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Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK), is an alternative medicine practice that claims to diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments. It was developed in the early 20th century to measure muscle strength in polio patients and has since been used to diagnose a range of issues, including musculoskeletal structure, gut problems, and food intolerances. The basic technique involves applying pressure to a patient's outstretched forearm muscle to determine if it is responsive. A strong response is a yes, while a weak response is a no. To become a muscle tester, one must learn and master this skill, which can be done through courses such as the Introduction to Muscle Testing offered by the Edison Institute of Nutrition, or ACEP's comprehensive energy psychology certification course.
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What You'll Learn
Muscle testing is a form of biofeedback
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is an alternative medicine practice that claims to diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments effectively. AK is based on Sir Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion, which states that "for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction". This concept is applied to the human body, suggesting that internal issues are accompanied by related muscle weakness.
In muscle testing, a practitioner applies light pressure to the patient's outstretched forearm muscle to determine its responsiveness. A strong response is interpreted as a "yes", while a weak response indicates a "no". This method helps identify imbalances in the body, as muscles constantly turn on and off. The body's response to the pressure applied during muscle testing is believed to provide insight into what is beneficial or harmful.
Muscle testing can be performed with a partner or independently. In a partner activity, the tester places one hand on the subject's shoulder and the other above the wrist, gently applying pressure to the outstretched arm. The arm remaining strong indicates a "yes", while it becoming weak suggests a "no". Self-muscle testing techniques, such as pressing the middle finger onto the index finger, can also be practised to receive a “yes” or “no" response.
Muscle testing is used to assess nutritional needs, make decisions related to careers or relationships, and identify old emotions or psychic trauma. It is important to note that muscle testing should not be used for medical diagnoses or to direct clients' actions.
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It is a diagnostic tool
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK), is an alternative medicine practice that claims to diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments. AK is based on the concept that any internal issues are accompanied by related muscle weakness. Thus, muscle testing is a diagnostic tool that uses the body's nervous system to uncover hidden problems.
During a muscle test, a practitioner applies pressure to a patient's outstretched forearm muscle to determine if the muscle is responsive. A strong response is interpreted as a "yes", while a weak response is a "no". This simple technique can be used to assess nutritional needs and identify stressors and blockages in the body, such as food intolerances or toxins. For example, during a food intolerance test, a practitioner may place a vial with a trace of food on or near the patient's body and ask them to push against their hand with a raised arm. If there is no issue, the patient's push will be strong, but if there is an issue, it will be startlingly weak.
Muscle testing can also be used to help access thoughts and emotions related to decisions, careers, schooling, or relationships. It is believed that the neuromuscular response can indicate the presence of old emotions or stuck psychic trauma in the body. For example, it can help determine where these emotions are being held and whether the body is ready to release them.
While muscle testing has been criticised as "not conforming to scientific fact", a 2023 study found that it provided accurate results when used to measure sacroiliac dysfunction. The accuracy was comparable to other types of tests, and further studies are recommended.
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It can be used to treat allergies and sensitivities
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK), is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the body's reaction to various substances, including potential allergens and sensitivities. It involves testing the strength and tone of muscles to gain insights into the health of the related organ or body function. While it is not a validated method for allergy diagnosis, it can be used alongside traditional allergy tests, such as skin tests and blood tests, to provide supplementary information and monitor physical responses to allergen exposure.
The basic premise of muscle testing is that any internal issues or weaknesses in the body are accompanied by related muscle weakness. This concept is similar to Sir Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion, which states, “for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” By applying light pressure to specific muscles, practitioners can assess the body's response and determine if there is an underlying issue. A strong response is typically interpreted as a "yes" or an indication that the substance is safe for the individual, while a weak response is interpreted as a "no" or a sign of a potential allergy or sensitivity.
When using muscle testing to treat allergies and sensitivities, it is important to maintain a neutral mindset during the test. Both the tester and the subject should try to avoid having strong opinions or dominant thoughts about the substance being tested, as these can influence the outcome. The tester applies pressure to the subject's outstretched forearm or wrist, with one hand on their shoulder to stabilize the arm. If the arm remains strong, it indicates that the substance is not an issue. However, if the arm becomes weak or unable to withstand the pressure, it suggests that the substance may be a trigger for an allergy or sensitivity.
