Because it is energetic in essence, and because energy includes consciousness and the subtle aspects of awareness, polarity exerts a simultaneous impact on the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual levels, with the response corresponding to the client’s needs.

 

History

Polarity was developed by Dr. Randolph Stone in 1945. The Austrian American osteopath, chiropractor, naturopath and neuropath passed away in 1981 at the age of 91. Polarity therapy – an energy-based holistic approach – is the art and science of bringing the human organism’s vital energy into harmony. It constitutes a synthesis of three traditional forms of medicine – Ayurvedic (India), Egyptian and Chinese – with a focus on Ayurvedic medicine and its constituent elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether.

For Dr. Stone, nourishing the body AND the mind was capital for the overall well-being of the individual. He was convinced that therapists must not only achieve a perfect mastery of their technique, but must also show compassion and caring toward the person receiving the massage.

 

Applications and Effects

Polarity exerts a simultaneous impact on physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual levels. Its chief aim is to bring the vital energy into harmony in order to maintain the person’s health, prevent disease, improve vitality, ease pain and promote inner harmony.

All that exists is energy, and energy is the driving force behind all life forms. In principle, it is based on centrifugal and centripetal force. It is a continual movement, and if this movement is disrupted or blocked, problems can arise, sometimes resulting in disease. The energetic body becomes depolarized, vital flow is disrupted, and the person enters a state of energy depletion, thus becoming vulnerable on all levels. Polarity therapy consists of restoring the flow of vital energy to the body.

Dr. Stone integrated five main elements into polarity therapy:

  • The importance of thought energy and a positive mental attitude;
  • The importance of proper nutrition;
  • Daily energetic exercises;
  • Love and an open heart;
  • Energetic balance by following the directional flow of anatomic energy based on the needs of each person.

The polarity therapist is an instrument of life through which energy flows. In order for this to happen, an ability to centre is very important, as it serves as the bridge between the sky and the earth. The therapist allows the recipient’s energy to flow again through his or her hands, by following the energy pathways. Repolarization is achieved through three poles: positive, negative and neutral. That is what Dr. Stone referred to as “triune function.” Vital energy equilibrium is restored based on the elements that are in disequilibrium, thereby disrupting systems. This requires an in-depth knowledge of energetic networks and their correspondences on the physical, physiological and emotional levels.

Indications and Contraindications

Polarity is a magnificent approach in that it is soft and respectful of life. It reaches the individual on a holistic level, along physical, psychological, emotional or spiritual dimensions, and it does so in harmony with the recipient’s rhythms. We know that nature has a rhythm and that human beings are part of nature; and when this rhythm is in harmony with life, the person can experience joy and happiness.

Polarity is also accessible to anyone through auto-polarity. Our hands can achieve a great deal if we know how to use them.

Polarity massage is intended for anyone who wishes to improve and maintain their health, for example among people with stress, exhaustion, insomnia, headaches, burnout, depression, back pain (non-lesional, pre- or post-operative), pregnancy, or problems stemming from menopause. The therapist supports the client throughout the self-recovery process. Under no circumstances will the therapist state that the client is cured. There are no contraindications, but in cases where there are several physical and psychological health problems, it is always essential to work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes caregivers already following the client.

 

Conduct of a Session

The therapist works with life and health, and the ability to touch another person’s life is a great privilege. Respect and sensitivity are always an integral part of these sessions.

A polarity session takes place in a calm, clean and well ventilated environment. The therapist may play soft music, at the request of the recipient. The work is generally performed on a table for purposes of comfort, and the recipient remains clothed. Comfortable clothes – preferably made of natural fibre – are recommended.

The duration of a session varies between an hour and an hour and a half.

Contact through touching is very soft on the body: the therapist always uses both hands, placing one on a negative pole, the other on a positive or neutral pole. He or she then waits for the energy to resume its flow, and when normal vital flow is restored, the therapist moves on to the next position. After a polarity session, it is preferable to relax and listen carefully to your body. In addition to the great feeling of relaxation and well-being that recipients experience in the wake of a polarity session, the specific benefits are felt within 24 to 48 hours.