UPDATED 08-02-13

Energywork is an all-inclusive term which generally refers to various therapies which primarily use the HANDS to interact with the  energy pathways of the body and energy field. The HANDS emit potent Life-Force energy which can easily contact, sense and modulate the energy systems of the body, releasing held patterns and restoring the free-flow of vital energy. Other tools can also be used such as acupuncture needles, magnets, various forms of light, color, crystals & stone, sound, sacred geometry, subtle aromatherapy, etc.

One of the major benefits of energywork is that the Nervous Systems of the body are revitalized and rejuvenated. Just like during our deep, reparative Delta stages of sleep and also during meditation, energywork creates a profound state of rest and relaxation, which allows all the bodily systems to be deeply restored. Stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, pain, immune system disorders, tissue damage, and myriad of other conditions can be ameliorated with the proper use of Energywork.

There are many other Energywork therapies that are not discussed here, such as Reiki, Shiatsu, various forms of massage, EFT, Jin Shin Jyutsu, some Yoga techniques, Qi Gong, etc. The Energywork therapies discussed here are those that Anne Christine Tooley has studied and practiced for many years.
 

Polarity Therapy

Polarity Therapy was created by Dr. Randolph Stone, D.O., D.C, N.D. over a sixty-year career.

Dr. Stone believed that we are all here to experience a spiritual voyage and that the healing process on all levels (PEMS: physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually) is an essential part of that journey. Our Spirit, our Soul, is here to learn and grow.

The foundation of Polarity Therapy is the belief that we are a field of energy and that our energy system is always attempting to restore itself to a place of balance and homeostasis. Drawn on ancient Eastern healing traditions, it is a touch therapy using the principles of energy as it manifests and flows through the physical body and various subtle energy pathways.

Polarity Therapy also incorporates diet and nutritional education, exercise and movement therapy, encouragement of healthy thought patterns and lifestyle, creating a comprehensive system for creating and maintaining health and wellbeing.

Dr. Stones' background as a Doctor of Osteopathy, Doctor of Chiropractic, and Naturopathic Doctor, as well as his studies of Ayurveda, acupuncture, yoga and meditation, provided an eclectic base from which to develop Polarity Therapy. His keen curiosity for and understanding of ancient healing traditions combined with his knowledge and training gave Dr. Stone had all the tools necessary for developing this vast integrative system for creating health and wellbeing. Read more... More Instructional videos about Polarity Therapy.

Other Video: Introduction to Polarity Therapy Bodywork presented by John Chitty.

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCT) was born out of the later work of Dr. William Garner Sutherland, D.O.

Sutherland first discovered motion in the cranial bones. He then discovered that this motion is closely connected to subtle movements that involve a network of interrelated tissues and fluids at the core of the body, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the central nervous system, the membranes that surround the central nervous system and the sacrum.

Dr. Sutherland then discovered that healthy bodily fluids "breathe" with a pulsating ebb and flow of movement. Sensitive perception of this movement with one's hands (palpation) can act as a mirror, allowing for a person's system to self-correct and be restored to a place of equilibrium. Dr. Sutherland called this ebb and flow the BREATH OF LIFE.

There are 3 primary subtle rhythms in the Breath of Life and are appropriately called "tides" where there are rhythms within rhythms or tides within tides. There is is an inward breath and then and outward breath, an ebb and flow, a contraction and an expansion. The tides are expressions of health and provide an essential regulating & organizing process for the body. This process also acts as a blueprint for health and has been present from the time of our early embryological development.  

The Long Tide, the slowest of the tides, is the Primary Tide, sometimes called the PRIMARY RESPIRATION. The Primary Respiration is is the regulating and organizing process, which by definition is the inherent ability of the body to heal itself. This ability of the body to heal itself creates order and health to the functions of life.

The ability of the cells of fluids to express their Primary Respiratory rhythms of motion (BREATH OF LIFE) is essential to our state of health. When these rhythms are expressed in fullness and balance, health and wellbeing will naturally follow. Therefore, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy's primary function is to make contact with the Primary Respiration, allowing it to self-regulate and organize into patterns of balance and heath. Read more...

Videos: PART 1: What is Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy?
            PART 2: What is Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy?

Healing Touch

Healing Touch (HT) was created by Janet Mentgen RN, BSN in 1989. The goal of HT is to restore balance and harmony within the energy system, which then allows the client's system to self-heal.

Initially, training began through various Nurse's Associations where nurses were taught how to consciously use their hands in a heart-centered and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Today, healthcare practitioners of all kinds all over the world are practicing this holistic approach to healing emphasizing compassionate, heart-centered care in which the provider and client are equal partners in facilitating wholeness and health.

HT has been shown to influence the human energy system, specifically the energy field (aura) that surrounds the body, and the energy centers (chakras) that control the flow of the energy field to the physical body. HT restores harmony, energy and balance within the human energy system and supports the self-healing process. Read more... More about the Healing Touch Training Program.

Therapeutic Touch

Therapeutic Touch (TT) was developed in 1972 by Dora Kunz and Dolores Krieger. It draws it's teaching from various ancient practices.

TT Practitioners attune to the Universal Field of energy and then directs this life energy to the client. TT is used to balance and promote the flow of human energy using gentle touch on the body and holding and moving hands within the energy field, thus enhancing vitality.

The steps in Therapeutic Touch include centering, assessment (gathering information), unruffling (clearing), field balancing, repatterning (modulation of the energy) and closure. Studies have shown that TT induces the relaxation response within two to four minutes of the start of treatments and can alleviate pain and accelerate the healing process.

Clinical research shows that it is useful in reducing pain, improving wound healing, aiding relaxation, and easing the dying process. Read more...

Reflexology

Reflexology or Zone Therapy is an ancient healing art whose source of origin is not certain, but evidence from Egyptian gravesites appear to show foot and hand massage dating back as early as 2330 B.C.

In its modern form, it was developed by Dr. William Fitzgerald in the early 20th century. It was then further developed by Eunice Ingham in the 1930's. She found that the zones which ran throughout the body, could be accessed through the feet, as they are the most responsive area due to their sensitivity. She mapped the entire body onto the feet and discovered that applying pressure on the various parts of the foot had therapeutic effects on corresponding parts of the body.
 

Reflexology is the art of applying pressure to the feet, hands, ears, face and head with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that mirror the image of the body (see image to the right) on the hands, feet, ears and head with the premise that such work promotes a physiological change within the body.

Those reflex zones needing treatment are usually painful. Painful zones on the feet, hands, ears or head indicate stagnant energy, which if left untreated, can lead to dis-ease. By alternating pressure, or in conjunction with color, light, sound, crystals & stones or subtle aromatherapy, the associated area of the body can return to a state of homeostasis.

Reflexology has been shown to reduce stress, promote deep relaxation, assist in the removal of bodily toxins, improve circulation and restore vital energy. Read more... Video: How Reflexology Works