Polarity Therapy

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QUICK FACTS: Detailed evaluation, 16 bodywork sessions, Subtle to deep depending on your client.

Read about the Chakra

Polarity  recognizes a bipolar energy current in the body, therapist can balance this energy using both hands, the right hand is positive, and the left negative. The second part explores the three principles of Polarity Therapy- The Feminine, Masculine and Etheric principles. Mary will show you how to evaluate each principle in your client, and then how to balance your client using the 5 pointed star, 6 pointed star and the Polarity joint session. Many conditions are covered, including arthritis, stress, gynecological issues as well as back, neck and hip pain. Mary also shows exercises that your clients can perform themselves.

The first thing that catches my eyes about Mary Sullivan's Polarity Therapy videos are the beautiful covers. If a picture says a thousand words then the covers, which are illustrated with flowers inside of which one sees Mary's hands doing Polarity, are like a novel. I then opened the videos to find a wonderfully illustrated instructional post card sized insert summarizing her video lessons for better learning.

The first video I viewed was on the three principles of Polarity Therapy. Mary goes through each principle in a organized way and demonstrates Polarity energy work based on her assessment of each principle. The second video covers the five elements; Ether , air, water, fire and earth. Mary demonstrates a series of Polarity energy manipulations for each element. Her energy touch work is based on her evaluation of pulses to determine wether she should be Satvic, Tamasic, or Rajasic in her approach to each element. Where she touches is based on Dr. Stones' astrological triads and their relationship to the elements. For example she demonstrates stvic earth work at the neck (Taurus), Bowels (Virgo), and Knees (Capricorn).
Overall I found the videos a very well presented contribution to Polarity Therapy learning. It is clear that Mary Sullivan, R.P.P. is a senior practitioner of Polarity. The shots of her hands performing Polarity moves are excellent. All Polarity practitioners can benefit from learning pulses and this video is a great opportunity to lean the basis of pulse evaluation.

In summary Mary Sullivan has created two wonderful educational Polarity videos. I would recommend these videos to all serious students of Polarity. They are well done and a great contribution to our profession. Whoever sees them will get a good impression of Polarity Therapy as well as learning something about how we approach healing.

DVD content

5 Elements

This part is divided into 6 steps

Step 1. Understand the polarity philosophy. 
In this step Mary Sullivan describes the philosophy of polarity therapy, and how polarity therapy ties into our life's purpose.

Step 2. Think about the body in terms of elements
In this section Mary lays down the fundamentals of Polarity Therapy. This means starting to think about the body in terms of energetic elemental forces.

Step 3.Evaluate you client
In this section Mary talks about how to evaluate you client. This includes taking a history, asking them their astrological sign, and being aware of the clients mental and emotional state. 

Step 4. Choose an element to work on
Here Mary goes into detail on each element. She discusses the area of the body that each element relates to, and the emotions and astrological sign that each element is connected to. 

Step 5. Pulse evaluation- choose an energy current
Here Mary talks about the 3 energy currents- the bipolar, transverse and umbilical energy current. She shows how to use an easy pulse diagnosis technique to discover what energy current is blocked.

Step 6. Do the work
At this point you have chosen the element and energy current to work on, and these two pieces of information lead to a specific treatment. This section shows 13 different routines based in the combination of the 5 elements and the 3 energy currents. These treatments range from light energy work, to activating and stimulating massage, to deep penetrating pressure.  

Introduction to the 3 principles and the Caduceus

The Feminine Principle

• Feminine principle imbalances- physical dysfunction and emotional components

• 5 pointed star techniques: Light touch energy work

• Working the lines of force in a energizing way

• Releasing the Psoas

• Releasing the Shoulder

• Releasing the Diaphragm Working the Neck

The Masculine Principle

• Masculine Principle imbalances- physical dysfunction and emotional components

• 6 pointed star techniques: Working the sacrum

• Working the Neck Heel reflex points

• Energizing work along the 6 pointed star lines of force

• Penetrating work along the 6 pointed star lines of force

• Light touch energy work along the spine

The Etheric Principle

• Etheric principle imbalances- physical and emotional components

• The joint session: Balancing each joint in the body using light touch energy work

