I love to learn. What about you? Surveys have revealed that more than 50% of high school graduates never read another book after high school. College graduates have only a little better statistic. Many of these people read magazines, trade journals and newspapers, but no books. The reason for this is varied. Time can be an issue, or other interests and lifestyle habits may dictate how we spend our free time and reading gets shelved.
Fortunately, there are other ways to learn for both enjoyment and to meet professional Continuing Education Credit needs. My favorite way to learn is in a live workshop setting. I love interacting with old and new friends, having a hands on experience with the subject being taught and creating a dedicated chunk of time for immersion into a new topic of interest. These are some of the reasons I created Dr. Van Warren Seminars. If I have such a good time attending workshops, I know others do too. I strive to make each seminar interesting, fun, and packed with powerful information that can be integrated into your life and your professional practice. Also, my seminars are approved for CE credits for several professions.
As you look around this site, you will find my teaching schedules and information on my current seminar offerings. There are always new seminars in development so if you need professional CE credits or simply love learning, please bookmark my page and check back regularly for the latest courses.
I hope to see you at one of my upcoming seminars or speaking engagements!
“Health
is not merely of the body. It is a natural expression of the body, mind, and
soul when they are in rhythm with the OneLife. True health is the harmony of
life within us, consisting of peace of mind, happiness and well-being.”
Polarity Therapy founder Dr. Randolph Stone
Polarity
Therapy is a holistic healing system that has the capacity to restore health
and prevent disease. Its roots are grounded in the ancient healing arts of
Ayurveda (“Science of Life”) from India and Oriental medicine from China. Both
systems have been tested, refined and practiced for thousands of years and are
the oldest continuous healing systems on the planet.
Polarity
Therapy’s dual aspect of stimulating the body’s natural innate healing ability
and prevention of disease, are based on correcting physical, mental and
emotional imbalances that result in the distortion of our unique “blueprint of
health” that we were all born with.
The
philosophy behind the art is that everyone has a Spirit that carries with it a
“purpose” for our life. Along with this is a blueprint for body, mind and
emotions that gives us a physical vehicle to manifest our “purpose”. The
process of living, along with its accumulation of false beliefs, unhealthy behaviors
and traumas, distorts our understanding of our “purpose” and interferes with
our ability to live life in harmony with Spirit’s original plan. Through a 4-fold
system of bodywork, nutrition and diet, Polarity Energetics exercises (Polarity
Yoga) and communication/ facilitation processes, the blockages to Spirit are
removed and the blueprint for health is restored. This enables the client to
have a greater empowerment to take positive actions and make healthy mental and
emotional choices. Movement toward health is the result.
Life
is a spiritual journey and healing is the total alignment of our body, emotions
and mind with that journey. When our thoughts, emotions and physical body are
out of alignment with the energy necessary to meet life’s challenges, an energy
imbalance results. These energy imbalances may appear as physical, mental and
emotional discomfort or pain. Polarity teaches us that this pain and discomfort
is a signal for us to learn changes and realign our lives with the Source.
Polarity Therapy emphasizes love as the essence of the healing process.
Somatic
process (Polarity bodywork)
The
bodywork area of Polarity Therapy is the most known aspect of this healing
system. The founder of Polarity Therapy, Dr. Randolph Stone (1895-1985) knew
that the hands are conductors of energy. He identified various energy patterns
in and around the body whose flow can be enhanced by placing the hands on
specific areas of the body. During a Polarity bodywork session, various forms
of conscious touch are used to facilitate energy movement. These include
rocking motions, stretching, and pressure sensitive touch based on the energy
flows. These energy flows in the body can be felt by both the client and
practitioner. This experience has been described as relaxation, tingling,
wavelike movements, stillness, softening, pulsations, warming and other similar
phenomenon. My daughter used to describe the feeling as “polka dots” in her
body.
Nutrition
and diet
In
order to have the fuel needed to stay healthy and accomplish our purpose in
life, dietary and nutrition guidelines are frequently utilized. These include
Health Building diets, Purifying (detoxification) diets and individualized
diets based on the client’s Constitution, and current health concerns. The
individualized diets use foods that support the clients’ unique strengths and
weaknesses. Dr. Stone recommended a vegetarian diet for these purposes.
Polarity
Energetics exercises
Polarity
Energetics uses specific exercises to remove blocks to the energy flow,
stimulate energy to move in specific ways in the body and balances the energy
pulsations of the chakra system. These exercises help cultivate an awareness of
the energy flowing in our body/mind and provide tools to both the practitioner
and client for keeping these flows open and energized.
