APPLIED KINESIOLOGY

Applied kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis that uses muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person’s body is functioning. When properly applied, the outcome of an AK diagnosis will determine the best form of therapy for the patient. AK draws together the core elements of many complementary therapies and thus provides an interdisciplinary approach to health care or a “total person” concept of health.

How does applied kinesiology work? In general, the applied kinesiologist finds a muscle that tests "weak" and then attempts to determine why that muscle is not functioning properly. The practitioner will then evaluate and apply the therapy that best eliminates the muscle weakness and helps the patient. Therapies used can include specific joint manipulation or mobilization commonly practiced by chiropractors, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian therapy, various reflex procedures, clinical nutrition and dietary management . Any one of these therapies alone or in combination will usually restore strength to the previously weak muscle. In some cases, the practitioner may test for environmental or food sensitivities by taking a strong muscle and determining what makes it weak thereby working the system in "reverse." This information may show what substances are weakening the individual's immune system. It may also have bearing on the recurrence of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) and thereby reduce the frequency of office visits.

The Triad of Health

Applied kinesiology uses the concept that a person's health can be described by the balance of three major health categories - chemical factors, mental factors and structural factors. This is called the Triad of Health. The Triad is represented by an equilateral triangle with structural factors as its base, and chemical factors and mental factors as the upright sides. When a person experiences poor health, it is due to an imbalance in one or more of these three factors. The Triad of Health is interactive: All sides must be evaluated for the underlying cause of a problem. A health problem on one side of the triad can affect the other sides. For example, a chemical imbalance may cause structural symptoms. Applied kinesiology enables the practitioner to evaluate the Triad’s balance and direct therapy toward the imbalanced side or sides. An example can be seen in the case of a patient who has both chronic neck pain and chronic sinus problems. This patient may show weakness in the muscles in the front or back of the neck - the neck flexors or extensors. According to applied kinesiology teachings, these muscles are associated with the sinuses. Identifying and eliminating chemical sensitivities and environmental factors that may be irritating the sinuses can play a role in diminishing sinus congestion. Consequently, the neck muscles may be stronger when retested and there may be reduced neck pain.

Applied kinesiology is used in addition to standard diagnostic techniques, such as x-rays, to help determine the cause of health problems. The proper course of treatment will only be indicated by combining AK with an adequate case history, thorough examination and laboratory findings.

In 1964, Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor in Detroit, Michigan, began making observations that became the foundation of applied kinesiology. Since then, the remarkable results of AK have attracted many chiropractors, dentists, and medical doctors from around the world to learn it. Dr. Goldstein is a member of the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK), a rapidly growing organization that lists hundreds of doctors globally who actively contribute to the research and development of AK. The ICAK and its training courses are open only to health care practitioners who are licensed to diagnose or to students enrolled in an accredited college program who upon completion will be granted a license to diagnose. Dr. George Goodheart passed away in 2008 at the age of 89. He continued to practice and do research up until six months before his death. His remarkable life and his contributions to health care will live on through future generations of doctors trained in his philosophy and methods.