
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology, is a non-invasive technique used to assess the body's responses to various stimuli. It is based on the idea that the body knows what it needs to heal, and that muscle testing allows us to tap into that intelligence. Kinesiologists use muscle testing to access a client's biofeedback system and help identify stressors and blockages in the body. It is important to note that muscle testing should not be used for medical diagnoses or to provide answers with absolute certainty. However, with practice, it can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and understanding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Applied Kinesiology (AK), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Energy Testing, Muscle Response Testing |
| Purpose | To access the body's wisdom and identify underlying imbalances |
| Method | Applying pressure to a muscle and looking for a yes/no or stress response |
| Stimulus | A substance, question, acupressure point, thought, emotion, image, etc. |
| Who Can Perform It? | Anyone, including children |
| Who Can It Be Performed On? | Anyone, including oneself |
| When To Do It | When you are well-hydrated and have eaten a clean diet |
| When Not To Do It | When you are biased towards the outcome or have injured/stiff body parts |
| Accuracy | A 2023 study found that AK provided accurate results when measuring sacroiliac dysfunction |
| Uses | Identifying stressors, structural/nutritional/energetic imbalances, emotional stress, subconscious blocks, vitamin deficiencies, food sensitivities, etc. |
| Doesn't Work For | Fortune-telling, greed- or fear-based questions, or personal choice questions |
Explore related products
$85.95 $117.99
$89.99 $120.99
What You'll Learn

Muscle testing as a tool for self-improvement
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. The basic idea behind AK is similar to one of Sir Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion, which states, "for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction." AK applies this concept to the human body, suggesting that internal issues are accompanied by related muscle weakness. Thus, muscle testing can be used to diagnose underlying medical conditions.
Kinesiologists use muscle testing to access a client's biofeedback system and help identify stressors and blockages in the body. This technique can also be used for self-testing to deepen your connection with your body and access your inner guidance system. The body is an amazing tool that can provide profound insights if you're listening. By learning to communicate with your body's electrical system, you can determine what your body considers to be beneficial for its well-being.
Michael Hetherington's book, "The Art of Self Muscle Testing," provides a clear, step-by-step guide to mastering self-muscle testing. It offers a practical blueprint to ensure accurate and reliable testing every time. The book teaches you how to test more subtle levels of existence and make decisions with confidence. It empowers you to understand what truly supports your well-being.
Additionally, there are simple muscle testing techniques that you can practice at home. For example, you can stand up, relax, and ask your body to show you a "yes" and then a "no." Usually, you will tilt slightly forward for a "yes" and slightly backward for a "no." With practice, you will get more comfortable with these techniques and receive unmistakable cues from your body.
Muscle testing can be a powerful tool for self-improvement, helping you to identify stressors and make informed decisions about your health and well-being. It allows you to access your body's wisdom and deepen your connection with yourself.
Loosening Tight Neck Muscles: Techniques for Quick Relief
You may want to see also
Explore related products

How muscle testing works
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 psychological conditions by testing muscle strength. The basic idea behind AK is similar to Sir Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion, which states that "for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction". This means that any internal issues you may be experiencing would be accompanied by related muscle weakness.
Kinesiologists use muscle testing to access a client's biofeedback system and help identify stressors and blockages in the body. The human body is a complex system with an innate ability to heal itself when properly supported. However, it's not always easy to determine what's causing imbalances or dysfunction, and that's where muscle testing comes in. It is based on the principle that the body's muscles are connected to specific organs and systems through the nervous system, creating a network of communication between muscles and internal functions.
During a muscle testing session, the practitioner will apply gentle pressure to a specific muscle, while the patient resists the force. If the muscle is weak or unresponsive, this may indicate an issue related to the corresponding organ or system. The practitioner then uses this information to develop a customised care plan that addresses the root cause of the problem. For example, if muscle testing reveals weakness in a muscle associated with digestion, the practitioner may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or adjustments to support the digestive system.
Muscle testing can also be used as a self-help tool. To do this, hold the index finger straight and slightly bend the middle finger, placing it on the back of the index finger near the nail bed. Use gentle pressure to press the middle finger onto the index finger. The index finger will stay still and strong for a yes, and drop slightly and grow weak for a no.
The Mystery of Muscularity: Are There Any Muscles?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$22.58 $32.95

