Kinesiology means `study of movement` and is based on the principle that energy runs through the body along meridians or ‘channels’, all of which correspond to a particular organ or part of the body.
Where does Kinesiology come from?
Kinesiology was developed by George Goodheart in 1964. Goodheart, an American chiropractor, discovered that by massaging specific points on a patient’s muscle, he could enhance its strength.
He called this the origin and insertion correction and named this new therapy ‘Applied Kinesiology’ applying information gathered by studying the muscle response.
If this energy is free -flowing and balanced within the body, the individual is believed to remain in good health. However if it becomes blocked, impaired or imbalanced, then it is said that mental, emotional or physical illness may follow.
Working with Chinese medical theory they discovered links between muscle response, meridian energy and related organs.
Further research identified nutrients which would support rebalancing of the various systems and foods which could affect these circuits in a negative way.
Emotional associations which contributed or resulted in imbalance and structural distortions were also identified and corrected.
Since the 1960’s various branches of kinesiology have been developed, based on the core concepts of Kinesiology formed by George Goodheart. Some have developed their own unique aspects of Kinesiology and related techniques.
Science of Kinesiology
At its simplest, kinesiology tests a range of muscles that provide ‘feedback’ about the balance of energy within the body. If a particular muscle is ‘weak’, different techniques are applied by the therapist until the muscle responds as ‘strong’, indicating that the balance of energy in the body has been restored.
Kinesiology studies the science of human movement, performance, and function by applying the fundamental sciences including:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Biomechanics
- Biomathematics
- Biostatistics
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional science
By identifying where imbalances in the body occur, practitioners can introduce various factors to find the most relevant types of treatment to help restore balance for that person.
BENEFITS OF KINESIOLOGY
Kinesiology is often used as a means of support by people who have chronic conditions that may not have benefited from conventional medicine.
It can also be helpful to those who lack confidence or feel anxious about a forthcoming event, such as an exam or job interview.
Many therapists trained in kinesiology take the view that the ‘innate intelligence’ of the body knows what is best for it and they allow the muscle tests to determine which techniques are appropriate at any given time.
In this way, each treatment is individual to the client, and aims to treat the whole person, not a specific condition or concern.
What happens when you have Kinesiology?
The approach used by kinesiologists will be different for every client, based on the person’s individual needs, as well as the therapist’s training. Different techniques that may be used in any one session include gentle pressure to work specific reflex points on the head, body or feet; the use of gentle manipulation techniques; suggesting food types or supplements, or removing an ‘offending’ food or chemical from the diet; flower essences; stress release; and visualisation and positive goal setting.
The aim of all branches of Kinesiology is to work holistically with clients to address their imbalances and rebalance their system in order to work towards optimal health and well-being.
