|
Definition
Energy treatments are referred to in a number of way,
sometimes called polarity balancing, is a holistic alternative treatment
method that resembles Reiki in its emphasis on energy flow, human touch,
and the energy centers (chakras) in the human body.
Polarity therapy was
developed by Dr. Randolph Stone (1890-1981), an American chiropractor and
naturopath. Dr. Stone combined Western understandings of electromagnetic
power fields with Chinese, ayurvedic, and ancient Egyptian theories of
healing.
Energy treatments integrate bodywork with diet,
yoga-based exercise, and self-awareness techniques to release energy
blockages in the patient's body, mind, or feelings.
Polarity theory
divides the body into three horizontal and four vertical zones (right,
left, front, and back), each having a positive, negative, or neutral
charge.
Energy currents in the zones are correlated with five energy
centers in the body corresponding to the five elements (ether, air, fire,
water, and earth) of ayurvedic medicine.
Purpose
The purpose of Energy treatments therapy is
to free up and balance the patient's flow of life energy on the physical,
emotional, and spiritual levels.
The therapist's role includes advice about
diet, emotional attitudes, and exercise, as well as physical touch and
manipulation.
Precautions
Therapists will ask patients to remove jewelry and
any other metal objects (keys, pocket change, etc.) before the session. It
is thought that metal interferes with energy flow.
Description
Energy treatment therapy can be done
one-on-one or with a group of practitioners working on the patient. The
therapist, as well as the patient, removes shoes.
The patient lies, fully dressed except for
shoes, on a massage table or bed, or on the floor. The practitioner takes
the patient's history, checks reflexes, and touches body parts to
determine energy blocks.
Polarity therapy uses three levels of touch:
The therapist balances energy currents in
the patient's body by placing his or her "plus" hand on "negative" body
parts and vice versa.
Polarity therapy involves rocking the
patient's body and holding his or her head, as well as more usual massage
techniques.
It takes about four sessions to treat most
conditions, with each session lasting about an hour.
Preparation
No special preparations are needed, other than
removal of metal and shoes.
Aftercare
The practitioner usually suggests drinking plenty of
liquids for one to two weeks, together with other dietary changes, as part
of a general cleansing program. Polarity yoga (stretching exercises) is
prescribed for regular workouts at home.
Risks
Risks are minimal. Energy treatment therapy is
intended to supplement mainstream medical treatment, not replace it.
Patients are not asked to subscribe to a specific set of theories or
beliefs.
Normal results
Most patients report feelings of deep relaxation,
pain reduction, greater flexibility, and emotional release.
Key Terms
-
Bodywork - Any
technique involving hands-on massage or manipulation of the body.
-
Chakra - One of
the seven major energy centers in the body, according to traditional
Indian yoga.
-
Ether - In
Ayurvedic medicine, a "fifth element" that is both the source of all
matter and the space in which it exists.
|
