Kinesiology

Kinesiology is a therapy that uses manual muscle testing to determine where the client may have imbalances in their system, and what the client needs in order to restore balance and wellness. The roots of kinesiology can be traced back to the American chiropractor George G. Goodheart who, in 1964, identified that the evaluation of normal and abnormal body function could be carried out by muscle testing.

How does it work?

According to the principles of kinesiology, certain muscles or groups of muscles relate to specific body parts and body systems. Muscle testing can determine where weaknesses and imbalances are occurring in the body. Testing is also used to determine the client’s mental and emotional health.

A muscle or muscle group that is strong is likely to be connected to an organ or body part that also is strong; but a muscle, or muscles, that responds weakly when pushed is likely to indicate an organ or body part that needs attention.

What does it involve?

The initial consultation with the practitioner will usually last at least an hour. The session will begin with the practitioner taking extensive notes about the client’s medical history, lifestyle, diet, relationship and any issues that are causing concern. The client will then be asked to lie, fully clothed, on a massage table whilst the practitioner begins the process of muscle testing.

The tests are usually carried out on the client’s arm and wrist, and the practitioner will begin by seeking to restore the client’s overall system to balance. This can be done in a number of ways, most usually by holding specific energy points on the client’s head or neck. Once the practitioner is satisfied that the client is balanced, depending on the type of kinesiology involved, the practitioner will then begin to check for physical and mental blockages, food allergies and so on.

The types of kinesiology available include applied kinesiology, which emphasises the correction of muscle imbalances. Energy kinesiology aims to detect and clear energy blocks and imbalances within the body’s energy meridians (see Acupuncture), while allergy-testing kinesiology, focuses on determining the foods, chemicals and other substances that are causing imbalance and illness within the body.

Depending on the type of kinesiology and the way in which the practitioner works, the client may be treated with aromatherapy oils, flower essences, massage, visualisation, crystals or magnets, or may simply be asked to think specific thoughts whilst the therapist gently touches certain energy points on the body.

What is it good for?

Kinesiology can be used for all kinds of physical, mental and emotional problems including pain; sports injuries; asthma and other problems involving the respiratory system; eczema and other skin disorders; headaches and migraine; menopausal problems; irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue; attention deficit disorder; panic attacks; depression; sexual dysfunction and insomnia.

What are the benefits?

Because kinesiology works on the body at a very deep level it is particularly useful for releasing stress and past trauma as well as helping with the current physical and mental problems the client is experiencing.

What are the side effects and when should it be avoided?

Because kinesiology is non-invasive it can be used by anyone, including children and the elderly. Clients who attend a kinesiology session for a physical problem may discover, during the course of the consultation, that the physical symptoms are connected to long-buried emotional issues.

Some clients report that, because kinesiology helps to release pent-up stress, they have found themselves responding to the treatment with tears or other strong emotion. Most people say that the muscle testing process is very relaxing and enjoyable.

In most cases, it will be necessary to have follow-up treatments, the number of which will depend on each individual’s circumstances. Make sure that, before you book your treatment, you find out from the practitioner the type of kinesiology they practice and that it matches your needs.