Polarity therapy is an
alternative medicine system that was created in the mid
20th century by American doctor Randolph Stone. It claims
to be a way to keep fit and healthy on all levels, by
balancing the basic positive and negative energies that
constitute life. It involves bodywork and diet.
Between 1947 and 1954 Stone published seven books outlining
polarity therapy. Polarity therapy has been used to relieve
pain and relax patients in hospital studies. The model
of Polarity therapy is the intersection of eastern (ayurvedic)
and western (chiropractic and osteopathic) approaches.
The energy model reflects many of the concepts of Einsteinian
physics, craniosacral technique and psychological and
nutritional approaches to healing. The most basic principle
is that energy precedes form and the concept of involoution
and evolution (Energy focuses inward to be transformed
into form and then flow back out from form to energy or
"source"). The model of how the energy goes from involution
to evolution is based on models of ayurveda and osteopathy.
These models define the paths of energy, the potential
blockages and how, through exercises, nutrition, change
of attitude and polarity bodywork techniques, the flow
of energy can be corrected. The theory states that by
correcting the flow of energy, the form will follow. Despite
claims by practitioners, there is no scientific evidence
that this "life energy" (See: Qi) exists. Polarity therapy
has four distinct areas of focus: Bodywork, energy exercises,
energetic diet and thoughts and attitudes or beliefs.
Polarity practitioners that are registered with the American
Polarity Therapy Association are supposed to be knowledgeable
in all four areas. The reality is that most practitioners
tend to favor one area over others. So, the work may vary
considerably depending on the practitioner. As with all
things related to bodywork, practitioners cannot and should
not make any claims as to polarity's ability to heal a
condition or illness. It is recommended that a person
that is seeking alternative wellness techniques monitor
closely how they react to any types of techniques.
It is also important to remember that every practitioner
is different. It is recommended that a client work with
more than one person until they find someone that they
consider a good match for them. Dr. Randolph Stone the
founder of Polarity Therapy, understood the Soul to be
the animating force in the body. Currents of life-force
energy emanating from the Soul sustain the energy fields
of the body.
