of art and science, polarity therapy is about stimulating and balancing the flow of life energy within the human body.
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The therapy can lead to a powerful, emotionally expressive release of energy blockages. |  |
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What Is Polarity?
The body has an energy system much like a battery or magnet, with currents of energy flowing through the body’s positive, negative, and neutral poles. Polarity therapy works with the flow of high-frequency energy (sometimes called prana or chi in other holistic systems). In order to remain in good health, the life energy must flow freely and easily through the entire body. And the flow of energy can be easily disrupted by areas of excess or depletion. For the system to be balanced, one must have a dynamic, uninterrupted cyclic flow of energy.
After decades of medical practice, along with the study of Ayurveda in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine, Dr. Stone came to the conclusion that there is only one true disease: the disturbance or blockage of the flow of life energy. He believed that all pain and illness is a manifestation of energy imbalance. Good health is the result of having an uninterrupted and abundant flow of life energy.
What Do Polarity Therapists Do?
In a typical session (about 60-90 minutes), the therapist assesses the client’s energetic attributes using palpation, observation, and interview methods. Though the session is generally performed with the client lying down, there’s usually no need to disrobe. The therapist will use a soft touch, and may include rocking and point-specific touch to redirect the client’s energy. Cleansing diets and yoga-like exercises may also be recommended to enhance the patient’s health.
During the session, the patient’s experience may vary: deep relaxation, a release of pain, greater range of movement, changes in breathing patterns, shifts in the nervous system, and movement and the surfacing of memories. The therapy can lead to a powerful, emotionally expressive release of energy blockages, which can cause outburst of tears or laughter during a healing session. Every person is unique, so within each polarity session the therapist will adjust his/her needs of the energy at any one time. Contact can vary within the session from light to firm. The practitioner supports the client in increasing self-awareness of subtle energetic sensations, which are often experienced as tingling, warmth, expansion, or wavelike movement. This happens to the areas of body energy that may have been blocked and are now experiencing reintegration. Major healing may now occur.
What Are the Benefits of Polarity Therapy?
If we think negative thoughts about ourselves or react negatively to our environment, then our physical bodies will suffer. A polarity session leads the patient toward greater self awareness, understanding, and self acceptance, and encourages a more positive attitude toward her body and to life itself. With life energy so intimately related to body, mind, and emotions, polarity therapists are prepared to treat a wide spectrum of issues ranging from physical aches and pains to deep-seated problems of a more psychological or emotional nature.
How Can You Become a Polarity Therapist?
You can become registered or certified as a practitioner via educational programs approved by the American Polarity Therapy Association. Introductory classes in general theory are offered at massage schools. Polarity programs are offered all over the world. Go to www.polarity-therapy.com or www.naturalhealers.com to find a school. Whatever your decision—to become a polarity healer or a client—let it draw you in like a magnet!
By Laci Chiodo, Apr 13, 2009
Thank you for this interesting and informative article. I had never head of Polarity Therapy before, but I am intrigued. Is it something you should have done on a regular basis throughout your life or is it more for when you feel there is a problem going on in your body?
By Jacquetta Szathmari, Apr 19, 2009
Is there any physical sensation?
By Amy L, May 28, 2009
I think I will definitely look into Polarity Therapy further for my own treatment as well as practice.
Thanks for such an interesting and informative article!
By Mary L, Aug 28, 2009
Great article! I am going to a Polarity Therapy work session in mid sept. I have never had a treatment like this and wondered what to expect. Now I have a basic understanding of what will take place. I am anxious to attend now. I will update you on my results.
Stay tuned!