Book now

What is Applied Kinesiology?

Applied kinesiology is a technique used to diagnose and treat health problems by identifying muscle weakness and the compromised neurological systems which create those weaknesses. Developed in the 1960s by Detroit chiropractor George Goodheart, it is based on the notion that muscle function maladies can occur as a consequence of a variety of internal triggers. Obvious triggers include injury, nerve entrapment, skeletal misalignment or brain and nerve damage. However, muscle weakness (or its opposite, excessive muscle spasm) can also be caused by diseased or dysfunctional internal organs, exposure to toxic substances, nutritional deficiencies, food sensitivities, or emotional issues.

How does Applied Kinesiology work?

All human health problems stem from one of three areas: structural issues, chemical issues, and/or emotional issues. This triad of causality is fundamental to both chiropractic therapy as well as applied kinesiology. In his book, The Science, Art, and Philosophy of Chiropractic, founder of chiropractic therapy D.D. Palmer states, “The determining causes of disease are traumatism, poison and autosuggestion.” This triad of causes is at the heart of Applied Kinesiology, which enables the doctor to evaluate the triad’s functional balance and direct therapy toward the imbalanced side (or sides).

What should one expect at their AK appointment?

A visit begins with a detailed medical history. Next, testing begins with procedures that usually include determining changes in blood pressure from lying to sitting to standing which, according to International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK), can indicate imbalances in the body. Specific examinations follow, such as tests of skin sensitivity, reflexes and balance. Practitioners may also observe a patient's posture, gait and range of motion. After these tests are completed, muscle strength is tested against pressure exerted by the practitioner. If the muscle stands up to pressure, it's deemed "strong" or "locked"; those that give way to pressure are considered "weak" or "unlocked," and are deemed indicative of a problem. ICAK considers the use of the Manual Muscle Test alone an abuse of AK, typically by practitioners who have not been properly trained and certified. The organization holds that muscle testing should be done only as part of a complete diagnostic examination. In addition to muscle testing, AK practitioners may also press on "trigger points" to see if they lead to muscle weakness. When AK is used to determine whether a particular food or other substance weakens (or strengthens) a patient, the food may placed under the tongue or held in the hand as a muscle is tested. Some practitioners may also assess emotional well-being by testing muscle strength while the patient imagines being in a troubling or tense situation or with a problematic person.

The Applied Kinesiology Treatment plan

Once a diagnosis is reached, a plan of treatment is developed, which may include a variety of alternative, as well as conventional remedies–from chiropractic to basic dietary changes. Over the course of treatment, the patient will undergo periodic muscle re-testing as a measurement tool to verify overall improvement. Treatments may involve specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, counseling skills, evaluating environmental irritants and various reflex procedures.
Applied Kinesiology is not designed for crisis medicine. For example, an AK practitioner cannot cure cancer, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease or infections. However, AK can help with the symptoms of many of these ailments as well as enabling patients to be in a state of wellness where these conditions can be avoided or forestalled.
Learn About Chiropractic