Polarity Therapy

Polarity Therapy is a unique holistic healing system that synthesizes Western and Eastern healing sciences. It integrates and balances energy based bodywork, healthy dietary principles, exercise and stretching postures and attitudinal counseling. This comprehensive and effective approach to improve health and lifestyle is a combination healing experience growing in popularity and demand. Polarity applies to all levels of imbalance.

Polarity techniques combine chiropractic and osteopathic tradition with sensitivity to the energy of the life force (ki, chi, prana). The techniques utilize life energy, which expresses itself physically, mentally and emotionally. The flow and balance of energy is the underlying foundation of health. Polarity therapy is an art of mind-body centering, balancing all aspects of life, establishing physical, mental and emotional harmony and well-being. Specific techniques are based on five elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth) and their interflows integrating element evaluation into the bodywork, counseling and suggested nutrition and exercise. Sessions last 50 min, with initial counseling, usually continued by bodywork. Incorporating aroma essential oils as part of the session is a popular choice.

How does it work?

The body is regarded as a system of electromagnetic energy fields in which the pull of opposing positive and negative poles keeps 'life energy' in constant motion through a neutral field.

The head and right side of the body represents the positive pole and the feet and left side the negative pole. The centre of the body, along the spinal cord, is neutral and contains five 'energy centres' that correspond to the chakras of Ayurvedic medicine.
Polarity therapy claims to work on many different levels, influencing the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gynaecological and digestive systems, as well as mental and emotional health. It is also said to operate at an 'etheric' or 'subtle' level of energy to enhance spiritual well-being.

What is it good for?

Polarity therapy is said to be particularly helpful for migraine, pregnancy and post-natal care, PMS and menopausal problems, stress, allergies, digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, back pain, arthritis and fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome).

What to expect at a practitioner's

A session usually lasts 60-90 minutes and begins with questions about your medical history and lifestyle. You are then asked to lie clothed on a couch for a polarity assessment.

The practitioner moves his or her hands around your head, down towards your feet, up the body over the five energy centres and finishes back at the head. Touch may be light (neutral) to restore body awareness and balance; medium (positive) to stimulate energy by stroking, moulding and rocking the body; and firm (negative), which uses deep-tissue manipulation to release 'blocked' energy.

The results of polarity therapy sessions can vary from profound relaxation to emotional outbursts of anger or grief as areas of stagnation are cleared.

You may be given stretching exercises to perform at home and a health-building, cleansing diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. If the practitioner feels that negative thought patterns are a factor, counselling techniques may increase self-awareness and the emergence of your own inherent 'knowing' can help you realise your potential.