What is A.K.?

Applied Kinesiology is a system of diagnosis that utilizes the manual muscle test as the investigative tool for evaluating areas of dysfunction.

A Brief History

It was pioneered in the United States by George Goodheart D.C. in 1964 after he noticed that muscle power could be influenced by a number of different factors which affected the nervous system. He began researching these factors for each muscle of the body, which resulted in a system of diagnosis and treatment for dysfunction within the body.

What  can A.K do for me?

An A.K practitioner can assess the function of most of the systems of the body.  The brain and nervous system are constantly scanning the body for any imbalances and adapting to the situations we encounter every minute of every day of our lives. Well before the individual is aware of any symptoms, the nervous system will be expressing signs of any failure to compensate or adapt and these can be evaluated by the manual muscle test.  Therefore an A.K practitioner is capable of identifying dysfunction before it becomes symptomatic.  For those with specific symptoms, the affected systems can be evaluated and re-balanced using any of the methods and tools at the practitioner’s disposal.

Who can practice A.K?

Many of Dr Goodheart’s techniques require subtle manipulations such as offered in this country by osteopaths and chiropractors.  As such only these practitioners  are eligible to become members of the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) and practice the traditional methods. However, research into and knowledge of AK has expanded over the years and numerous forms of kinesiology have emerged, all having their roots in Applied Kinesiology.

What methods and tools do we use?

Since the early days of A.K, practitioners from a variety of disciplines have contributed work and experience which have been incorporated into Applied Kinesiology.  Treatment may involve any combination of structural manipulative work, dietary manipulation and supplementation and nutritional support. For chronic infections a suitable herbal,  homeopathic or pharmaceutical agent may be employed. We also utilise meridian therapy (needle free!) as a result of input to A.K from acupuncturists.

What happens at a treatment session?

Initially  a full history is taken, after which  a  wide variety of muscle tests is performed on the patient  in order to identify areas of dysfunction. It is completely non-invasive, the practitioner works with the patient and has an immediate source of feedback through this muscle testing.  The patient is actively involved which enables a greater awareness of the body’s dysfunction.

We  work  as a team in our Applied Kinesiology Clinic for several reasons, one of which is to be able to proceed in a situation when manual muscle testing may be inappropriate i.e. when treating  the elderly or very young patients.