Polarity therapy believes we are made up of energy fields that need to flow freely.

Polarity therapy is based on the theory that we are made of up energy fields. They flow around us from positive to negative, through a neutral point, to negative, in a figure-of-eight shape. When one is healthy and happy, in balance, the energy flows continuously and smoothly. But, that is a state not many have achieved. These fields are very susceptible to getting stuck and blocked. Blocked energy flow results in dis-ease, i.e. pain, illness and discomfort.

Marelna du Plessis, a polarity and Aura Soma therapist, describes one of these blockages as "trauma vortexes." She explains that when one experiences trauma of any kind (from rape to a car accident to a parent leaving you), it is saved in your cerebellum. The cerebellum is part of the brain which deals with images and survival tactics. These memories are stored around the body and can be compared to whirlpools. When the energy tries to flow passed these trauma vortexes, it is sucked into them, like a leaf does when it flows in a river and there is a mini-whirlpool.

She says that unexpressed or unprocessed emotions cause a stopping of the energy flow as well - they act as stoppers and prevent harmonious flow around the body.

Polarity therapy involves touching the body in specific places (positive and negative places around the body), to push the energy along. The positive point is usually further north than negative, with neutral in-between.

When laughter was brought up in the discussion, Marelna said that she actually uses it in her therapy. She views the diaphragm as the horizon in the body. The upper portion of the body is visible (conscious) and the lower portion (below the diaphragm) is below the horizon, therefore invisible (less conscious). She uses laughter by cracking corny jokes, because it moves the diaphragm, thus jolting the energy flows to move more freely between the upper and lower body. It's like giving the energy fields an electric shock to force them to move.

Polarity therapy works in the elements of fire, air, water and earth. Below the horizon/diaphragm there are deeper and denser "issues". The more solid and dense elements, water and earth, are thus used to represent this area. Fire and air represent the upper portion of the body, with less depth and intensity.

If you would like to learn more about Polarity Therapy, go to: http://www.PolarityTherapy.org