With the help of applied kinesiology (from the Greek ‘kinesis’ for movement), energetic imbalances, disorders and blockages of the body are located and its mental, spiritual and overriding balance is regained. The foundation of this still relatively young methodology was laid in 1964 with the development of the so-called muscle test by the American chiropractor Dr. George Goodheart and his Applied Kinesiology. In Germany, the term was established in 1982 by the “Institute for Applied Kinesiology“, and in 1987 by the “German Society for Applied Kinesiology“.
What is applied kinesiology?
Applied Kinesiology is classified as alternative medicine and falls under the field of chiropractic and body therapy. The teaching focuses on the wholeness of the human body. Applied kinesiology is classified under alternative medicine and falls under the heading of chiropractic and body therapy. At the center of the teaching is the wholeness of the human body. Individual complaints and findings are not considered in isolation, but always in interaction with mental and emotional influences. According to the movement teachings of Applied Kinesiology, everything in a healthy body is in a constant flow. The life energy, consisting of breath, lymph, blood, spinal fluid and cerebrospinal fluid should move through the body in a continuous cycle. However, many factors from within and without can throw this energetic flow out of balance. The person becomes more susceptible to disease and the body weakens. In Applied Kinesiology, the goal is to find out what triggers weaken the body and what individual remedies can be used to bring the natural flow back into balance.
Function, effect and goals
The therapy of applied kinesiology is based on the underlying assumption that the human body reflects physical and psychological information and states through the functioning of muscles. The muscle represents physical-mental processes and makes them visible by its condition. The basis of this diagnosis is the Kinesiology Muscle Test: With it, the body is “questioned” for blockages and disorders. If the therapist touches a diseased area of the body, the associated muscle reacts weakened and thus indicates a problem. If the patient is mentally confronted with an unpleasant topic, the tested muscle also reacts powerlessly – regardless of whether the topic consciously or unconsciously exerts psychological stress on the patient. At the time of the stress stimulus, the “questioning,” the muscle thus responds with a volitionally uncontrollable “suspension” or “engagement.” These two opposing responses are referred to as the “endogenous feedback loop.” According to Applied Kinesiology, a “suspension” or giving way of the muscle indicates an existing energetic disturbance, while a strong staying of the muscle, a so-called “staying engaged”, is a sign of health and balance. After the patient has assumed a given posture, the practitioner can test the condition of the muscle by applying pressure to the muscle for a brief moment. The muscle should apply as much force as possible. Any disturbances or blockages can then be detected directly without the use of equipment. In addition, it can be read off which form of therapy is most suitable for the respective disturbance. The Applied Kinesiology works with the “Neurolymphatic Reflex Points” taken over from the original Applied Kinesiology, as well as the “Neurovascular Reflex Points”. It is assumed that these reflex points are located above the respective organs of the body on the front and back side of the body. Neurolymphatic reflex points are said to be sensitive or somewhat swollen in the presence of a disorder, which is to be diagnosed by palpating the points. Applied kinesiology is divided into three different directions of treatment. Depending on the training of the practitioner, it can be used as accompanying, coaching or therapeutic kinesiology and support the patient in various areas of life.It is used in its various forms in the field of learning counseling, for self-discovery and self-development, as coaching, to optimize performance in athletes, for therapy of anxiety and blockages, in the field of stress management, in psychotherapy and in holistic medicine, among others. Applied Kinesiology is seen as a clue diagnosis that is well suited to locate or prevent individual stress stimuli, malfunctions of the body and other disorders with relatively little effort. In combination with a thorough anamnesis, a physical medical examination, as well as laboratory chemical analyses, if necessary, the Kinesiology treatment represents a good possibility to treat the patient individually and holistically. The goal of Applied Kinesiology is always to get the body moving again with regard to stuck thoughts, repetitive behavior patterns, blockages or health problems and to regain its natural balance.
Risks, side effects and dangers
If a serious illness, such as cancer, is present, kinesiology should in no way be considered as the sole therapy. However, in cooperation and consultation with the attending physician, it can be used to support therapy. Also with heavy psychological illnesses like a depression or Burnout the Kinesiologie should take place only in combination with a psychotherapy and if necessary medication. The Kinesiology muscle test is suitable only conditionally with an existing illness of the muscular system, since here the diagnosis is not clear by the already weakened musculature. Likewise, paralyzed persons and children under five years of age are unsuitable for the muscle test. In this case, many experts recommend the so-called surrogate test. Here, another person – for example, the child’s mother – serves as a “translator” between therapist and patient.