3 Principles

About The Instructor

Mary Sullivan has over 25 years of bodywork experience. She has practiced Polarity Therapy since 1977.   She has a Master degree in Counseling Psychology, residential training at Fall River Mills with the Alive Polarity Foundation, and a degree from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine.  She is a Cranial Therapist, Polarity Practitioner, Licensed Acupuncturist & Massage Therapist. She teaches classes in Polarity Therapy, Cranial-Sacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Chi Nei Tsang and Women's Cycles. She maintains a private practice in Santa Barbara, CA.

She is also the instructor of Cranial Sacral Therapy DVD.

Read 6 Questions to Mary.

250 Pages

$46

Esoteric Anatomy: The Body as Consciousness

Esoteric Anatomy offers a spiritual approach to massage, bodywork, and somatic psychology, demystifying an ancient transpersonal model for understanding energy in nature and working with consciousness in the healing arts. The author presents his vision of a comprehensive health care system based on an understanding of the body as a field of conscious energy. Polarity therapy, which uses patterns of body anatomy as understood in the esoteric traditions of the Far East, in particular the Ayurvedic and mystical traditions of India, encompasses a spectrum of profoundly effective resources for healing, health building, and self-actualization, and forms the foundation of the work. Part I explores the nature and practice of polarity therapy, including 11 session prototypes. Part II describes new models for understanding Esoteric Psychology, Esoteric Anatomy, and Energy Medicine, based on archetypal understandings of the healing arts, the five elements, and the body as consciousness. Part III describes the practice of somatic psychology. In all, this is essential reading material for students of healing, yoga, and Eastern spirituality, and for anyone involved in the study or practice of polarity therapy.

Bruce Burger, M.A., R.P.P., is the founder of Heartwood Institute, one of the world's leading centers for professional training in massage and somatic psychology. Located on 240 acres outside Garberville, California, Heartwood is now in its twentieth year as both a utopian community and educational institution. Burger holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and the New School for Social Research. He has been a member of the faculties of the University of Nevada and Rutgers University. Since he left academia in 1972 he has traveled widely and studied in Asia and India.

"When I hold this text, I feel as though I am holding one of the more important documents of our time—an extremely comprehensive and extraordinary map of our subtle anatomy." -Richard Gordon, author of Quantum Touch and Your Healing Hands

"This book is a significant addition to holistic-health literature." - John Chitty, R.P.P., President, American Polarity Therapy Association

"With Esoteric Anatomy, Bruce Burger integrates profound levels of Oriental wisdom and Ayurvedic theories of creation and transformation in a new and convincing way." - Paul Pitchford, author of Healing with Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition

191 Pages

$36

The Polarity Process: Energy as a Healing Art

In this thorough award-winning explanation of the theory and practice of polarity, cranial osteopath Franklyn Sills guides the reader through Dr. Randolph Stone’s mapping of humans’ subtle energies. Popular in Europe, polarity incorporates holistic health, diet, exercise, massage, and spiritual practice. This is an approachable introduction to a form of bodywork that therapists and lay individuals interested in alternative health practices will find useful.

Franklyn Sills is Co-director of the Karuna Institute, a respected post-graduated Institute for Craniosacral Biodynamics and Core Process Psychotherapy. Throughout his career, he has been in the forefront of pioneering a biodynamic approach to work within the cranial field. His training includes medical research, Osteopathic work, and an in-depth study of the work of Dr. Randolph Stone. 

"The Polarity Process is highly recommended to individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the healing process." - Bruce Burger, M.A., RPP, author of Esoteric Anatomy, Founder of Heartwood Healing Arts Institute

"This book is the essential guide to the fundamental principles of Polarity Therapy." -John Chitty, RPP, RCST, Colorado School of Energy Studies, Boulder, CO; President, American Polarity Therapy Association, 1993-1998