Polarity Therapy and Ayurvedic Connections
by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE

Polarity Therapy is a unique and vital way of looking at the human body and its parts. By "parts," I don't mean a leg or an arm. I am referring to the "parts" that make up a person; the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual "parts" within. Some people deal with all of these "parts" daily while others merely deal with life in the physical realm. Polarity Therapy looks at the way these "parts" affect the whole and vice versa.

Randolph Stone, a doctor of chiropractics, naturopathy, and osteopathy, developed Polarity Therapy. While immersed in western medicine, Dr. Stone felt something was missing when patients were unable to maintain prior chiropractic adjustments. He discovered the missing link in eastern philosophy, in particular, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Ayurveda, a Sanskrit word meaning "the science or teaching of life," is a holistic system of medicine from India. Dr. Stone found the missing link in Western medicine within Eastern philosophy- it was energy. He referred to Polarity Therapy as the "Wireless Anatomy of Man." Polarity Therapy includes manipulation of the energy system, diet and nutrition, as well as exercises or Polarity Yoga. Polarity Therapy focuses upon the entire body and its "parts" to establish balance and well-being.

Ayurveda envisions the body as five elements which affect it and as a whole create balance. Every "body" contains all the elements (air, fire, water, earth, and ether), however, one is dominant and creates our body type. For example: a naturally thin, narrow skeletal frame, and fast moving person is an Airy body type. Each body type affects specific areas of the body. Using the example, an Airy person will generally have shoulder and ankle discomfort. They tend to have rounded shoulders as a protective measure for their heart and/or heart related issues. Identifying a person's body type helps the therapist to open the energy blockages in their client's body to establish a free-flowing system which is the basis of Polarity Therapy.

There are three types of touch used in Polarity Therapy to bring about a balanced state. They are Satvic -- light to no touch; Rajasic -- moderate to deep with a rocking motion; Tamasic -- deep touch.

Satvic touch does not challenge the client's resistance. It is gentle and calming; guiding the energy system into a neutral state of balance. This type of touch is used at the beginning and end of a treatment to calm the client. In the beginning, it allows the therapist to " tune in" to the system without invading it. At the end of a treatment, it provides space for the client to look inward, giving them an opportunity to feel their bodies in a new state. This is very light physically, but it is core deep.

Rajasic touch is a stimulating directive touch. It stimulates the energy flow and directs it from one area to another. Rocking is used to help the client take his/her mind off a painful area, as well as move the energy. Rocking for short periods of time with purpose will stimulate the area, while rocking for a longer duration with light contact will soothe/calm the body.

Tamasic touch is used to disperse deeply contracted and knotted areas. It is used in dense areas of the body that support deep touch. For example: deep contact in the head is not appropriate while it is well received in the feet or pelvis area. The science of Reflexology uses tamasic touch most often due to the density of the area being manipulated.

There are certain patterns a Polarity therapist follows in the learning stages. As the therapist expands their understanding of the energy patterns, they will move about the body in a seemingly random fashion depending on the needs of the client. In this process, they are allowing the body to correct itself in its own time. This is truly a healing process.

I have heard Polarity Therapy simply called "Energy Work" although I have found nothing simple about it. This is a science that is only recently being accepted in our society. Knowing that something lies beyond the physical body, beyond what our eyes can see, opens us to the energy system. Learning to trust our instincts and our ability to heal with the guidance of others is the key to all healing. Polarity Therapy allows this process to emerge and blossom.

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.