Polarity therapy

Background

Polarity was initially developed in the 1940s by Randolph Stone, ND, DC, DO. Pierre Pannetier, ND continued Dr. Stone's teaching after the mid-1970s. Polarity integrates the three principles and five charkas of Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine, and draws from ancient Hermetic philosophy. Touch with the hands is used with the intention of influencing flow of body energy. Polarity treatment may also involve exercise and lifestyle changes. Energy-based bodywork and education are used to promote energetic and cleansing principles of eating and increased self-awareness. Polarity yoga is said to balance the human energy field. Bodywork is thought to remove energy blockages and strengthen energy fields. Dietary changes (believed to purify or build health), counseling, yoga, craniosacral therapy, and other bodywork techniques may be employed.
There is limited scientific study of the effects of polarity in humans. Polarity therapy has been used to improve pain, anxiety/stress, and side effects from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy (including nausea, hair loss, neuropathy/nerve pain, radiation burns, or hardening/scarring of tissue in mastectomy patients). However, these effects have not been thoroughly evaluated or proven with scientific research.

Clifford D. Hospital study shows benefits of polarity therapy. Energy News Amer Polarity Ther Assoc 1997;12(2):1.
Dudley H. Polarity therapy case study: working with Evan. Energy News Amer Polarity Ther Assoc 1998;13(4):1.
Gilchrist R. Polarity therapy and counseling. Energy News Amer Polarity Ther Assoc 1995;10(4):17.
Harwood M. Study: using polarity therapy with ADHD. Energy News Amer Polarity Ther Assoc 1997;12(3):26-27.
Roscoe JA, Matteson SE, Mustian KM, et al. Treatment of radiotherapy-induced fatigue through a nonpharmacological approach. Integr Cancer Ther 2005;4(1):8-13.
View Abstract
Siegel A. Polarity Therapy - The Power That Heals. Dorset, UK: Prism Press, 1987.
Sills F. The Polarity Process - Energy as a Healing Art. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 1989.
Stone R. Polarity therapy- the collected works of Dr. Randolph Stone. Sebastopol, CA: CRS pubs, 1986.
Young P. The Art of Polarity Therapy - a Practitioners Perspective. Dorset, UK: Prism Press, 1990.