The holistic health field is now better recognized and more in demand as people take responsibility for their health and become more open to, and search for, alternative methods that work.

Polarity Therapy and Cranial Sacral therapy are two relatively new therapies to the integrated health field, although both are based on ancient teachings. Having studied, used, and taught both of these therapies, I find I am always answering the question as to the difference between the two therapies. This article will attempt to explain and clarify the similarities and differences between each.

For a body to be living, there must be energy and fluids present. Simply stated, Polarity Therapy works with the energy of the human body, while Cranial Sacral Therapy works with the fluids.

Polarity therapy is the art and science of balancing the life energy in the body. It is an integrative approach to body, mind, emotions, and spirit. It utilizes the fine energy currents that make up an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional presence. Through a set of principles and techniques including nutrition, exercise, attitude, and the procedures themselves, the practitioner facilitates the balance of the life energy within the body.

When the energies become blocked, a person becomes unbalanced, resulting in the experience of dis-ease, pain, stress, or agitation. Removal of these blocks restores the natural flow of the energy and improves the total body functioning. When the body is assisted to return to its natural state of rest and relaxation, its’ own innate healing ability is activated.

Cranial Sacral Therapy is soft touch, restorative therapy that developed from the discovery of, and interaction with, the cranial rhythm. It is a process whereby specific techniques are used on the head, spine and sacrum to release tension and energy blocks which inhibit the free flow of fluids in the body.

For many years it was believed that the cranial bones in the head were fused upon maturity into a permanent position. However current research has found that the cranial bones do in fact move and that the cranial sutures located where the cranial bones join are actually lined by living, connective tissue with a blood supply. Furthermore, it has been found that the fluid (known as the cerebrospinal fluid – CSF) which surrounds the brain and spinal column pulsates at a normal range of 12 cycles per minute. The gentle pulsations or fluctuations, which can be felt, are referred to as the cranial rhythm.

By balancing the fluid, a practitioner facilitates an effect on the brain, spinal cord, and the body. When the cranial bones are well aligned and the spinal core is free of tension, the CSF flows free and this is the reason why cranial work that balances and restores the optimum rhythm of the spinal fluid has such a profound influence throughout the body.

Both therapies are connected in that the founders of them were peers. Dr. Randolph Stone DC, DO, ND, founder of Polarity Therapy drew on Ayurvedic knowledge from India, as well as the meridian/acupuncture theories of China which he learned during his travels. He took those ideas on energy and combined them with his western medical knowledge and called his teachings and combined way of working – Polarity Therapy.

About this time, Dr. Stone met Dr. William Gardner Sutherland, founder of modern day cranial sacral therapy. Dr. Sutherland had been studying with DR. Andrew Still in Osteopathic College. It was Dr. Sutherland who popularized the concept that the cranial bones do, in fact, move. Dr. Stone, from his travels in India and China, also had come to this understanding. Dr. Stone’s work includes the same Cranial Sacral work that Dr. Sutherland was doing, that is cranial work from on Osteopathic outlook. Both held the belief that we are connected to a higher source and that connection manifests itself physically through the primary rhythm of the CSF. The primary energy of the body is carried out to the body and into each and every cell through the CSF. As every live body has energy and fluid within, the most benefit is derived from working together with the fluids and the energies.

Both therapies are a gentle, non-intrusive type of hands-on therapy using subtle techniques that are relaxing and effective. They are safe, effective, non-threatening and revitalizing. When both the energy and fluids are flowing freely and in a natural state of balance, a person functions at his or her best level of emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical potential. There is often an improvement in mental performance through clarity of thought which can occur during sessions.

Results may immediate, or may come after a series of sessions. These therapies have achieved results with various traumas, recent of long-standing, medical concerns, migraine headaches, stress, learning disabilities and more. For me, the answer lies in using both therapies in the same session. This is truly working from a whole body approach that promotes health, wholeness, being energized, happy and healthy.