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What is Kinesiology?

Pronounced "Kin-easy-ology"

Kinesiology uses the science of muscle testing to identify imbalances in the body.

 

A natural, drug-free way to heal the body, mind and soul.
 

It applies techniques including:

  • Lymphatic massage

  • Chinese Acupuncture points

  • Nutritional support

  • Stress/emotional release

 

Kinesiology evaluates the body across structural, nutritional, neurological, and energetic systems.
 

Kinesiology does not diagnose disease - it detects functional imbalances.

Muscle testing taps into your nervous systems signals, allowing responses from the subconscious and if there is an imbalance in the area being tested then the 'strong' muscle will go 'weak'. Allowing us to target root cause of issues rather than just symptoms. This is what makes it so incredibly effective and holistic.

Key Principle

Symptoms do not always originate where they are felt.

  • Digestive issues may relate to emotional stress, food sensitivities or lifestyle factors

  • Back/neck pain may involve postural habits or organ stress, muscular or hormonal imbalance

  • Headaches may link to dietary triggers, jaw tension, neck tension, or nervous system stress

Manual muscle testing is a recognised part of a neurological examination and is commonly used by chiropractors and medical doctors. Examples include a knee reflex test with a rubber hammer or observing the eye's response to light.

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The Brain sends signals to every part of the body via the spinal cord, which control every function. Between each vertebra of the spine is a boney passageway called the Inter-Vertebral Formina (IVF), through which spinal nerve impulses and other unseen energies flow to all the organs, muscles & limbs of the body.

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Muscle testing and reflex responses are fundamental tools used by neurologists to assess motor function. Kinesiology is an extension of these principles - introducing sensory input and observing changes in motor response to support balance and wellbeing.​

​A Brief History of Kinesiology

The foundations of Kinesiology can be traced back to the early 1900s, when muscle testing was first developed as a medical tool to assess muscle tone and strength. Originally used by orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists to support rehabilitation, muscle testing provided a reliable way to evaluate neuromuscular function.

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In 1949, physiotherapists Henry and Florence Kendall further refined and systemised these early findings, helping to establish muscle testing as a recognised method for understanding muscular balance and dysfunction.

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The Birth of Applied Kinesiology (1964)

Modern Kinesiology as we know it today was pioneered in 1964, by American chiropractor Dr George Goodheart who expanded muscle testing beyond physical assessment. He discovered that gently testing a muscle could provide information not only about structural issues, but also about nutritional, emotional, chemical and energetic imbalances within the body. He named this approach Applied Kinesiology.

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Dr Goodheart proposed that the body functions as an interconnected system, guided by the brain and nervous system via the spinal cord. Between each vertebra lies the intervertebral foramina (I.V.F), through which nerve impulses - and other subtle regulatory signals - travel to the organs and limbs. Alongside well-known nerve electrical impulses, Dr Goodheart identified additional regulatory systems that influence health, including:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows along the spine

Neuro-vascular reflexes, associated with blood circulation

Neuro-lymphatic reflexes, associated with lymphatic flow

Acupuncture meridian connections, long recognised in Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Together, these systems contribute to the body's ability to self-regulate and maintain balance.

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Brief History

Early

1949

1964

1960s-70s

1979

Early 1900s

Muscle testing developed as medical tool

Orthopaedic Surgeon

1949

Henry & Florence Kendall systematised muscle testing

Physiotherapists

1964

Dr George Goodheart pioneers Applied Kinesiology

Chiropractor

1960s-70s

Brian Butler introduces Systematic Kinesiology to UK

Osteopath

1979

John Thie develops Touch for Health

Chiropractor

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