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.