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 natural therapy and Nancy T’s experience with healing refer to her book... “Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life.”

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Reproduction of articles are permitted by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE, author and natural therapist, with acknowledgments and credentials included.

For further information or questions, please contact Nancy T.@ 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 are taking medication, or need additional medical care.

Author's Bio: 

Nancy M. Turcich, owner and operator of Natural Massage Therapy, has been a Natural Therapeutic Specialist (NTS) since 1986. As a graduate of The New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics, she became intrigued by Polarity Therapy. Nancy is a Registered Polarity Practitioner (RPP) & Educator (RPE). She is a published author of two books, “One Of Eight-my perspective on our brother’s suicide” & “Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life,” that can be found at www.naturalmassagetherapy.com. Mirroring the theme of her second book, Nancy assists her clientele and students to find their way.