(Unless otherwise noted, all quotes are from "Polarity Therapy, Volumes I & II" by Dr. Randolph Stone).
Polarity Therapy is a dynamic, holistic healthcare system that recognizes ‘energy as the vital force in the body and the foundation of all life.’ It utilizes a fourfold approach to re-establish balance in these energetic patterns: therapeutic energy-based bodywork, nutritional awareness, stretching postures and the influence and importance of one's attitude. ‘Health is not merely of the body. It is the expression of the body, mind and soul when they are in rhythm with the One Life. It is not merely a question of physical fitness, but rather a result of the soul finding free expression through the mind and body of the individual.’
Dr. Randolph Stone, DO, DC, ND (1890 – 1981) earned doctorates in Osteopathy, Chiropractic, and Naturopathy. His passionate interest in understanding the essence of true health and the deeper mysteries of life took him three times around the world where he immersed himself in every major healing modality and philosophical system available. Key influences were from China and India. Stone avidly studied Ayurvedic Medicine, Cranial-sacral Theory, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Zone Therapy, Yoga, Homeopathy, Hermetic Laws and Quantum Physics.
He frequently ‘burned the midnight oil’ as he integrated Eastern concepts of energy with Western views on science to create Polarity Therapy. ‘For forty years I searched for a principle in the healing arts which would include all forms of therapy and act as a common denominator, an intelligent answer to all the contradictory theories and claims existing today.’ ‘Energy as the one basic factor of the process of life, applied to therapy, was a new idea in the practice of manipulation and the correction of disturbances.’ Atomic in its concept, he believed this polarity principle was the science of the future.
Stone's notes and life-works were compiled into seven books, published between 1947 and 1954. Written with poetic prose and scientific expertise, they offer detailed drawings of the subtle energy patterns and ‘wireless anatomy’ that underpin and animate the physical body, a vast repertoire of bodywork techniques and precious gems of wisdom. Living the principles he conceptualized allowed him to teach well into his old age, with energy, enthusiasm and inspiration.
Dr. John Beaulieu, RPP, ND, PhD., notes that ‘Polarity Therapy is based on the premise that we are fields of pulsating life energy made up of specific frequencies known as Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Each element relates and flows in a balance of positive and negative attractions arising from a neutral center. When our thoughts, emotions and physical body are out of alignment with the energy necessary to meet a life challenge, an energy imbalance results. These imbalances may appear as physical, mental and emotional discomfort or pain yet Polarity teaches us that this pain and discomfort is a signal for us to learn, change and realign our lives.’
Health and Disease are a Process. For either to occur they need active participation by the individual. ‘Obstructions in the life currents appear from many causes and usually begin in the finer energy fields of the mind and manifest in the lower / grosser physical body.’ Perceiving ‘nature as a storehouse of energy’ and that ‘the same energy which is in nature is reflected in man,' Stone utilized a Five Element Theory that links each element with specific qualities, emotions, body areas and functions.
This theory, applied to the disease process, begins at a neutral place of health & balance (Ether); negative thoughts and attitudes (Air) develop emotional and physical stress; acute symptoms begin to occur (Fire); untended, they deepen into chronic disorder (Water); tissue and structural breakdown follow (Earth). The cycle to wellness begins with health building through cleansing and nourishment (Water); energy and vitality are revived (Fire); clarity of thought and a positive attitude are renewed (Air); a balanced state of health is re-established (Ether).
Stone felt that the purely mechanical adjustments and chemical concepts that were the popular methods of his time only addressed superficial symptoms and did not constitute a true cure. He believed that one could directly experience and alter the living energy currents. Rather than treating disease, Polarity Therapy is focused on re-establishing the flow of energy.
"We have within us the necessary tools for healing, if we would just encourage their natural functioning, rather than drain our precious resources."
Polarity Practitioners are professional facilitators and educators. They have had extensive studies in polarity principles, energetic and structural bodywork, verbal process, anatomy and physiology, polarity yoga, nutrition, and ethics. Being centered, focused, empathetic and present, practitioners develop rapport and trust. They offer clients confidentiality in a safe environment. Respecting each individual's level of comfort, they assist clients in developing specific strategies for stress relief and increased wellness. Through this process, clients become more self-aware and empowered.
Polarity Bodywork and Energy Balancing utilizes three types of therapeutic touch: light and balancing touch; moderate and stimulating touch; and a deeper touch to disperse resistant tension. Techniques of gentle rocking and stretching, point specific and bi-polar contacts, nervous system balancing, lymphatic drainage, reflexology and cranial-sacral protocols re-establish the natural flow of vital energy currents. One remains fully clothed to receive a polarity session and every session is as unique and varied as each individual.
Polarity Yoga is a series of simple stretching postures that combine sound, breath and movement. These restorative exercises, ‘practiced a few minutes daily,’ release accumulated stress and tension, and maintain an open, balanced flow of vital energy.
Nutritional Health promotes an on-going, ever-changing and creative approach to nutrition through food combining, cleansing and health building techniques, individual constitution and seasonal awareness. Recognizing that foods have energetic and elemental qualities, practitioners may offer practical recommendations. (Example: air foods oxidize, fire foods stimulate, water foods cleanse and earth foods ground).
Verbal Process offers an opportunity to explore one's thoughts and feelings, and to recognize how ‘our mind conditions our experience’ and that ‘right thinking is the cornerstone of good health.’ Fresh perspective, clarity, and the ability to create life-enhancing thoughts are developed.
The Polarity Process is empowering and life-changing. Polarity bodywork enables clients to reap the immediate benefits of feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. A series of sessions allows them to participate in a rewarding process of self-discovery, self-care and self-renewal. As their ability to create positive change in their attitude, relationships and lifestyle develops, clients begin to appreciate the deeper implications. Balance, harmony and vibrant health are restored.
Research has shown that Polarity Therapy promotes beneficial results in stress reduction, pain relief, anxiety, depression, asthma, arthritis, TMJ, and cancer. Currently more people are pursuing holistic wellness and allopathic doctors are referring patients to complementary therapies.
The American Polarity Therapy Association (APTA) is the national governing body that developed Standards for Practice and Education and a Code of Ethics. Approved trainings include, Associate Polarity Practitioner and Registered Polarity Practitioner."
For more information, please visit the American Polarity Therapy Association Website: www.polaritytherapy.org
By Barbara Joseph, June / July 2004 Inner Tapestry
