Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Acu-Polarity, biofield therapy, chakras, chi, energy anatomy, fixation, Ida, ki, life force, oval fields, Pingala, polarity balancing, polarity energy balancing, polarity therapy touch, polarity yoga, prana, qi, rajas, rajasic, sattvas, satvic, somatic process, subtle energetic therapy, shushumna, tamas, tamasic, therapeutic presence, yang, yin.
• Not included in this review: Massage and forms of energy healing other than polarity therapy.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Polarity therapy is a form of hands-on energy work developed by Randolph Stone, a chiropractor, osteopath, and naturopath, who began training others in the method in the 1960s.
• Polarity therapy addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of an individual, suggesting that energy blockages in one area are reflected in all areas. To treat these blockages, the therapy uses four different approaches: bodywork, nutritional counseling, stretching postures, and psychological counseling. The practitioner uses subtle touch or holding on specific points to encourage the proper directional flow of energy through the body, and also to enhance the body's structural balance.
• Polarity therapy is based on the principle that every cell has both negative and positive poles, and the body is gently manipulated to enhance the energy flow. Emotional tension and physical pain are released as the flow of energy becomes more properly balanced. Polarity therapy is often given in a series of four sessions and may be accompanied by guidelines for diet and exercise.
• Polarity therapy is a non-diagnostic holistic health technique. It is intended for use as an adjunctive therapy, not a primary form of treatment. Many people use polarity therapy as a preventive strategy, believing that blockages in energy flow can occur before actual medical conditions begin to manifest themselves. It is commonly used for back pain, chronic headaches, chronic fatigue, digestive complaints, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis pain, respiratory problems, and stress-related illnesses.
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Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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