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Description
Applied kinesiology is a
technique used to diagnose illness
or choose treatment by testing
muscles for strength and weakness.
Overview
There is no scientific evidence
that applied kinesiology can
diagnose or treat cancer. Muscle
testing methods appear to have no
health benefits.
How is it
promoted for use?
The basis of applied kinesiology
is that every problem with an organ
is accompanied by weakness in a
corresponding muscle. For instance,
a weak muscle in the chest might
indicate liver disease, while
weakness of the lower back or leg
muscles may be the result of lung
problems. Practitioners claim that
by finding the weak muscle they can
identify the underlying illness and
make decisions about treatment. They
claim strengthening of the weak
muscles shows that the internal
organs have strengthened as well.
Applied kinesiology is sometimes
used to try and find out if a
particular food or other substance
weakens or makes the person
stronger. The food or substance may
be placed under the tongue or held
in the hand as a muscle is tested.
Applied kinesiology may also be used
to check emotional responses to
situations or other people. This is
done by muscle testing as the
patient imagines being in the
situation, says the persona's name,
or pictures the person nearby.
Applied kinesiology is usually
used for evaluation purposes, but
claims have been made that after
undergoing an AK session, it is
possible to observe the "spontaneous
remission" of cancer. There is no
scientific evidence to support these
claims.
Kinesiologists claim muscle
weakness may be caused by a number
of internal energy disruptions, such
as nerve damage, poor drainage in
the lymph system, reduced blood
supply, chemical imbalances, or
organ and gland problems.
Practitioners may recommend people
confirm the diagnosis with standard
diagnostic methods, such as lab
tests and x-rays.
What does
it involve?
Applied kinesiologists are often
chiropractors, but may also be
naturopaths, doctors, nurses, and
other health care workers. They
assess their patients by observing
posture, gait, muscle strength,
range of motion, and by palpation
(touching). These observations may
be combined with more common methods
of diagnosis, such as a health
history, a physical exam, and lab
tests. They may also test for
environmental or food sensitivities.
During the treatment, the patient
might be asked to hold his or her
arm parallel to the floor and resist
the downward push of the
practitioner, then repeat the
exercise with the other arm. The
relative strength differences
supposedly help the kinesiologist
diagnose internal imbalances. The
practitioner might also press on key
"trigger points" to find out if they
cause muscle weakness.
To restore muscle strength, the
applied kinesiologist may apply
manual stimulation and relaxation
techniques to key muscles. The
treatment may also include joint
manipulation or movement, diet
changes, reflex procedures, cranial
(head) manipulation, or other types
of treatment.
What is the history
behind it?
Applied kinesiology was developed
by Michigan chiropractor George J.
Goodheart, Jr in 1964. Dr. Goodheart
reported that a patient with an
immobile shoulder visited his
office. An examination revealed no
abnormalities, even though the
patient had complained of the
problem for more than 15 years. When
Dr. Goodheart pressed on small
nodules near the origin of the pain,
the muscle strength returned to
normal and the shoulder's motion was
restored. By "tugging" on particular
trigger points, Goodheart claimed he
could stimulate muscles to regain
lost strength and function. He later
incorporated disease diagnosis into
his kinesiology system.
Today, practitioners who use
applied kinesiology include
chiropractors, naturopaths,
physicians, dentists, nutritionists,
physical therapists, massage
therapists, and nurse practitioners.
In order to practice as an applied
kinesiologist, certification is
available from the International
College of Applied Kinesiology. |
