Applied kinesiology was developed in the early 1960’s by American chiropractor George Goodheart. The treatment is a type of healing that involves applying different levels of pressure to trigger points in the body in order to release tension and increase circulation in weakened or damaged areas. Applied kinesiology uses several methods of diagnosis to target the problem, and treatments typically include chiropractic manipulation, dietary changes, acupuncture and performing targeted exercises.
How Chiropractors Treat with Applied Kinesiology
Muscle testing is one of the most important parts of applied kinesiology treatments, and involves testing the muscles related to the body’s twelve major organs. The chiropractor will apply varying levels of pressure different muscles to determine which organs may be out of balance. In many cases, they will be able to pinpoint whether you have nutritional problems, psychological imbalances or extensive joint and muscle dysfunction that may be triggering pain.
Pressure point therapy has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda for thousands of years, but applied kinesiology is the Western form of this type of body treatment. Dr. Goodheart was well-versed in acupressure when he developed the applied kinesiology treatment protocol, and he studied how pressure point therapy could be used to inhibit and control various muscles in the body.
During the muscle testing phase, the chiropractor will place pressure in a certain area of the body and ask the patient to resist the movement. IF they are unable o resist, the organ that is linked to that particular pressure point must be treated because it is too weak. The chiropractor can then apply pressure to the acupressure point linked to the weakened organ to release the energy stored there, and perform any chiropractic adjustments if needed.
Key Benefits of Applied Kinesiology Treatments
Many people can benefit from applied kinesiology, especially if they are experiencing recurrent pain and want to pursue a holistic, non-surgical approach for pain management. In addition to applying pressure to key areas of the body, the chiropractor may recommend acupuncture, dietary modification and a specialized exercise routine that supports the joints and muscles and promotes repair. Key benefits of applied kinesiology and this natural approach to wellness and pain management include:
- Reducing general muscle aches and pain
- Restoring the body after an accident
- Reducing the effects of digestive problems
- Balancing out hormones and emotional problems resulting from hormonal imbalances
- Improving overall feelings of well-being
- Restoring the skin after a skin disorder
- Reducing or eliminating allergies and the effects of inflammatory diseases
If you are experiencing extensive muscle or joint pain, soreness or fatigue and feelings of malaise, you could be a good candidate for a chiropractic adjustment. Many symptoms and conditions of poor health are the result of spinal misalignment which lead to nervous system imbalances, and a chiropractor can assist in correcting this problem. Applied kinesiology is just one of several treatments and techniques that can be used to restore the body to good health.
Contact a
chiropractor in your area for a consultation and find out if you may be a good candidate for applied kinesiology treatments.
Published: 03/27/2009, Last Updated: 03/27/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.