Polarity Therapy

A holistic approach to energy medicine blending ancient wisdom with modern science.

About Polarity Therapy

Polarity Therapy is a synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern health care knowledge. It is an excellent complement to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and also gives a body-focused support for trauma resolution therapies. All classes are taught by Anna Chitty, who has practiced Polarity since 1979 and continues to find it invaluable for clients in a wide range of situations and her daughter Elizabeth Chitty Sandoval.

Polarity Therapy was developed by Randolph Stone, DO, DC, ND (1890-1981). During his 60-year career medical practice in Chicago, he searched for an understanding of the deeper causes of health and disease. His quest led to the conclusion that “Energy is the real substance behind the appearance of matter and forms.” He developed a synthesis of theories and techniques from ancient and modern sources, including Ayurveda, Oriental Medicine and Osteopathy, collecting energy-based knowledge from around the world.

For historical perspectives, you can view Dr. Stone’s chronology, origins, photos and diplomas here, or go to the Resources page for more materials.

The word “Polarity” refers to an ancient understanding of the dynamics of energetic relationships, known as Yin & Yang in the Orient. Polarity Therapy describes how energy currents and electromagnetic fields create and sustain all physical form. The goal of Polarity Therapy is to facilitate and support the free and natural flow of Life Force and consciousness through the body, mind, and emotions.

Polarity Therapy addresses three layers of the energy anatomy, known as “Primary Energy,” “Three Principles” and “Five Elements.” Primary Energy refers to the energetic dimensions of the centerline of the body, including the cranium, spine and sacrum. Three Principles refers to cycles of energetic expansion, transition and contraction throughout the body. Five Elements refers to functional energy centers called chakras, located at the throat, chest, solar plexus, abdomen and pelvic floor. Polarity Therapy practitioners palpate and support natural energy equilibrium and movement on all three of these layers. View a quick summary of Polarity Therapy here.

About CSES Polarity Programs

The purpose of CSES Polarity Therapy program is to provide the highest quality training and support for Polarity practitioners.

Our classes and curricula are aligned with the “Standards For Practice” of the American Polarity Therapy Association (APTA). Two levels of registration are offered by APTA: Associate Polarity Practitioner and Registered Polarity Practitioner. Fulfillment of requirements for these brings APTA designation and support for entry-level and fully-qualified practice, respectively. Application to APTA for practitioner registration is a separate process from completion of a CSES training; our instructors will support and guide your application process with APTA.

Our programs strongly emphasize the importance of Craniosacral Therapy and its integration within Polarity. We also highlight the application of energy-therapy principles in trauma resolution strategies.

The Level I Polarity Training covers the underlying theory and core practice skills of Polarity Therapy. Areas of study include practitioner presence, palpation of the energy anatomy, and introduction to the Three Principles/Five Elements system in the contexts of energetic evaluation, nervous system balancing and Polarity diet and exercise concepts. Students gain foundational skills for applying energetic principles to themselves and to others.

The Level II Polarity Training is designed for creating a professional practice in the energetic healing arts. Concepts introduced in the Level I training are deepened, additional approaches are introduced, and practitioner skills are refined and developed. Topics include continuing Craniosacral study, communication skills, trauma resolution theory and technique, intensive study of energy anatomy, structural and connective tissue applications, and development of a professional practice. The next offering of Level II is tentatively scheduled for January 22, 2015. See the full class schedule here.

Polarity Therapy is a vast body of knowledge which deserves lifelong study. This training is a thorough summary based on Dr. Stone’s research combined with the latest insights from today’s Polarity profession.

Training Dates & Logistics

New in 2024: Dual Certification Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and Polarity Level 1

For the first time, in 2024, we will be offering a 13-module, dual-certification in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and Polarity Therapy. This course will certify you both as a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist and an Associate Polarity Practitioner. The curriculum will blend both BCST and Polarity Therapy, weaving them together into the coherent, overarching framework that has always guided our approach to working with the human energy system.

Cohort Y - This cohort is currently full - waitlist spaces available

• Module 1: August 21 - 25, 2024

• Module 2: October 23 - 27, 2024

• Module 3: January 8 - 12, 2025

• Module 4: March 26 - 30, 2025

• Module 5: June 11 - 15, 2025

• Module 6: August 20 - 24, 2025

• Module 7: October 22 - 26, 2025

• Module 8: January 7 - 11, 2026

• Module 9: March 18 - 22, 2026

• Module 10: May 27 - 31, 2026

• Module 11: August 5 - 9, 2026

• Module 12: October 7 - 11, 2026

• Module 13: January 20-24, 2027

Daily Schedule: 9am - 5:30pm daily; ends at 2:30 pm on Sunday. We have a 1.5 hour lunch break daily, except on Sundays.

Faculty: Anna Chitty & Elizabeth Chitty Sandoval - with Teacher Trainee & Teaching Assistant Staff (TBA)

Cost: $12,350 (paid in $950 increments / module). We charge a $20 administrative fee for all payments made via Paypal or Credit Card

We have scholarships available for BIPOC students, as well as modest scholarships from the John Chitty Memorial Scholarship Fund. We also offer no-interest payment plans. Both the John Chitty Memorial Scholarship Funds and no-interest payment plans have a cap per cohort - so please inquire ASAP if you are in need of these financial supports.

Polarity Therapy Level 2
Leads to Board Certified Polarity Practitioner certification by the American Polarity Therapy Association
Price: $570/module (includes $20 administrative fee)
Sample plan of the 13 four-day modules
No class currently planned. Stay tuned for more updates. Please contact us if you are interested in this course.

Level 1 & Level 2 Trainings

Days & Times: Classes are Wednesday-Sunday, 9am – 5pm except end at 4pm on Sunday
Price: $670/module (Administration fee ($20) is waived when payment is received via cash, check, Venmo or Zelle).

Polarity Therapy Level 1
Leads to Associate in Polarity Principles certification by the American Polarity Therapy Association

Final In-Person Module of 2020 Training: Aug 30 - Sep 3, 2021

We developed an online learning model for this course due to CoVID-19 in 2020. This group has currently completed the equivalent of 3 in-person modules. We are working on turning this material into an ongoing online learning platform - stay tuned for more details.

We anticipate launching the next full Level 1 cohort in the Fall of 2022. Please subscribe to our email list for date announcements.

** Note that Module 1 can be taken as a stand-alone course, as an introduction to Polarity Therapy, for those who are interested in getting exposure to the modality before deciding to pursue the APP status.

Polarity Therapy Life Coach

Dates: TBA, stay tuned. Please contact us if you are interested in this course.
Price: $550/module

For Polarity practitioners who desire a professional niche enabling both touch and talk, the CSES Life Coach is a new diploma that supports using Polarity Therapy for stress management and goal attainment. Unlike psychotherapy, the CSES Life Coach Diploma does not address mental illness, diagnosis or allopathic interpretation. The CSES Life Coach supports clients in their quest for greater satisfaction in relationships and career using a multi-modality, body-mind-spirit approach as presented in the book, Dancing with Yin and Yang, by John Chitty.

Learn more about this new program here.

Polarity Level 1 Curriculum

Day 1: Overview; Practitioner Skills for Energy Therapies
Day 2: Practitioner Skills Continued; Intro to Palpating Energy
Day 3: Polarity Therapy Theory; Intro to Energy Anatomy
Day 4: Energetic Assessment; Overview of Polarity Exercises
Day 5: Intro to the Five Elements and Chakras: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether
Day 6: Five Elements Continued; Demonstration Session
Day 7: Energy Principles in Nutritional Therapies
Day 8: Intro to the Three Principles: Yang, Yin and Neutral