Energy healing therapies assert that the moving energy within an organism is the foundation of life. This movement may be described both as the observable energy flow of electrical impulses through an organ, and the less tangible yet equally important instinct that something isn’t ‘quite right’ within the body. Polarity Therapy in particular concerns itself with the flow and balance of this energy within the human form. In the polarity model, good health is defined by energy flowing smoothly without blockage, and in its natural state. When energy is unbalanced, fixed, or blocked due to stress or other factors, it is understood that pain and disease will arise.

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In this energetic healing practice, practitioners seek out such blockages and release the energy therein to reinstate normal flow patterns. This is done to maintain the energy field in an open and flexible condition (the condition of good health). Polarity Therapy is a truly integrative and holistic modality in that it blends modern science and complementary medicine, and also involves energy-based bodywork, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness. The broad application of this system results in diverse treatments, always rooted in the individual client’s needs. Another implication of this wide-reaching practice is that it often overlaps with the practices of health professionals in many other therapeutic disciplines.

From a scientific perspective, Polarity Therapy concerns itself with the electromagnetic patterns observable in the mental, emotional, and physical human condition. These phenomena are referred to together as the Human Energy Field which should maintain a balanced and natural state for health benefit. Nature designs the body to heal itself and this practice eases the process. In the polarity model, there are three intersecting energy fields in the human form:

  • Long line currents that run north to south on the body;
  • Transverse currents that run east to west in the body; and
  • Spiral currents which start at the navel and expand outward.

Polarity Therapy was developed by Dr. Randolph Stone, DO, DC, ND (1890-1891) based on his 60-year investigation and practice in both allopathic medicine and the healing arts. His first book on the modality was published in the early 1950’s and presented his conception of the subtle energy flow throughout the body via negative and positive polarities.

What can I expect in a typical Polarity Therapy session?

 
A session is generally 60-90 minutes long and involves an assessment of the energetic attributes of the client through interview, observation, and palpation. The work by the practitioner is referred to as Energetic Touch. The client’s experience of the energetic sensations can be described as tingly, warm, expanding, and wavelike. These sessions do not involve disrobing. Results of Polarity Therapy sessions are varied but often include profound relaxation, relief from specific problematic issues, and a better understanding of the energy field.
 

Evidence

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A study published in 2011 reports that a randomized clinical trial on the effects of polarity therapy was conducted on forty-five women receiving radiation treatment for breast cancer. Specifically, the study measured the efficacy of polarity therapy (PT) in combating cancer-related fatigue (CRF), the most common side effect of cancer and its treatment. The patients were divided into groups and received one of three weekly treatments: PT, massage (active control), or standard care (passive control). Results showed CRF ratings were reduced after PT compared to both massage and standard care treatments. This study concluded that PT may be effective in controlling CRF, and recommends further confirmatory studies and research into the mechanisms of polarity therapy.
 
Mustian, K. M., Roscoe, J. A., Palesh, O. G., Sprod, L. K., Heckler, C. E., Peppone, L. J., . . . Morrow, G. R. (2011). Polarity Therapy for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Integrative Cancer Therapies,10(1), 27-37. doi:10.1177/1534735410397044

Training

 
Training to become a polarity therapy practitioner requires several lower levels of education before reaching the final Board Certified Polarity Practitioner (BCPP) training and Board Exam. The various levels are detailed below:
 
  • APP Training: The Associate Polarity Practitioner Training provides an introduction to polarity therapy, energy dynamics, and foundational skills to prepare you for the next step in your journey towards becoming a certified practitioner. This training may also be very useful for a client of polarity therapy looking to get even more out of their treatments.
  • RPP Training: Registered Polarity Practitioner Training provides advanced techniques in the areas of energetic touch, nutrition, communication and energy exercise. RPP training may be used to supplement other licensed healthcare professions and is not endorsed by APTA for independent professional polarity practice. That being said, this training can assist in personal care and care of friends and family members and is preparation for the level of BCPP.
  • BCPP Training: Board Certified Polarity Practitioner training, along with the Board Exam, is required by the American Polarity Therapy Association to become an independent PT practitioner. It requires work in a clinical setting supervised and mentored by a Registered Polarity Educator. This work revolves around hands-on client assessment and a greater understanding of the therapeutic relationship.
  • RPE Training: Registered Polarity Educator training is for those who wish to not only practice but to teach and shape the future of polarity therapy.
The Certification Handbook, provided by the American Polarity Therapy Association, can be found here.
 
TRAINING | APTA. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.polaritytherapy.org/education/