What is Applied Kinesiology
Applied Kinesiology (kih-nee'-see-awl'-oh-jee) is a a functional neurological assessment and treatment process that extends the neurological examination in both the medical and chiropractic context. This pioneering technique was developed by Dr. George Goodheart, a Michigan based chiropractor in 1964. Beginning with a small group of dedicated followers, the work continued to grow and eventually develop into an international academic organization called the International College of Applied Kinesiology (I.C.A.K.). Link to ICAK-usa description statement [PDF File].
Of the many advances in Applied Kinesiology (A.K.), the most well known is the diagnostic procedure called Muscle Testing [PDF File]. This procedure creates a monitored primary feedback mechanism between the nervous system and the skeletal muscles. A practitioner will often evaluate multiple skeletal muscles for imbalances to investigate causative factors that can compromise optimal health whether it be musculo-skeletal, emotional, neurological or systemic organ/glandular imbalances. A classical muscle test typically uses the straight-arm test (deltoid muscle) to evaluate how well the muscle will resist an externally variable force. If the muscle is capable of ‘resisting’ then the examiner can proceed with a second principle called therapy localization, a diagnostic scanning tool developed in 1974. This unique procedure can be used to ascertain the status of most neuro-physiological events in the body revealing whether an event is physical, chemical, emotional, or a memory. If a neuro-physiological receptor on the body service is identified to be in deficit, the muscle will exhibit that same deficiency as a weak muscle test. This method [PDF File], when properly applied, functions as an efficient diagnostic tool that guides the practitioner in an accurate diagnosis as well as development of an appropriate treatment.
A common symbol of A.K. is a triangle showing the primary foundation of health with an overlay of a circle with 5 additional smaller circles representing the primary common therapeutic modalities. Applied Kinesiologist may also use the name Professional Applied Kinesiologist (P.A.K.). This recent name change shows additional training and certification within applied kinesiologist practitioners whom have a license to diagnose. To learn more about this work visit the International College of Applied Kinesiology -United States chapter at www.icakusa.com. Dr. Corwin, D.C. has been a member since 1980.
Additional articles can be viewed on-line via International Journal of Applied Kinesiology and Kinesiologic Medicine
To learn more about Applied Kinesiology, visit additional
Applied Kinesiology Research Compendium [PDF File]
Click on Picture above to listen to an audio presentation of the history of Applied Kinesiology and Muscle Testing.
If you are unable to download audio files please email me your request.
“The body heals itself in a sure, sensible, practical, reasonable, and observable manner. ‘The healer within’ can be approached from without. The opportunity to use the body as an instrument of laboratory analysis is unparalleled in modern therapy; if one approaches the problem correctly, making the proper and adequate diagnosis and treatment, the response is satisfactory to both the doctor and the patient.”
- George J. Goodheart, Jr. D.C., DIBAK (Founder of Applied Kinesiology 1965)
