Polarity Therapy
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 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 his
patients were unable to maintain chiropractic adjustments. Through ancient eastern philosophy,
particularly Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, Dr. Stone discovered energy. Dr. Stone referred to
polarity therapy as the "Wireless Anatomy of Man" with energy crisscrossing and enveloping the
physical structure. Polarity therapy includes manipulation of the energy system, polarity yoga,
diet and nutrition. Polarity therapy focuses upon the entire body and its "parts" to establish
balance and well-being.
Polarity therapy envisions the body as five elements. As a whole, the five elements create
balance in the body. Every body contains all of the elements (air, fire, water, earth, and
ether), however, one element is dominant and establishes our body type or dosha in Ayurvedic
terms. 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 carry shoulder and ankle discomfort. They tend to have rounded shoulders as a
protective measure for the heart. Identifying a person’s body type helps the therapist zone in
on energy blockages in their client’s body. Balancing the five elements produces a free-flowing
system which is the basis of polarity therapy.
There are three types of touch used in polarity therapy. Sattvic --- light to no touch:
rajasic --- moderate to deep touch with a rocking motion: tamasic --- deep, penetrating touch.
Sattvic 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 applied 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 awakens the energy flow and directs it
from one area to another. Rocking is used to help the client take their mind off a painful area
as well as move energy. Rocking for short periods of time with purpose stimulates the area,
while rocking for a longer duration with light contact soothes the body.
Tamasic touch is applied 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
utilizes tamasic touch most often due to the density of the structure being manipulated.
There are certain patterns a polarity therapist follows in the learning stages. As the
therapist expands their understanding of energy patterns, they move about the body in a
seemingly random fashion depending on the needs of the client. In the process, polarity
therapists allow the body to correct itself in its own time. It is truly a healing process.
I have heard polarity therapy simply called "energy work" although I have found nothing
simple about it. It is a science that is only recently being accepted in our society.
Acknowledging that something lies beyond the physical body, beyond what our eyes can detect,
opens us to the energy system. Learning to trust our instincts and our ability to heal with the
guidance of a therapist 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 From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life."
Reproduction of articles are permitted by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE, author and
holistic bodyworker, with acknowledgments and credentials included.
www.naturalmassagetherapy.com
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.
Disclaimer: All of the material provided by naturalmassagetherapy.com is for
educational purposes only. This information does not replace medication nor present treatment
programs. Please consult medical personnel if you are presently under a physicians care, if you
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