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what is it?
Kinesiology is a method of manual muscle testing to diagnose 'imbalances' in the body that draws on principles of traditional Chinese medicine. According to kinesiologists, muscles, organs and glands are connected by a network of pathways that include the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems as well as the meridians used by acupuncturists.
Disease is said to result when 'energy channels' are 'blocked' or 'imbalanced'. Injury, illness, or a 'toxic overload' (caused by environmental pollution or a diet high in refined and processed foods) are thought to disrupt a particular pathway and 'turn off' an associated muscle. According to kinesiology, certain muscles relate to corresponding body systems and the strength or weakness of a muscle indicates not only the condition of that system but the total structural, (bio)chemical and mental health of the individual.
Practitioners use gentle touch and massage techniques to restore balance so that the body's natural healing processes can be implemented. Many are also practitioners of other therapies, such as homeopathy and nutritional therapy, and will make use of these approaches too.
There are about 50 forms of kinesiology, but all use the basic muscle testing principle. Applied kinesiology, practised by osteopaths, chiropractors, nutritionists, dentists and some doctors, was developed by Dr George Goodheart, an American chiropractor, and emphasises the correction of muscle problems rather than releasing 'energy blockages'.
Other methods include health kinesiology, which aims to balance the meridian system before using muscle testing for diagnosis, and Touch for Health, which teaches self-help techniques to help lay people 'balance energy', rather than diagnosing or treating symptoms.
what it's supposed to do
According to kinesiology, the whole system can be restored to balance, thus facilitating the self healing process. It is said to increase energy, prevent illness, improve posture, relieve physical pain and tension, release emotions and help people manage stress, enhance brain function and coordination. Applied kinesiologists claim to treat low back pain, headaches, migraine, sports injury, eczema, asthma, recurrent ear infections, PMS and menopause problems, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, food intolerances, dyslexia and behavioural problems.
what happens
The first appointment usually lasts at least an hour to allow the practitioner to gain a complete picture of you by taking details of your medical history, diet, relationships, home and working life. This is followed by muscle testing, which unless the practitioner is an osteopath or chiropractor is generally done with the patient fully clothed though expect to bare your arms and legs if requested. You'll be asked to move your limbs into particular positions while the practitioner applies light pressure to the muscle for a few seconds. A strong muscle is 'locked' and resistant to pressure, a sign of good health. A weak muscle that feels spongy and gives way indicates an energy deficiency in the corresponding body system.
Kinesiologists apply a 'chemical challenge' to see if you are sensitive to certain foods or substances. Samples of food or homeopathic dilutions of chemicals, viruses, bacteria or parasites in glass phials are placed on your hand, on your stomach or under your tongue and your muscle tested for its response. If there is a sensitivity, it is said your muscle resistance will be weak. A 'mental challenge' consists of focusing on specific thoughts or feelings during muscle testing.
The practitioner gives you a rundown of your areas of imbalance and will probably suggest you return for further sessions to receive treatment. According to the practitioner's approach, this may involve manipulation, massage, acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, nutritional therapies, magnet therapy, or simply thinking a specific thought.
what's the evidence?
Research supports basic claims that changes in the nervous system can be linked to weak muscles, but attempts to prove that muscle testing can identify sensitivities or allergies have been unsuccessful. There is no evidence that it is an effective diagnostic tool. In fact scientific trials have so far shown that kinesiologists cannot detect allergies or make accurate or relevant diagnoses.
precautions
Go to the safety first section of 'before you start' for some general precautions to take into account when considering a complementary therapy.
- Kinesiology is harmless in itself, but do not accept a diagnosis from a kinesiologist without consulting a doctor — though a responsible practitioner will refer you to a doctor if necessary.
- Always check any symptoms with a medical doctor.
how to find a practitioner
Kinesiology is currently unregulated in the UK and anyone can call themselves a kinesiologist, and set up a training school or college or set up a register.
Most schools of kinesiology belong to an umbrella organisation, the Kinesiology Federation, which has codes of conduct and ethics and a disciplinary procedure and minimum training requirements. Members of the International College of Applied Kinesiology tend to be osteopaths, chiropractors and other health professionals. The other main organisation is the Association of Systematic Kinesiology which runs its own training course of 40 days, spread over two to three years.
» help and info
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(July 2002)
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