All About Applied Kinesiology

Applied kinesiology is a chiropractic technique that uses muscle testing as a feedback mechanism to examine how a person’s body is functioning. Chiropractors use this technique to determine the best form of therapy for the patient. It draws together elements of many different types of therapies and so provides an interdisciplinary approach to health care. Here are some more facts about applied kinesiology.

History of applied kinesiology

During the 1960s Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor in Detroit, Michigan, found that he could evaluate normal and abnormal body function using simple muscle tests. Since his original discovery, advances have been made so that these days applied kinesiology can be used to evaluate the nervous, vascular, and lymphatic systems, nutrition, acupuncture, and cerebrospinal fluid function.

Applied kinesiology and the Triad of Health

Applied kinesiology says that our health is a balance of three major health categories: chemical, mental and structural factors. This is called the Triad of Health. The Triad is represented by an equilateral triangle with the three categories as its sides. When you are in poor health, applied kinesiology says it’s due to an imbalance in one or more of these three factors. A health problem on one side of the triad can affect the other sides. For example, a chemical imbalance may cause structural symptoms. Applied kinesiology enables the practitioner to evaluate the Triad’s balance and direct therapy toward the imbalanced side or sides.

Technique of applied kinesiology

How does applied kinesiology work? Basically, the applied kinesiologist focuses on muscles that test “weak” and then tries to determine why they are not functioning properly. Practitioners claim that by finding the weak muscle they can identify the underlying illness and make decisions about treatment. The practitioner will then apply the therapy that best eliminates the muscle weakness and helps the patient. There are a wide range of therapies available, including: joint manipulation or mobilization (chiropractic techniques), myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian therapy, reflex therapies, clinical nutrition and dietary management. The applied kinesiologist may apply manual stimulation and relaxation techniques to key muscles. The treatment may also include joint manipulation or movement, diet changes, reflex procedures, manipulation of the head, or other types of treatment. These therapies alone or in combination can restore strength to the weak muscle. When the muscle is strengthened, applied kinesiology practitioners believe that this proves the internal organs have strengthened as well.

Is applied kinesiology certified?

Applied kinesiology is a postgraduate specialty training. Skills are developed and approved by the International College of Applied Kinesiology Board of Standards. Members of this profession share knowledge through the publications and conferences of the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) (www. icak. com).