Applied Kinesiology

 
 
 
Applied kinesiology (AK) is the study of muscles and the relationship of muscle strength to health. It incorporates a system of manual muscle testing and therapy. AK is based on the theory that an organ dysfunction is accompanied by a specific muscle weakness. Special attention should be given to the fact that Applied Kinesiology is not the same as kinesiology (biomechanics), which is the scientific study of movement. Illnesses or nutritional imbalances are diagnosed through muscle-testing procedures and then treated.
This therapy is designed to be a part of a holistic approach to preventive medicine. AK can be used to (1) restore normal nerve function, (2) achieve normal endocrine, immune, digestive, and other internal organ functions, (3) intervene early in degenerative processes to prevent or delay pathological conditions, and to (4) restore postural balance, correct gait (walking) impairment, and improve range of motion.
The first part of AK is muscle testing, which is used to help diagnose which part of the body is functioning abnormally. Muscle testing involves putting the body into a position that requires a certain muscle to remain contracted, and then applying pressure against the muscle.  One position commonly used is for you to lie on your back on a treatment table and hold your right arm in the air. The testing does not measure strength but is meant to reveal stresses and imbalances in the body through the tension in the muscle.
The second part of AK involves the treatment phase. Practitioners of AK have adapted many treatment methods for the problems that are diagnosed with muscle testing. Examples of treatment methods include special diets, dietary supplements, chiropractic manipulation, osteopathic cranial techniques, acupressure, deep muscle massage, nervous system coordination procedures and many others. Your treatment protocol will be customized for you and your body.