Counseling
and facilitation
Facilitation
refers to helping the client with personal growth processes. When we have
trauma in our lives, (mental, emotional or physical), we frequently internalize
the experience in such a way that we develop blockages to the free flow of our
energy. During a Polarity session, these blocks may be released, and the
feelings, beliefs and life decisions associated with the trauma may arise. By
helping the client process and release these memories and feelings in a
positive reframe, we can assist in their personal growth. Polarity Therapy does
not use a specific style of counseling, but different practitioners have used
methods from Gestalt therapy, NLP, Mindful Awareness, Active Listening and
other techniques to provide a framework for developing this important skill
set.
Facilitation
also refers to bringing awareness of the energy movement process to the client
during the sessions. The body/mind has an innate wisdom for health. By bringing
awareness to the patterns of energy flowing through the body (as the client
feels them), the client becomes engaged as an active participant in their own
healing journey. This enhanced awareness allows for greater expression of our
deep natural healing capacity.
Another
term for counseling and facilitation is “verbal guidance”. A simple explanation
of this assumes that “right-thinking” is a cornerstone of good health. Verbal
guidance enhances understanding and feeling of our emotions, taking
responsibility for our lives, and creating life enhancing thoughts and changes.
Other
Key Elements of Polarity Therapy
There
are several key elements to understanding and practicing Polarity Therapy. This
system uses the model of the chakra system from Ayurvedic medicine and the
concepts of Yin and Yang from Oriental medicine. The yin and yang theory say
that Yin is the energy of contraction, negative, cooling, dark, and moist. Yang
is expansive, positive, warming, light, and dry. These opposing forces are the
dynamic energies that set up the polarities of life. The third principle in the
yin/ yang model is the quality of neutrality. For expansion and contraction (as
well as all the other qualities of yin and yang) to occur, there must be a
space or field that holds the opportunity for this to happen. This is the
neutral field. An example of this can be found in the game of football. The
field where the game occurs is basically neutral. The actions of the game,
pushing, pulling, movement, stillness, etc. all take place on this neutral
field.
Dr.
Stone recognized different interrelated energy fields that support the human
existence. These fields include the 3 principles, the 5 elements and Chakra
system, and structural support fields. When these fields are functioning as an
integrated whole, health is the result. Polarity Therapy seeks to restore the
harmony to the disrupted fields and restore cohesive integration.
The
3 Principles
The
3 principles include Yin, Yang, and neutral. These principles are the forces
responsible for the creation of all matter. The neutral principle is the
Source, Tao, or God. All potential is un-manifested within the Source. For
creation to occur, “something” had to be created from this “nothingness” of
Source. The principles of Yin and Yang referred to the polar opposites that are
necessary for creation to occur. In order to have night, we must have day. In
order to have heat, we must have cold. Up must have a down, front has a back,
etc. Yin, Yang and all of their qualities exist within the field of infinite
possibility (Source).
Ayurveda
calls these3 principles Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas and can be translated as
“truth, action, and inertia.” The 3 Principles can also be described as
space (air), potency (fire), and structure and function (water).
The 3 Principles also define the poles of the
energetic field. The body has an electromagnetic field (like a magnet)
surrounding it. For energy to flow, there must be a neutral field and movement
from the positive pole to the negative pole and then back to positive. Polarity
Therapy teaches the positive (North) pole is at the head and the negative
(South) pole is at the feet. The neutral field is along the midline of the
body. Energy moves as a fluctuation between the charged poles of the field.
The
5 elements and the chakra system
Polarity
Therapy is based on the premise that we are fields of pulsating light energy
made up of specific vibrational frequencies known as the 5 elements: ether,
air, fire, water, and earth. As energy moves farther from the
source into the dense physical plane of matter, it takes on different
characteristics and qualities. These 5 elements define the features and
qualities of states of consciousness, energy and life processes. Each element
governs a specific area and function within the body/mind.
As
the life force energy moves away from source, the physical body is formed, and
the Spirit becomes enmeshed in mind, emotions and body. The chakras emerge from
the neutral midline of the body and are the bridge between the mind and
emotions and physical body and world.
The chakras are the energy centers from which the vibrational frequencies of the elements radiate into the physical field of matter. Chakra is the Sanskrit origin of the English word, “circle.” The chakras are classically visualized as whirling vortices of energy emanating from the midline of the body. There are 7 major chakras and Polarity Therapy deals with the lower 5. The upper 2 chakras are of higher spiritual frequencies and are the seat of Spirit and expanded consciousness. The lower 5 chakras represent the different frequencies of emotions, and processes that allow us to manifest our Heavenly destiny on this physical plane. These lower 5 chakras are named after the elements that they represent (ether, air, fire, water, and earth). This concept has been around for thousands of years and is even seen in the modern medical symbol of the caduceus (although modern doctors have no idea what this symbol means!). The caduceus shows the midline energy field, positive and negative energies that crosses at each of the chakras, and 2 wings, with the ball at the top of the staff, which represents the 3rd eye, Spirit and wisdom. This symbol was called the Staff of Hermes in ancient times and is pictured below.
