Kinesiology (pronounced 'kin-easy-ology') is a gentle and holistic form of natural health care, offering a powerful and effective means of stimulating healing from within. Developed in relatively recent times (during the 1960's) it is strongly rooted in the principles of ancient Chinese Medicine. Kinesiology presents a painless and non-invasive means of firstly establishing the underlying cause of any symptoms, and secondly applying a wide variety of correction techniques to target the cause and encourage relief of symptoms and improved health.
Consider that we have a natural form of 'vital energy' or 'life force' within us, which flows along specific pathways called meridians. Any disturbance to the balanced and free flow of this life force will initiate symptoms of ill health and disease.
Each meridian is responsible for nurturing a particular internal organ or system, so that we have a Heart Meridian, a Lung Meridian, a Stomach Meridian, and so on. In addition, consider that these meridians care not only for the physical aspect of our health, but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual. Finally, and most importantly as far as Kinesiology is concerned, each of the meridians has an 'energetic' connection to the muscles of the body. In other words, the function of our muscles is directly influenced by the flow of energy through the meridians. Individual muscles have a direct connection with a particular energy pathway.
The basic tool of Kinesiology, therefore, is what is called 'muscle testing'. This involves simply placing a limb (usually an arm) in a particular position in order to isolate and engage the function of an individual muscle. The practitioner will then apply a gentle pressure to the limb in order to test the ability of the muscle to remain engaged. Any change to the strength of the muscle when this pressure is applied indicates an imbalance of vital energy in the meridian system.
Whilst applying the muscle testing technique, the practitioner is able to investigate the cause of any imbalances to the meridian energies, and determine what is needed to correct those imbalances. Relevant remedies and corrections will strengthen the muscle response when tested, thus indicating that the corresponding organ and meridian are also benefiting.
Correction techniques may include anything from a whole range of options available to the practitioner. For instance:
- Stimulation or sedation of various acupuncture points (without using needles!)
- Advice on nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies etc.
- The use of flower remedies, or similar, to heal emotional and mental stresses
- Muscle re-programming to address structural imbalances
and many more ….
There are various branches of Kinesiology (eg. Classical Kinesiology, Applied Kinesiology, Health Kinesiology, Educational Kinesiology etc.) They all use the basic muscle testing skills, but each has a different focus or emphasis depending on the interests and personality of the individuals who have developed them.
The art of muscle testing ensures that any treatment applied is particularly pertinent to that individual. It helps to eliminate guesswork on what is required, since all remedies can be verified by the strengthening of the muscle response. Significantly, this means that treatment is personalised. Two people presenting with the same symptoms will not necessarily need the same remedies or correction techniques. Muscle testing determines what is appropriate for each person.
A typical Kinesiology consultation will include a full case history prior to commencing the therapy. Treatment is carried out lying comfortably on a couch, though it is quite possible to work in the seated position if that is more comfortable for you. It is not necessary to remove any clothing, apart from outdoor garments of course.
People consult a Kinesiologist for many different reasons. Often they have been through extensive medical tests and have no diagnosis for their symptoms. Sometimes it may be that they have a diagnosis, but there is no conventional treatment to help their condition. Or there may simply be a desire to use a safe and natural means of improving their health.
Kinesiology has successfully treated a wide range of problems including:
- Migraines
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Food intolerances
- IBS
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Eczema
- ME
- Joint and muscle pain
- Depression
- Menstrual problems
- Menopausal discomfort
- Anxiety,
- Candida
- Panic attacks
- Sports injuries
- Hyperactivity etc.
Kinesiology is a truly holistic therapy, treating the person as a whole. It recognises that, whatever our ailment may be, its cause will always be a complex mix of physical, nutritional, energetic, emotional and mental imbalances. The tools of Kinesiology allow the therapist to address all these areas of need as appropriate, thus facilitating a natural return to good health.
