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Energy Series - Polarity Session
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Description
Polarity therapy can be done one-on-one or with a group of practitioners
working on the patient. The therapist, as well as the patient, removes
shoes. The patient lies, fully dressed except for shoes, on a massage table
or bed, or on the floor. The practitioner takes the patient's history,
checks reflexes, and touches body parts to determine energy blocks. Polarity
therapy uses three levels of touch: no touch (hands held above the body,
touching only the energy fields); light touch; and a deep, massaging touch.
The therapist balances energy currents in the patient's body by placing his
or her "plus" hand on "negative" body parts and vice versa. Polarity therapy
involves rocking the patient's body and holding his or her head, as well as
more usual massage techniques. It takes about four polarity sessions to
treat most conditions, with each session lasting about an hour.
Key Benefits
- Deep relaxation
- Pain reduction
- Greater flexibility
- Emotional release
Procedure
Recommended duration - 55 min.
Note: By Scheduled Appointment Only!
Treatment Data
Please read this additional information...
Author/s: Jeanine Barone
Definition
Polarity therapy, which is sometimes called polarity balancing, is a
holistic alternative treatment method that resembles Reiki in its emphasis
on energy flow, human touch, and the energy centers (chakras) in the human
body. Polarity therapy was developed by Dr. Randolph Stone (1890-1981), an
American chiropractor and naturopath. Dr. Stone combined Western
understandings of electromagnetic power fields with Chinese, Ayurvedic, and
ancient Egyptian theories of healing.
Polarity therapy integrates bodywork with diet, yoga-based exercise, and
self-awareness techniques to release energy blockages in the patient's body,
mind, or feelings. Polarity theory divides the body into three horizontal
and four vertical zones (right, left, front, and back), each having a
positive, negative, or neutral charge. Energy currents in the zones are
correlated with five energy centers in the body corresponding to the five
elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) of ayurvedic medicine.
Purpose
The purpose of polarity therapy is to free up and balance the patient's
flow of life energy on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. The
therapist's role includes advice about diet, emotional attitudes, and
exercise, as well as physical touch and manipulation.
Precautions
Most polarity therapists ask patients to remove jewelry and any other
metal objects (keys, pocket change, etc.) before the session. It is thought
that metal interferes with energy flow.
Preparation
No special preparations are needed, other than removal of metal and
shoes.
Aftercare
The practitioner usually suggests drinking plenty of liquids for one to
two weeks, together with other dietary changes, as part of a general
cleansing program. Polarity yoga (stretching exercises) is prescribed for
regular workouts at home.
Risks
Risks are minimal. Polarity therapy is intended to supplement mainstream
medical treatment, not replace it. Patients are not asked to subscribe to a
specific set of theories or beliefs.
Normal results
Most patients report feelings of deep relaxation, pain reduction, greater
flexibility, and emotional release.
Key Terms
- Bodywork - Any technique involving hands-on massage or manipulation of
the body.
- Chakra - One of the seven major energy centers in the body, according
to traditional Indian yoga.
- Ether - In Ayurvedic medicine, a "fifth element" that is both the
source of all matter and the space in which it exists.
Further Reading
For Your Information
Books
- Nash, Barbara. From Acupressure to Zen: An Encyclopedia of Natural
Therapies. Alameda, CA: Hunter House, 1995.
- "Polarity Therapy." In Alternative Medicine. Lincolnwood, IL:
Publications International, 1997.
- Stein, Diane. All Women Are Healers: A Comprehensive Guide to Natural
Healing. Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1990.
Organizations
Other
Source: Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Gale
Group, 2001. |