Muscle testing can be used to assess a wide range of potential allergens and sensitivities, including food allergies, household items (such as laundry detergent or soap), environmental allergies, and supplements. It is a non-invasive way to check for substances that may be causing adverse reactions in the body. Additionally, muscle testing can help identify the root cause of skin problems, behavioural reactions, and other symptoms that may be related to allergies or sensitivities.
While muscle testing can provide valuable insights, it is important to note that it should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool for allergies. Traditional allergy tests, such as skin tests and blood tests, are still necessary for a comprehensive evaluation. Muscle testing can be a useful supplementary method to monitor an individual's responses to allergens and guide treatment decisions in conjunction with other diagnostic techniques.
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It can be self-taught
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK), is an alternative medicine practice that claims to diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments. It is based on the idea that any internal issues are accompanied by related muscle weakness. While it is often performed by trained practitioners, muscle testing can also be self-taught and self-administered.
There are several techniques for self-taught muscle testing, which can be used to access your body's biofeedback system and identify stressors and blockages. One simple technique involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, relaxing with slightly bent knees, and taking three slow deep breaths to clear your mind. You can then ask yourself yes or no questions, and your body will sway forward for yes and backward for no. This technique can be used to determine which foods or supplements are good or bad for your body or to help with decision-making related to careers, schooling, or relationships.
Another technique for self-taught muscle testing is to hold your index finger straight and slightly bend your middle finger, placing it on the back of the index finger near the nail bed. You then use gentle pressure to press your middle finger onto your index finger. Your index finger will stay strong and still for yes and drop slightly and become weak for no. This technique can be more subtle and allow you to test yourself without anyone else knowing.
It is important to note that muscle testing should not be used for medical diagnoses or to tell others what to do. While it has been suggested that muscle testing can provide insight into the subconscious mind and uncover hidden problems, critics argue that it does not conform to scientific fact. However, a 2023 study found that applied kinesiology provided accurate results when used to measure sacroiliac dysfunction, and further studies are recommended.
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It is a controversial practice
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is a controversial practice. While it is considered a pseudoscience by some, it is also recognised as an alternative medicine practice that claims to effectively diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments. The basic idea behind AK is that any internal issues will be accompanied by related muscle weakness. Therefore, a muscle test can be performed to diagnose any underlying medical condition.
AK is not a part of the science of kinesiology, which is the study of the movement of the human body. It is instead a system of muscle testing and therapy that was developed by George Goodheart, Jr. in 1964. Goodheart's work was further refined by Dr John Diamond in the late 1970s into a new discipline called behavioural kinesiology, which found that muscles would strengthen and weaken in the presence of positive and negative emotional, intellectual, and physical stimuli.
The accuracy of AK as a diagnostic tool has been the subject of much debate and controversy. While some studies have found that AK can provide accurate results in certain cases, such as measuring sacroiliac dysfunction, other studies have shown that it is no more effective than random guessing in diagnosing allergies or choosing treatments. The medical community has largely rejected the idea of AK as a diagnostic tool for conditions outside of musculoskeletal disorders.
Despite the controversy, AK continues to be used by a significant number of practitioners, including chiropractors, nutritionists, naturopathic doctors, and massage and physical therapists. It is often used in conjunction with other tests and treatment modalities, such as joint manipulation, clinical nutrition, and dietary counselling. However, it is important to note that AK should not be solely relied upon for medical diagnoses or to make decisions about treatment without the input of qualified healthcare professionals.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology, is an alternative medicine practice that claims to effectively diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments. It is a form of biofeedback where the practitioner applies pressure to the patient's forearm to determine if the muscle is responsive.
Muscle testing is based on the idea that the body has an intricate electrical network of pure energy. If anything impacts this electrical system negatively, the muscles will weaken and be unable to withstand pressure. This weakness is caused by the central nervous system answering a simple yes or no question.
Muscle testing can be used to diagnose a range of issues, including musculoskeletal structure, gut problems, and food intolerances. It can also be used to help access thoughts related to careers, schooling, or relationships.
To become a muscle tester, you can take courses such as the Introduction to Muscle Testing course offered by the Edison Institute of Nutrition. You can also learn simple self-testing techniques to apply to yourself.
