Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a dynamic, pancreas.

This led to a new understanding

holistic, diagnostic system of manual muscle that muscles and organs reflexively impact
testing that has the unique ability to decipher each other.
and correlate multiple imbalances responsible
for an individual’s health problem(s). Since muscles and organs influence each
other, any modality that affected one would
In its inception, Dr. George Goodheart, the directly or indirectly affect the other. With
founder of Applied Kinesiology, observed this exciting new discovery, a natural
that a muscle’s response to manual muscle expansion of the muscle testing occurred and
testing was not based the inclusion of
on its size or its multiple therapies
strength. He noticed followed. Muscle
that by stimulating testing could now begin
various aspects of the to differentiate
muscle in different organic/nutritional and
ways, he could change musculoskeletal
the muscle’s response influences with any
from weak to strong or complaint.
strong to weak. His
observations led him to For example, the
understand the muscle’s deltoid is a shoulder
integrity was based on muscle. From a
various neurological structural perspective it
reflexes throughout the is related to the fifth
body. These insights cervical (neck)
brought about numerous therapies to improve vertebra, the third
musculoskeletal dysfunctions. thoracic (upper back) vertebra, the alignment
of the shoulder joint including the clavicle
During the formative stage of AK, Dr. (collar bone) and scapula (shoulder blade).
Goodheart came across another unexpected It’s corresponding organ reflex is the lungs.
finding: improved muscle response to testing We are aware certain nutritional support is
was paralleled by improved organ function. critical for lung health, such as Vitamins A
His ongoing experimentation and and C. While this is an oversimplification, we
observations revealed each muscle of the are starting to recognize the relationship
body has a correlated organ relationship, i.e. between neuromuscular problems and
the latissimus dorsi muscle is related to the nutrition.
Let’s take this one step further. Now we know bronchitis, it may reflexively weaken the
there are muscle-organ relationships, AK can deltoid. Again, the practitioner’s experience
expand into the field of acupuncture. will pinpoint the most effective mode of
Acupuncture is one of the main forms of treatment.
treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. By
very lightly inserting sharp, thin needles into How is this applied? Prior to muscle testing a
specific points on the body, we adjust and patient for the first time, the practitioner takes
alter the body's energy flow into healthier a thorough case history including lifestyle
patterns. and dietary habits, familial tendencies,
occupational hazards, psychological
These points are influences, exercise
located on patterns, gait and
meridians, channels postural tendencies.
of energy related to This critical
the organs of the information
body. There are provides the
twelve of these parameters to guide
organ meridians the applied
(and other kinesiology exam. If
meridians), i.e liver, the findings indicate
gall bladder, lung, the need for
large intestine etc. laboratory testing,
the patient will be
Staying with our directed
deltoid muscle, we accordingly. Once
know it is related to the
the lung organ results of the
reflexively. Now we kinesiology and
are aware any laboratory analysis
impediment of are completed, they
energy flow in the lung meridian can impact are utilized to tailor a therapeutic program
the deltoid muscle. When treating a shoulder specific to the needs of the patient.
problem, if the deltoid muscle tests weak, one
or more of these previously mentioned The patient is then monitored from visit to
factors might require correction to properly visit by the muscle testing. Changes in
treat the condition. Obviously an injured symptoms and muscle testing clue the
shoulder will have multiple weak muscles, practitioner how to treat and fine-tune the
each with their own specific correlations and program. Progress is noted by the patient’s
corrections. The experienced practitioner will increased sense of wellbeing and improved
be able to decipher the priorities in need of muscle testing. Complete recovery is
therapy to balance all the muscles. Likewise, determined by a full return to optimal
if the individual has a history of lung functioning and the maintenance of muscle
problems or a current lung condition i.e. integrity in response to testing.