Applied Kinesiology : Massage Therapy Information

What is Applied Kinesiology?

Applied kinesiology is a form of healing that involves several different aspects, including the patient’s structural, mental and chemical makeup. It uses several different methods of diagnosis, most of which are standard, but one of these is muscle testing. Not to be confused with standard kinesiology (which is the study of mechanics and principles in movement), applied kinesiology seeks to therapeutically restore balance and harmony within the body. To achieve this balance (which leads to better health and well-being), applied kinesiology uses several approaches. These include acupuncture, exercise, chiropractic manipulation and adjustment, and nutritional diet changes.

What is the history of Applied Kinesiology?

Applied kinesiology has not been around for very long when compared to many other forms of manipulative treatment. It was developed in the 1960’s by a chiropractor in the United States named George Goodheart. Dr. Goodheart was treating a patient. He discovered that applying a certain amount of pressure in a certain place on this patient’s body could eliminate problems that were seemingly unrelated to the point he pressed. Since Dr. Goodheart was not only a chiropractor—he was also well-versed in acupressure—he began to study the effects that pressure point therapy had on muscle inhibition. He discovered that a weak muscle can cause tension in the opposite muscle and can also cause dysfunction in the organ that is connected to it. He then developed one of the most commonly known aspects of Applied Kinesiology: muscle testing. Using this muscle testing procedure, a practitioner can test the muscles related to the body’s twelve major organs and determine if there is an imbalance or dysfunction as well as discover whether the imbalance is being caused nutritionally, psychologically or structurally.

What does Applied Kinesiology treatment consist of?

The first thing that will usually take place in the way of applied kinesiology is muscle testing. During muscle testing the practitioner places pressure using the hands on a certain position on the arm or leg. The patient will then try to resist the movement of the arm or leg. If the patient cannot resist this movement, the organ that corresponds to that particular muscle is deemed weak and treatment would be necessary. If a muscle needs treatment, the practitioner of the applied kinesiology will apply firm pressure to a certain predetermined acupressure point that correlates to that organ. The pressure is then released and the muscle is rested. If it is a chiropractic applied kinesiology treatment, the treatment will involve a chiropractic adjustment.

If you have weak muscles or you may have a body imbalance of some sort, you can have your muscles tested by an applied kinesiology therapist near you. Call today to make an appointment to start enjoying the healing benefits of this wonderful therapy.