Polarity Therapy

Origins and historical development :

Randolph Stone was an Austrian born Doctor who immigrated to America as a boy. He studied a whole variety of therapies and became particularly interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, even settling in India in the late 1950’s. Stone was intrigued with the energy fields and chakras of the body that these Eastern therapies worked on; and compared these beliefs to the studies of Paracelsus, a 16th Century Swiss physician.

Through integrating life energy with the theories of polarity, Stone concluded that electromagnetism for the body was possible because the binding force that keeps atoms and molecules together are made up of protons (positively charged), electrons (negatively charged) and neutrons (no charge). In general terms, the head and right side of the body is the positive pole, the feet and left side the negative pole with the neutral line running along the spinal chord. The life energy continually flows around the body, passing between the magnetic poles and through the central neutral channel, causing the body to act much as an electromagnet would with its current switched on; attracting and repelling whatever the body chooses. The neutral channel has 5 energy portals that correspond with the chakras; and control specific parts of the body and functions, ether (throat and ears), earth (excretion), fire (digestion), water (glands) and air (respiration and circulation). Stone believed that good health resulted from a balance and harmony between these points allowing free flowing energy around the body; whereas illness was a result of blockage or stagnation of the energy flow from imbalance.

To rebalance the body a practitioner will act as a giver of energy, using the left hand as a negative charge and the right hand as a positive charge. The practitioner will place the hands on the body of the client - the receiver, and connect in the same way as a battery, with the negative left hand on a positive part of the client’s body and the positive right hand on a negative part of the body; and the client recharges. To assist with restoring the energy flow the practitioner may also apply positive pressure, which is whole body manipulation except the head; negative pressure, deeper tissue manipulation; and neutral pressure, a gentle touch with the tips of the fingers.

Stone travelled extensively teaching his theory and practice of polarity therapy, primarily helped by Pierre Pannetier. In 1984 Stone’s students came together and established The American Polarity Therapy Association to certify future practitioners.

What to expect during a treatment :

Treatment can be taken regularly or on an ad-hoc basis. A first session will involve the practitioner taking a brief case history before the client lies on a table; preferably wearing light, loose clothing. The practitioner will then balance the flow of energy by touching and pressing round the body to encourage the optimum flow. The head and chakra points will likely receive the most attention; and if blockages or areas of stagnation are found, some deeper manipulation to free the flow may occur.

The practitioner will often then suggest self-help activities to continue the benefits, based around stretching, positive mental attitude and a diet high in fruit, vegetables and herbal teas. A common recommendation is the liver flush process to remove toxins; first drink the lemon based fruit juice and olive oil mix, followed by the special herbal tea of ginger, peppermint and assorted seeds.

Some clients experience emotional releases during their treatment; while most people report feeling deeply relaxed with renewed focus after a session.

Conditions suitable for treatment :

Polarity Therapy believed to be an excellent support for the general healing processes of the body and mind. It has been found to be particularly effective with digestive complaints, respiratory conditions, nervous disorders, stress (including PMS), migraines, muscle tension, arthritis and liver dysfunction.