Energy
fields form around each chakra to support specific functions in the cavities of
the body (head, throat, chest, abdomen and pelvis). The chakras have
corresponding nerves plexuses in the physical body and are also associated with
different endocrine glands. The energy pulsating from the chakras push energy
out into the world and pull the energy back to source. They are a tool that
helps Spirit experience the outside world (outward pulsation) and convey
feedback and information back to Spirit (inward pulsation). The energy fields
of the chakras form currents and patterns as they interweave and help create
and hold the physical body as a harmonious whole.
Each
element influences, mental, emotional and physical processes. When an element
is out of balance (suppressed or over emphasized) imbalance occurs and certain
tendencies will become evident. Some of the behavior (function) of the elements
is as follows:
The
Ether Element expresses through the throat chakra. This chakra provides
a neutral field and calm balance for the 4 chakras below to function within. It
allows the quality of centering and space in our life. A balanced Ether Element
allows clear minded self-esteem. Also, associated with this element, is a
quality of longing to be reunited with Spirit. When the Ether Element is out of
balance, tendencies of chronic grief, arrogance, or worthlessness arise.
The
Air Element expresses through the heart chakra. A balanced Air Element
gives rise to honesty, moderation, integrity and contentment. Other
qualities associated with Air are thinking, communication, rationality,
detachment and sociability. If the Air Element goes out of balance, strong
desires, impatience and greed can result. An imbalance in the Air Element can
also lead to depression, hopelessness and jealousy. Conscious growth at the
level of the Air Element often involves learning to love self and appropriate
ways to love others.
The
Fire Element is about power, assertiveness, motivation, and physical
action. This element expresses through the solar plexus chakra. The Fire
Element allows the qualities of warmth, intuition, creativity, respect, responsibility,
spontaneity, enthusiasm, and forgiveness. Challenges with any of these things
could reflect an imbalance in the Fire Element. Other reflections of an
imbalance in the Fire Element are raging at others, blaming, explosive,
controlling others, and judgment. Too little of this element can be seen as
raging at self, blaming self, apathy and being easily controlled by others.
Conscious growth at the level of the Fire Element often involves learning to forgive
and finding balance with the right use of power.
The
Water Element has its expression through the pelvis area. The function
of the Water element is about relationship, sensation, fluidity, and feeling
emotions. A balanced Water Element allows for the ability to nurture, to change
(fluidity), and to have acceptance, receptivity, sympathy, empathy and
compassion. When the Water Element is out of balance, difficulties present in
relationships and the ability to feel experiences. This can result in
feeling isolation, compulsions, dependencies, possessiveness and sex or love
addiction. Conscious growth at the level of the Water Element often
involves relationships, commitment and the ability to explore feelings.
The
Earth Element expresses at the base chakra at the coccyx plexus. The
Earth Element is about stability, foundation, ground, support, security, and
trust. Other qualities associated with the Earth Element are practicality,
good organizational skills, the ability to let go, and being grounded in the
body. An out of balance Earth Element fosters instability, anxiety, rigidity,
stubbornness, inflexibility, fixations, being ungrounded, insecurity, fear,
self-doubt, lack of boundaries and having walls against vulnerability. The
lesson available at this level of experience is learning to trust.
Geometric
lines of force, Five-Pointed and Six-Pointed star
Other
energy patterns are found in the body and these are referred to as geometric
lines of force. Two significant geometric patterns discussed will be the Five-Pointed
Star and the Six-Pointed Star. The Five-Pointed Star relates more to the
physical body and helps create the anatomical structure and support the
physical processes going on in the body. The human body has been seen as a Five-Pointed
star (example, the Vitruvian man drawing by da Vinci). This energy pattern
helps keep the head, shoulders, and pelvis in alignment. In the book, Anatomy
Trains, the author Thomas Myers revealed how the major fascia planes of the
body follow this pattern. This is an example of the physical body following the
patterns of the energy fields. The Five-Pointed Star in the body is both
structural and energetic. ** (See illustration below.)
The
2nd important geometric pattern is known as the Six-Pointed Star.
This pattern shows two triangles interlaced with each other. One triangle has
its base at the 3rd eye, pointing downward and ending at the top of
the pubic bone. The 2nd triangle points upward with its base at the
pubic bone and the tip of the triangle ending at the 3rd eye. This
energy field conveys Spirit down into the body (through the downward pointing
triangle) and then provides for the return flow of Spirit back to source
(through the upward pointing triangle).Embedded in the Six-Pointed Star
are the midline of the body and the chakra system. **
**The illustrations below are from Dr. Randolph Stone’s books, Polarity Therapy, volume 1 and 2. They respectively show the Five-Pointed Star and Six-Pointed Star superimposed on the body.
