You might be wondering what is Kinesiology, where does it come from, what are the different types of Kinesiology, how can it help me?  Here I hope I've answered these common questions I'm frequently asked.

 

What is Kinesiology?

 

Kinesiology is a holistic therapy which uses biofeedback / muscle response testing to measure the motor response of the central nervous system to a sensory challenge. By doing this, imbalances can be determined and methods to rebalance the body can be indicated.

It's a healing method allowing the Practitioner to tap into your subconscious mind through your muscles and find what is blocking you from good mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.

 

What is the Meaning of Kinesiology?

 

It comes from the Greek word Kinesis, which means movement.  Therefore it's the study of movement within the body.

 

What’s the History of Kinesiology?

 

In the 1920s an orthopaedic surgeon, R.W. Lovett, developed a system for testing and grading the strength of muscles. His work was taken forward by Henry and Florence Kendall in 1949 and they produced a book entitled ‘Muscle Testing and Function’.  Kinesiology, as we use it today, was developed by George Goodheart in 1964. He was an American chiropractor who realised that by using a specific technique of massaging the beginning and ending of a patient’s muscle, he could increase the strength of the muscle. He called this the origin and insertion correction and named this new therapy Applied Kinesiology because he was applying information gathered by studying the muscle response (kinesiology means `study of movement`). George Goodheart became famous for being able to solve health problems that no one else could and he taught these techniques to chiropractors, osteopaths, medical doctors and dentists. He went on to found the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) and only practitioners who have trained with ICAK use the term ‘Applied Kinesiologist’.

Using accurate muscle testing, George Goodheart and other ICAK members identified where imbalances in the body were occurring and could introduce various factors to find the most relevant types of treatment to help restore balance for that person. This meant every treatment could be tailored to each individual’s need. Working with Chinese medical theory they discovered links between muscle response, meridian energy and related organs. They linked these with Chapman’s neurolymphatic massage points and Bennet’s neurovascular holding points. Further research identified nutrients which would support rebalancing of the various systems and foods which could affect these circuits in a negative way. Emotional associations which contributed or resulted in imbalance and structural distortions were also identified and corrected.

Since its original inception in the 1960’s various branches of kinesiology have been developed, based on the core concepts of Kinesiology formed by George Goodheart and some have developed their own unique aspects of Kinesiology and related techniques. The aim of all branches of Kinesiology is to work holistically with clients to address their imbalances and rebalance their system in order to work towards optimal health and well-being.

 

What is Applied Kinesiology?

 

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a non-invasive system of evaluating body function uniquely in the healing arts. It considers structural, chemical, and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing combined with other standard methods of diagnosis. The combined terms “applied” and “kinesiology” describe the basis of this system, which is the use of manual muscle testing to evaluate body function through the dynamics of the musculoskeletal system. 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 different reflex procedures.

Applied Kinesiology is normally practiced by Chiropractors or Osteopaths in the UK and originates from America.

 

What is Systematic Kinesiology?