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Healing Through the Elements

by Mary Jo Ruggieri, Ph.D., RPP

Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth - Qualities of energy which govern the functions of the human body. All five elements are found in our body, and everywhere on our planet!

The oldest of all notions of life on this planet adhere to the concept of energy and the elements. Native Americans built their entire culture, including their healthcare on the elements. They cherished the earth’s elements because they believed that they were also made of these same qualities. Mary Atwood in Spirit Herbs explains that Native Americans believed all living things had life both visible and invisible. Plants were part of the same kingdom as people. She explains that great religions emphasize the concept that all substances from the earth originated and developed from a universal life force – Energy.

The Forgotten Past

In our technological society, we have aborted the science of the past. A science that once gave us reason not to pollute but to use wisely our natural resources and also gave us a natural healing system from the earth like herbs and homeopathy. It was always understood that plants, animals or humans are made up of the same component parts of the whole. We all contain the same energetic qualities – The Elements.

It’s Never Too Late

Let’s go back to understanding what past scholars have said about the science of energy medicine. For many years Americans have had a desire to learn about yoga, meditation, Zen Buddhism, herbs, and of course, Dali Lama, chakras, crystals and outer space. We call it New Age – I believe the proper term should be Old Age!

Dr. Randolph Stone, the founder of Polarity Therapy, made this assessment about the past meeting the future. “We assume that those in the past could not possibly have had an idea of the cleverness of the present age, but we cannot understand them when they tell us in their writings about energy fields which we are just beginning to notice. The importance of our life is all external; theirs were deeper in perception of the energy fields within, that make up this phenomenon of solid matter. The ancients had time to concentrate their energies… we, in our haste to go fast, travel in circles and find no rest or solace for the problems that beset us.”

HEALING WITH THE ELEMENTS

Elements govern certain energetic qualities giving us vital information regarding the status of our health.

Ether

Governs qualities of the mind relating to space, stillness, peace and presence.

Awareness Questions:
  How do you fill your space: clutter, doing, planning?
  Do you feel you have no space, too little space, too much space?
  Can you be still and stay aware and present?

Signs of Ether Imbalances:
  Feeling of Grief/Disharmony
  Joints Ache
  Feeling Closed In/Stuck

Polarity Bodywork:
  Cranial holds
  Joint balance
  Soft contacts while deep breathing

Air

Governs qualities of lightness, quickness and agility.

Awareness Questions:
  Are you scattered – doing many things at once?
  Do you feel impatient, are things moving too fast?
  Do you talk rapidly and constantly?

Signs of Air Imbalances:
  Dry itchy skin or rashes
  Breathing difficulties
  Scattered, jumpy

Polarity Bodywork:
  Shoulder/Diaphragm releases
  Rib/Clavicle contacts
  Cradle ankles

Fire

Governs qualities of heat, clarity, focus, vitality and directed movement.

Awareness Questions:
  Do you hold anger or resentment?
  Are you enthusiastic?
  Do you get boisterous/assertive?
  Do you have digestive problems?

Signs of Fire Imbalances:
  Voice Quality – loud
  Tissue inflammation, boils, varicose veins
  Cloudy verses bright eyes

Polarity Bodywork:
  Rocking motions – navel and/or thigh areas
  Holds over forehead and below rib cage
  Foot digestive reflexes

Water

Governs qualities of flowing, making connections and fertility.

Awareness Questions:
  Do you have difficulties letting go – overly attached?
  Are you overprotective or compulsive?
  Do you have consistent swelling or puffiness?

Signs of Water Imbalances:
  Consistent water retention
  L uster of skin – pasty/dull
  Out of touch with feelings

Polarity Bodywork:
  Body rocking movements, lymphatic balance
  All foot reflexes
  Diagonal holds on back – for stress reduction

Earth

Governs qualities of completion, organization, physical and emotional structure.

Awareness Questions:
  Do you tend to get stuck in patterns?
  Do you feel ungrounded or insecure?
  Do you handle finances well?
  Tight in lower back, abdomen or knees?

Signs of Earth Imbalances:
  Colon and neck difficulties
  Cold hands and feet
  Not feeling safe
  Impatient with yourself and others

Polarity Bodywork:
  Release tension in abdomen
  Work on neck points
  Release tension in knees

Connecting with the elements will give you vital information for preventive healthcare. Becoming aware is the key. Observe the signs and work towards balance before a problem occurs.

A wonderful reference to further explore the elements is the Polarity Therapy Workbook by Dr. John Beaulieu Bio, Sonic Enterprises.

As Dr. Stone has said about healing – It Is The Process That is Important!!

May the long time sun shine upon you,

Mary Jo Ruggieri, PhD, RPP, Director, Columbus Polarity

© 2000 Columbus Alive