Summary
Polarity
Therapy defines and helps us understand the energy anatomy that forms the human
physical, mental and emotional structure. This subtle energy system is the
underlying template for all the dynamic processes of life. The important
points to note are:
The Source manifests an open field of energy that has potency and is a field of infinite possibility.
The energy field becomes charged (polarized) and potency fluctuates between the poles of the field (Positive and negative or Yin and Yang). Spirit emerges from the field and begins it’s decent into physical form.
3 Principles of energy movement (neutral, positive, and negative) govern the movement of energy through the field.
As energy moves out from its source, progressively denser expressions of energy occur, which is seen as levels (mental, emotional and physical) in the movement of energy. These different aspects of the Source Energy are called the Five Elements. It can be understood as the One River of Life Energy dividing into five rivers, which take on distinct characteristics, but are still composed of the same essence.
In the human energy system, the chakras along the midline express these elemental energies, as sequentially lower frequencies (in the descending direction) of the one movement of life energy.
Specific lines of force create organizing geometries, to which the body always orients its functions and processes.
These lines of force and geometric patterns (Five and Six-Pointed Star and others) are both energetic dynamics supporting the field and structural relationships supporting the body.
Awareness
and understanding the nature of the 3 Principles (space, potency, and form; or,
neutral, action, and inertia) and the nature of the Five Elements helps us
appreciate the energetic “voice” of the living system and engage with it
appropriately in healing and living.
Congratulations if you reached the end of this
article! There is a lot of information condensed here. In my classes, we take
this in small bites so we can understand and practically apply these principals
to our own health as well as helping our clients achieve better levels of
health for themselves. I hope to see you in one of my classes. The world needs
Healing and Polarity Therapy is a very rich modality to help facilitate that
process!
Present By: Dr. Van R. Warren, OMD
(Oriental Medical Doctor)
Polarity Therapy is a wholistic healing system based on the belief that we are surrounded by the human energy fields, through which energy is constantly flowing around and through the body. These fields are affected by diet, beliefs, relationships, trauma and other life experiences. Polarity Therapists are trained to counter-balance negative effects to the energy system through bodywork, Polarity exercises, lifestyle counseling and nutritional advice.
Health
(physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) is experienced when the energy flows
are balanced and free of blockages. Pain and disease occur when the energy is
not flowing properly.
The goal of
Polarity Therapy is to restore the integrity of the energy fields and unite
body, mind, spirit and emotions into harmonious and vibrant health.
What you will learn:
Theory
and practical application of these balancing techniques
How
to give a full one-hour polarity session
How
and when to integrate these protocols into your existing practice
A
deeper understanding of the roots of true healing
Hospice
and oncological applications of Polarity Therapy
This a 2 day workshop and 14 CEU’s are approved through NCBTMB
The benefits for you: Polarity Massage is very easy on the therapists body. As you give the session, it works on you too! These sessions enhance deep relaxation and an enhanced awareness of Spirit (for you and the client) working through the body/mind complex. And, we will have fun in the process!
This live course is presented by Dr.
Van R Warren, OMD, DOM, Dipl. Ac. He has been in private acupuncture practice
for over 30 years. He began his study of Polarity Therapy in 1974 and has
taught in several Massage schools as well as presented numerous workshops
throughout the years.
Every one of
us will die and none knows when that will be. In order to have a conscious and
peaceful death, one must create a conscious and peaceful life. By learning how
to live a spirit centered life arising from our own Source, we can have more
peace and joy now, and a gentler passing of our own. In addition, as we become knowledgeable about the
dying process, we can care for the dying with greater compassion and less fear.
In this
course, the Tao of Conscious Living and Dying, we will explore the philosophies
and techniques from the ancient Taoist and Oriental medicine texts that point
to a life more fully rooted in Tao. From this perspective, we will learn protocols
to assist the living and the dying on their path of “Returning to Source”.
Participants will learn how to guide someone through this sacred transformation
in the most gentle and profound way that Tao offers.
What we will learn:
Acupuncture
protocols for end of life care
Bodywork
techniques for assisting mental, emotional and spiritual balance
The
uses of essential oils that support conscious living and dying
Enhancing
communication skill
Deepening
the skill of compassion
Developing
a deeper presence of Tao
14 PDA’s (CEUs) are approved by NCCAOM
This live course is presented by Dr. Van R Warren, OMD, DOM, Dipl. Ac. He has been in private acupuncture practice for over 30 years. In this seminar he shares his knowledge, experience and observations on conscious living and conscious dying. This class is experiential and hands on. What will you bring to this discussion?
If this subject speaks to your Heart, please
register early as the classes will fill quickly and be offered only a few times
in 2019.
