1. What is Applied Kinesiology?

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a system using basic muscle testing for evaluating areas of dysfunction within the body. AK is primarily concerned with neuromuscular function and how it relates to the regulation of structural, chemical and mental physiology. It uses the principle that the body is a self-maintaining, self-correcting mechanism.

The use of muscle testing to evaluate body function was introduced by George H. Goodheart Jr D.C. (doctor of Chiropractic) in 1964. Since then, research into and knowledge of AK has expanded considerably, providing the ability to evaluate many additional dimensions of bodily dysfunction.

Even in the early days of AK it was apparent that the use of many basic treatment methods in Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Homeopathy produced immediate improved neuromuscular function which could be directly measured using manual muscle testing.
The development of AK has resulted in the modification of these techniques along with the introduction of some new procedures unique to AK.

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2. The Triad of Health

Health is composed of structural, chemical and mental factors which must be equally balanced producing the 'triad of health'.

When a person is ill, at least one of these factors is involved and often two, or all three. The principle of AK is to analyse and check all three factors and treat any or all that are disrupted. An example of this is a person suffering form a long term intestinal irritation. Nutritional balance in the body will be severely disrupted due to malabsorption problems and possibly long term use of antibiotics. Low back pain related to the dural nerve supply to the lower back and intestine will be evident, and there will be stress related elements which will exacerbate symptoms. It is imperative in the treatment of this person that all three aspects are analysed and balanced in order to restore the 'triad of health', and the person to complete fitness.

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3. What can an AK practitioner treat?

Basic structural defects:

• lower back pain
• headaches/ migraine
• postural abnormalities
• disc injuries
• acute onset and sports injury
• stress related disorders.


Other problems that an AK Practitioner can treat:

• food intolerances/ allergy
• asthma
• eczema
• recurrent ear
• nose
• throat infection
• hormone related disorders symptoms of PMT and menopause
• irritable bowel syndrome
• post viral syndrome/ ME
• sleep pattern disorders
• behavioural problems in infancy and childhood
• dyslexia

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4. What will an Applied Kinesiology Practitioner do?

The great advantage of AK is that the Practitioner no longer needs to rely on chemicals or invasive technology to treat the patient. AK provides a system whereby the Practitioner works with the Patient and the Patient is able to be actively involved in their treatment and has an immediate source of feedback through muscle testing. In this way, the patient is able to adopt a much greater sense of responsibility towards their illness and can have greater awareness of their body's dysfunction.

AK gives a good insight into body function, but it must be emphasised that it is used in conjunction with standard diagnostic tests - X-rays, physical diagnosis, history, blood tests and any other relevant investigations. AK examination and standard diagnosis are used to enhance each other.

When visiting an AK practitioner, expect to be involved. They will test for basic mechanical defect; the possible connection of visceral dysfunction ( that is, the function of associated organ or gland); stress levels in the body; and where relevant, cranial and pelvic distortion and toxicity/allergy problems. Treatment will involve manipulative work, guidance in-self treatment and - if necessary - nutritional support, homeopathic remedies and treatment to aid stress-related problems. AK puts into practice the basic concept that the body's innate wisdom knows what is wrong. The Practitioner need only ask the right questions of the body to find out the nature of the imbalance and witness the body's response as if to say "Yes, Thank you. That is what I needed." In this way full health is restored.

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