Kinesiology

Although a relatively new therapy, Kinesiology (pronounced kin-easy-ology) has its roots in the oriental principles of energy flow as described in acupuncture and has got it’s name from the Greek word kinesis meaning motion. Kinesiologists use muscle tests to determine your state of health and to determine what support (if any) you will need in order to heal.

In 1964 an American chiropractor, Dr George J Goodheart discovered that he could tell more about a patient’s health by testing their muscles, than he could by any other conventional means. From those early beginnings, the therapy has evolved into an extensive system utilising the best of Western and Eastern health practices. Many doctors, physiotherapists and chiropractors use some of the principles of kinesiology to check the patient’s state of health.

Kinesiology works on the premise that each organ and system in the body is fuelled by energy networks known as the meridian channels; working together to power the mind, all the major functions, organs and muscles in the body.

If the meridian energy flow is interrupted, certain muscles become weak when an external force is applied to them. Energy can be interrupted by many things such as stress, anger, environmental pollutants, diet, relationships and physical injury - all combining into what kinesiologists (like acupuncturists) believe is the triad of health (mental, emotional and physical).

Kinesiologists will try to balance your mental, emotional and physical energies by testing which muscles are weak and applying appropriate treatments ranging from stimulation of acupressure points to diet, exercise, supplements and counselling. In fact a session with a kinesiologist is quite often referred to as a balance.

An initial appointment with a kinesiologist will take anywhere upto 2 hours and is an important time for the practitioner to get to know you. You will be asked questions about your health, work, home and social life to get a clearer picture of possible influences on your problem. Before the kinesiologist starts muscle testing, they will usually ask you if you wish to proceed as the belief is that you must be a willing participant in your own healing process and therapy. If you agree, the kinesiologist will check your responses for imbalances with muscle tests and other tools available to the practitioner.

The corrections will take place as the imbalances are found and will be appropriate to the individual needs. The practitioner will not proceed beyond an imbalance if it has not been corrected. At the end of the balance the practitioner will establish whether support will be needed after the session. Most problems will require more than one session, but not all.

Many kinesiologists are also qualified in other natural therapies and will use those in conjunction with kinesiology to give the benefits of a range of therapies.

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