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In the purest form, kinesiology is the study of muscles
and movement. When used in a clinical setting, it becomes
an evaluation and treatment tool for restoring overall health
balance to the body. Its beginnings originated in the 1960s
as a clinical science from work performed by Dr. George
Goodheart. Over time, many branches have developed with
different specialties. To date, there are around 80 different
types of kinesiology. Many colleges offer kinesiology degrees
that are more focused on sports physiology.
This is different
than the clinical use of kinesiology. Some refer to the
use of kinesiology in the clinical setting as "muscle
testing". Others refer to these techniques as specialized
kinesiology. At a basic level, it is the art and science
of using neuromuscular feedback from the body to achieve
optimal health. The kinesiologist may use various healing
modalities. These modalities include body work as it performed
in applied kinesiology or may include nutritional, herbal,
homeopathic or supplement recommendations.
Applied Kinesiology
Applied kinesiology
(AK) is a form of diagnosis using muscle testing as an evaluation
of how a person’s body is functioning. When properly
applied, the outcome of an AK diagnosis will determine the
best form of therapy for the patient. Since AK draws together
the core elements of many complementary therapies, it provides
an interdisciplinary approach to health care.
In general, the applied kinesiologist finds a muscle that
tests weak and then attempts to determine why that muscle
is not functioning properly. The practitioner will then
evaluate and apply the therapy that will best eliminate
the muscle weakness and help the patient.
Therapies utilized can include specific joint manipulation
or mobilization, adjustments, neuro-emotional reflexes,
various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian
therapy, clinical nutrition, dietary management and various
reflex procedures, such as neuro-lymphatic and neuro-vascular
reflexes. In some cases, the examiner may test for
environmental or food sensitivities by using a previously
strong muscle to find what weakens it. Applied kinesiology
muscle testing works because of the mind(brain) –
body interaction. Each muscle test is an evaluation of the
integrity of the central nervous system. A problem can occur,
affecting a particular muscle test, in any area of the nervous
system: Cerebral Cortex (emotions), Hypothalamus (biochemistry),
Cerebellum (structure), brainstem, spinal cord, nerve root,
or peripheral nerve. The nervous system disturbance can
result in organ or gland dysfunction, such as digestive
problems or hormone imbalance, muscle weakness, spinal instability,
pain, biochemical imbalances, fatigue, and even emotional
and personality changes.
Once a muscle is found to be either “weak” or
“strong” (technically called neurologically
inhibited or facilitated), a sensory stimulation is applied
to test the outcome. When pressure is applied to the body,
muscle receptors send messages to the brain; when something
is placed in the mouth, either food, drugs, nutrition, or
herbs, the taste receptors signal that event to the brain;
or when the patient thinks about a stress or positive event,
the cortex is activated. If the nervous system is negatively
affected by that sensory stimulation, a weakening of a strong
muscle may occur, if the nervous system is positively affected,
a strengthening of a weak muscle may occur. It is simply
a neurological reflex.
Typical examples:
A weak muscle is found, pressure is applied to the area
of the spine, stimulating joint mechanoreceptors that send
messages to the cerebellum and on up to the cerebral cortex
(which controls muscle tone). If that stimulation drives
an impaired pathway, the muscle will strengthen.
A weak muscle is found; a nutrient such as vitamin B12 is
placed in the mouth stimulating taste and other sensory
receptors that send messages to the hypothalamus, and on
up to the cortex. If that sensory stimulation is positive,
the muscle will strengthen.
A strong muscle is found, a suspected food allergen is placed
in the mouth, again stimulating the cortex and hypothalamus.
If the food is an actual allergen or causes neuro-immunological
responses in the body, the muscle will weaken.
Applied kinesiology uses the triad of health - chemical,
mental and structural factors - to describe the proper balance
of the major health categories. The triad is represented
by an equilateral triangle with structural health as its
base, and the upright sides representing chemical and mental
health. When a person experiences poor health, it is due
to an imbalance in one or more of these three factors.
The triad of health is interactive and all sides must be
evaluated for the underlying cause of a problem.
Benefits/Contraindications
Determines needs
of the body and allows treatment in animals using a human
surrogate for muscle testing.
Training/Licensing
Degrees and certificates
are typically obtained by two different groups. Applied
kinesiology is only taught to those who have a health oriented
degree. They include people like chiropractors, osteopaths,
medical doctors and doctors of Oriental medicine. The remaining
types of kinesiology are taught to those who wish to learn
the techniques for self use. Acquiring certifications in
various types of kinesiology allows one to practice in some
states that don’t require licensure. This, however,
must be accompanied by a disclaimer form stating one’s
non-licensed status and intentions to stay within the legal
guidelines set forth by the state.
There are two main primary associations
one may join as a specialized kinesiologist: the Energy
Kinesiology Association and the International Association
of Specialized Kinesiologists.
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