Applied Kinesiology is an alternative medicine diagnostic tool and treatment developed by chiropractor George Goodheart, Jr. forty years ago. It is a strength resistance test based on the link between muscles, glands and organs. Muscle strength is tested and the strength of the muscle is believed to be related to the health of the organ or area of the body being tested.
Applied Kinesiology is based on the philosophies of other holistic therapies, including osteopathy, chiropractic, meridian therapy, and physical manipulation. Each movement has an active muscle that is “on” and an opposing muscle that turns “off”. Muscular imbalances are corrected using manual pressure on the muscle as well as other techniques.
Applied Kinesiology is used by the chiropractic profession to treat structural imbalances and muscle and joint problems. It is also used as an indicator of organ dysfunction.
For example, the Deltoid muscle is believed to be related to the lungs, so a muscle test on the Deltoid muscle is an indicator of the health of the lungs. If the muscle is weak due to a chronic infection, the Applied Kinesiologist would likely use techniques to stimulate blood and nerve function, lymphatic drainage, and acupuncture energy. When the illness resolved, the deltoid muscle would have improved function.
Another application of Applied Kinesiology is to detect food allergies and sensitivities. Foods that cause allergic reactions are believed to cause reversible muscle weakness. Applied kinesiology practitioners have clients place samples of foods into the mouth one at a time while muscle tests are performed (this would be used for foods causing sensitivity rather than severe allergies causing anaphylactic shock).
During the interview, the client history is recorded and the practitioner does a physical assessment, noting imbalances in posture and gait. Muscle testing is then done. The results of the testing may indicate the need for physical manipulation or stimulation of acupuncture points.