Applied_Kinesiology_Muscle_Testing_&

What is Applied Kinesiology?

Applied Kinesiology muscle testing (AK) is a diagnostic system that is used to evaluate a person’s Triad of Health - Structural, Chemical, and Emotional. AK doctors are licensed to diagnose physicians who most often are chiropractors, though some medical doctors, dentists, psychiatrists, and other healing physicians practice applied kinesiology. AK was founded by Dr. George Goodheart in 1964.

AK employs muscle testing with other standard methods of diagnosis. This is very important to understand as many people perform muscle testing, such as an “arm pull-down test” or other various modifications of muscle testing, to diagnose what may be going on with a person’s health. This type of muscle testing is a misused and oversimplified type of testing and is not AK. Applied Kinesiology muscle testing is performed using many specific muscle tests to see a real-time sensory-motor (input-output) response, along with a thorough patient history, orthopedic and neurological testing, and often laboratory work, to get a thorough understanding of a person’s health problems and how to best deal with them. Muscle testing done alone or by an unskilled practitioner is no better than a psychic reading. AK is diagnostic; it is not a treatment procedure. A skilled AK doctor will employ various treatment methods such as chiropractic manipulation, cranial techniques, myofascial release or trigger point therapy, acupressure, nutritional or dietary changes/counseling, exercise therapies, emotional techniques, as well as other procedures to help the patient restore their health. The treatment is tailored to fit the patient based off the examination.

Applied Kinesiology vs. Kinesiology

Applied Kinesiology should not be confused with kinesiology, which is the study of body movement. Additionally, there are over 80 other forms of “kinesiology” in the healing arts, which are not consistent with Applied Kinesiology beliefs and methodology. Additionally, close to half of all chiropractors in the US state that they use some form of AK in their practice. Often these physicians are using a general muscle test to see if a bone needs to be adjusted, or they are performing some other form of kinesiology that is not consistent with the International College of Applied Kinesiology.

Currently some mainstream doctors as well as hospitals are allowing Reiki therapy, which claims to heal thru the body’s energy fields, to be practiced in their office and even during surgical procedures, though they don’t want to believe its benefits. The therapy is not scientific enough for them to want to understand it. Interesting though that the vast majority of medical folk think that appliled kinesiology has no scientific basis; a statement that could not be further from the truth. There are over 100 articles on AK published in peer-reviewed journals. Muscle testing, as practiced by a skilled physician, is part of the neurological examination; it is not energy medicine.

“Applied kinesiology (AK) is a diagnostic system that uses manual muscle testing and other standard methods of diagnosis to evaluate the nervous system’s response to sensory input and challenges via the dynamics of the musculoskeletal system. Treatments may involve various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupressure skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, lifestyle and exercise education, evaluating environmental irritants, various reflex procedures, and specific manipulations. Each treatment is individualized for the patient to help restore their health and maintain well being throughout life. AK is a non-invasive system of health care that is unique in the healing arts, and those physicians who practice such system often resolve a patient’s health care dilemma faster and more effectively than traditional methods.” - Dr. Cayer