 Polarity
Therapy is a form of therapy developed by Dr. Randolph Stone (1890 -
1981). It includes bodywork, gentle stretching (Polarity Yoga), nutritional
consulting and lifestyle counseling grounded in the body-mind relationship.
Dr. Stone, a prominent chiropractor, osteopathic physician and naturopath,
was dissatistfied with Western medical techniques and searched the world
over for approaches which were effective in different medical traditions.
Polarity Therapy was the result of his search in which Stone synthesized
what he felt to be most useful from many cultures.
 With
its roots in the Ayurvedic tradition, Polarity is based on the elemental
system which includes ether (space), air, fire, water and earth. Different
parts of the body, organ systems and energetic patterns are related
to these 5 elements. It also draws on ancient Egyptian, Eastern and
Hermetic approaches which map out energy currents of the body, the most
commonly known of these maps, being the chakra system.
 Stone's
words, "Energy precedes form," are the premise on which Polarity
therapy is based. The understanding in Polarity Therapy is that everything
physical originates at an energy level first. Therefore, by intervening
at an energy level, we can effect the physical form as well. The emotional
and mental bodies are also included in the picture, each effecting
and interacting with each other.
 Polarity
Therapy, as bodywork, usually appears as a series of gentle holds and
simple manipulations. People need not undress for a treatment. They
are asked to lie down on a massage table, and be receptive and "listen
inside" as they receive the touch of a Polarity Practitioner.
Polarity Therapy holds that movement is health and blockage leads to
disease.
Polarity techniques and manipulations are designed to open up blocked
energy pathways so that a smooth flow of energy in the body can lead
to enhanced physical and mental well-being.
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