Kinesiology
Kinesiology is a way of balancing health by testing muscles and its name comes from the Greek 'Kinesis' meaning motion and ‘Logos’ meaning discourse.
It was discovered in 1964 by an American chiropractor, George Goodheart and developed by him. His discovery came out of a sense of frustration whilst treating a patient suffering severe leg pains. The usual therapy did not seem to have the desired effect and he massaged the outer thigh muscle (fascia lata) whilst he thought about what to do next. To his surprise the patient felt the pain easing instantly. Goodheart then massaged the fibres of other muscles to see whether it produced the same result. It did not. He then recalled some research by an osteopath, Dr. Frank Chapman at the turn of the century, which had shown that massaging specific 'pressure points’ could improve the flow of lymph fluid in various parts of the body and Goodheart determined to experiment to see what the connection was to his accidental discovery of pain relief in his patient. He patiently matched Dr. Chapman's pressure points to the sets of muscles to which they were related and he found that the pressure point for the facia lata was the only one, which lay over the affected muscles.
The theory is that because muscles rely on good supplies of blood and lymph (the fluid responsible for draining the tissues and removing toxins), then stimulating certain pressure points enhances the flow of blood and lymph to the appropriate muscles thereby balancing the energy systems within the body.
Our bodies contain invisible energies flowing throughout our organs and tissues. It is only when these circuits of energy are free-flowing and balanced that we are in a state of good health and well-being. These energy circuits can become blocked in times of stress or illness and we become weak if we use more energy than we can generate.
These weaknesses can be clearly identified with simple muscle testing - the affected muscle displaying loss of strength - and the therapist can then proceed to unblock the circuits, which are out of balance. Kinesiology can also be used as a preventative measure and imbalances can be identified and treated which could have led to problems in months, or even years, ahead if they had been neglected.
Kinesiology can help anyone, but it is perhaps best known for treating people who have allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. The body can recognise and instantly react to nutrients and chemicals and these reactions instantly affect how the muscles work. If a particular food causes instant muscle weakness, then the patient is said to be allergic to them. The allergy can cause a whole range of symptoms going way beyond the symptoms normally associated with allergies e.g. depression, tension, tiredness, weakened immune system, stomach problems, bowel and bladder problems, irritability, colds, headaches, skin disorders, respiratory problems and many more. Muscle testing not only monitors the effects of foods on the body but pinpoints deficiencies of vitamins and minerals.
A general debility, lack of energy and frequent minor illnesses cause a vicious circle of internal stagnation of body fluids leading to more tiredness, more illness leading to worse stagnation. Kinesiology treats effectively and fast by balancing and improving the lymphatic and blood flow.
Muscle balancing is very effective in the treatment of back and neck pain - and there is no danger of stretching ligaments or straining joints. Kinesiology can even help relieve fears and phobias - by restoring balance to the body; we help restore balance to the mind. And gently tapping the bone under the eye in line with the pupil will help instantly to relieve fear.
If we are looking for a clear and concise summary of what kinesiology is, then that is difficult to find. Kinesiology is very much a 'touching' therapy and feeling a muscle test for yourself, experiencing the body's responses, will tell you much more. But it is well summed-up by the Kinesiology Federation (Great Britain) who say:-
"Kinesiology literally means the study of body movement and interaction of a persons energy systems. Gentle assessment of muscle response monitors whose blocks and imbalances are impairing physical, emotional or energetic well-being. The same method can identify factors, which may be contributing such imbalances.
The body's natural healing responses are stimulated by attention to reflex and acupressure points and by use of specific body movements and nutritional support. These can lead to increased physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being" Listen also to George Goodheart, the original innovator of Kinesiology:-
"Man possesses a potential for recovery through the innate intelligence of the human structure. This recovery potential with which he is endowed merely waits for your hand, your heart and your mind to bring it to potential being and allow the recovery to take place, which is man's natural heritage. This benefits man, it benefits you and it benefits our profession".
Kinesiology is an extremely flexible therapy. It works well by itself or it can be used by many other practitioners to complement and increase their skills as they add Kinesiology to their qualified skills. It has, for instance, an extremely close link to acupuncture and is, therefore, a natural therapy for the acupuncturist. Indeed, Kinesiology has its roots in acupuncture and we use, in Kinesiology, a simplified form of the five elements (to be discussed in a later lesson). It is becoming more and more popular with a whole range of natural therapists:
Aromatherapists Chiropractors Colour Therapists Stress Consultants Herbalists Homoeopathists Hypnotherapists Reflexologists Masseurs Nutritionists and Osteopaths to name a few
Remember that everything we do, drink or eat has an effect throughout the body as a whole. We need to look at the whole person and not just at the symptoms.
