Polarity Therapy -- Questions & Answers
by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE

What is Polarity?

Simply put, Polarity is a modality that applies to the energetics of the body.

What is energy?

Physics refers to energy in terms of positive energy (+): "protons," neutral energy (O): "neutrons," negative* energy (-): " electrons." Opposite magnetism attracts while similar magnetism repulses or pushes away. This is simply demonstrated with a magnet. Neutral energy is the balancing point.

*Please note: The term negative is not used in a derogatory sense, it is simply an energetic symbol.

How does this apply to the body?

Every cell in the body contains a proton, a neutron, and an electron, therefore, every cell contains energy. The body is a physical entity that is energy-based.

How does this apply to Polarity Therapy?

Noting that every cell contains an energetic field, the Polarity Therapist is trained to look beyond the physical body and its limitations. The energy system moves throughout the body and beyond its physical barriers into what is referred to as the aura or energy field that surrounds it.

History of Polarity Therapy?

Dr. Stone, a doctor of chiropractics, osteopathy, and naturopathy, developed the Polarity Therapy theory and application in the mid 1900s. After questioning why adjustments were not stabilizing his clientele, he looked to the east, India and China, for answers. There he discovered the age old system of Ayurveda (India) and Acupuncture (China). Close study revealed that these two sciences were based upon the energetics of the body. However, it took western society nearly half a century to catch up and acknowledge that energy does indeed flow through our bodies. This came about due to computer technology which was fast enough to track the movement of energy in the body. Energy therapy that had been applied to the body for over 5,000 years was finally acknowledged by western skeptics in the late 1900s.

Dr. Stone began to administer the science of energy to his patients and he soon discovered dramatic improvement to their health. For many years he struggled to get his colleagues to understand the wonder of energy. Needless to say, western medical doctors did not embrace energy therapy. In turn, they created much controversy around Dr. Stone's work. After pursuing his passion for energy work in the U.S. without particularly fond appreciation, he relocated to India. There he continued to apply Polarity Therapy to what he felt was more receptive people. He lived out the rest of his days in India, passing away in his 90s.

What are the benefits of Polarity Therapy?

Let's look at an example of Polarity Therapy to better understand its benefits. Most people contend with discomfort in their necks and shoulders. Knots or balling up of the muscle tissue tends to occur when tension is held in the above mentioned areas. As the muscle tissue knots or binds together, the energy does not flow freely through the area. If left untreated, this tension becomes hard and limits mobility to the neck and spine. Polarity Therapy uses a variety of techniques to guide the body into releasing tense areas or blocked energy. The therapist is not giving their own energy to their client, they are simply releasing energy that is trapped in the tissue. A good analogy is a garden hose. When the hose is free of kinks, the water (energy) flows freely through the hose (body). However, if we squeeze the hose (muscle tension), the water (energy) does not flow as easily. When the hose (muscle tissue) is twisted enough, the flow of water (energy) slows to a trickle or stops flowing past the kink. The water (energy) is still moving through the hose (muscle or body), it is just stuck behind the kink. When the hose (muscle) is unkinked, the water (energy) flows freely once again. By manipulating the physical body, the energetic body changes and vice versa.

How would a bodywork therapist benefit from learning Polarity Therapy?

No matter what modality the therapist practices, knowing the inner connections of the energy system increases the potency of their session. Polarity Therapy allows the therapist the option to apply touch directly to the body or above the body. For clients that are in pain, this is a particularly advantageous. The various connections Polarity Therapy provides gives a therapist countless ways to approach pain and discomfort in the body without sending the client into defensive maneuvers. If the body does not have to defend itself, but it can trust in the process, it will respond graciously by relaxing. The Polarity Therapist does not force the body into moving a certain way, it allows the body to demonstrate what is the best way for it to release built up stress. A trained Polarity Therapist follows the body down the trail of health through the movement of energy.

How would a bodywork therapist benefit from receiving Polarity Therapy?

In order to be an effective body therapist, a person needs to know their own body patterns and health. Therefore, receiving therapy is valuable to those administering therapy. Being on the table instead of over the table allows the therapist the opportunity to feel what their clientele has been fortunate enough to experience. Tuning in to the body in this way nurtures the system and allows the therapist an opportunity to dive deeper into their own healing. Additionally, the therapist is only able to take a client as far as they have gone in their process. This means if the therapist has only touched the surface, that is all they are able to tap into with their clients. However, if the therapist has experienced therapy on a deeper level, they can assist clients in obtaining similar depth. Of course, personal growth and healing is the only incentive anyone needs.

For more details about holistic therapy and Nancy's experience with healing refer to her book Finding My Way Through Paralysis To Holistic Health.

Reproduction of articles are permitted by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE, author and holistic bodyworker, with acknowledgements and credentials included.

For further information or questions, please contact Nancy @ Natural Massage Therapy at 928-717-1251, nmt1@naturalmassagetherapy.com.

All articles are for informational/educational purposes only. This information does not take the place of current treatment plans nor medications prescribed. Always consult your physician to determine the most beneficial course of treatment for your individual needs.