The history of muscle testing
Kinesiology, derived from the Greek 'kinesis' meaning movement, is the study of the mechanics of body movements, with a focus on anatomy and how muscles and joints are involved in various types of movements. The first known use of muscle testing goes back to R.W. Lovett, a Boston orthopedic surgeon, who used it to assess disabilities in patients with polio and nerve damage in 1932. His work was further developed by Henry and Florence Kendall, who published 'Muscles: Testing and Function' in 1949, helping to launch kinesiology muscle testing.
In the 1960s, Detroit-based chiropractor George Goodheart took an interest in the work of Kendall and Kendall. As Goodheart began to increasingly use muscle testing in his practice, he found that some clients had specific muscles that would test weak when certain types of diseases were present. He discovered that the strength or weakness of every muscle was connected to the health or lack of health of a specific corresponding organ. He also determined that the indicator muscles were associated with acupuncture meridians. Goodheart's work led to the development of Applied Kinesiology (AK), a practice of using manual muscle-strength testing for medical diagnosis and for the determination of prescribed therapy.
In 1968, Dr. Alan Beardall, a recent chiropractic graduate, became one of Goodheart's students. He went on to develop over 250 specific muscle tests to diagnose and evaluate structural, chemical, and mental aspects of health. Beardall also established the concept of the body as a "biocomputer", determining that the subconscious processes data in a binary way, with neurons running the muscles that can only fire or not fire – lock or unlock. Clinical Kinesiology, Behavioral Kinesiology, and Neural Organization Technique are all refinements of Applied Kinesiology.
In 1973, Dr. John Thie, a Californian chiropractor, recognised that much of the material from AK could be taught to lay people and health professionals who did not have a licence to diagnose. Thie and his colleagues put together the 'Touch for Health' manual and began teaching people a system of balancing the body's muscles and meridian energy pathways. Today, muscle testing is used to detect allergies, nutritional disorders, and responses to medications.
The Penis: Muscular or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Muscle testing with a partner
The tester can then ask the subject to hold an item or focus on something, such as a picture, emotion, place, food, or thought. The tester says 'resist' and pushes down on the subject's arm. If the arm stays strong, the response is 'positive' or 'yes', and if the arm goes weak, the response is 'negative' or 'no'. This indicates that the body is reacting negatively to the stimulus being tested.
It is important to note that the tester must be sure that a weak response from the subject's arm is not their own response. To ensure accuracy, the subject can hold their head straight and look down, or the tester can place their hand, palm down, over the subject's head, and then press the arm. The arm will hold strong for a positive response and grow weak for a negative response.
Muscle testing can also be used to test physical things, such as supplements and face creams. The subject holds the object to their solar plexus while the tester pushes down on their arm.
The Urethra: Muscular Tube or Just a Passageway?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$33.83 $41.95

Mastering muscle testing through practice
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK), is a non-invasive technique used to access the body's wisdom and identify underlying imbalances. It is based on the idea that the body knows what it needs to heal, and any internal issues are accompanied by related muscle weakness. By applying pressure to a muscle and looking for a yes/no or stress response, muscle testing helps to identify stressors and blockages.
To master muscle testing, practice is key. Start by trying out different muscle testing techniques, such as the two-handed muscle testing method or the middle finger and index finger method. Find the technique that works best for you, as consistency is important. When testing, ensure that your body is relaxed and still, as muscle testing works best in the absence of personal bias. The mind should be centred, and you can achieve this through meditation, deep breathing, or listening to soothing music.
For self-muscle testing, you can try placing an item you know gets a weak signal response, such as something you may be allergic to, close to you. Notice the difference in your muscle strength when you introduce and take away the stimulus. You can also try saying or thinking "yes" and observing the direction your body moves. Practice this several times until you can feel and see the difference between a "yes" and a "no" response.
Additionally, the precision of your questions is crucial. Muscle testing works best for questions with objective yes or no answers and those that benefit the universe as a whole, rather than those based on greed or fear. For example, asking "Is this food beneficial to my health?" is more effective than asking "Should I wear this red dress?". Remember that muscle testing is not meant for fortune-telling but for diagnostics, and it should not be used to make medical diagnoses or tell a client what to do.
Botox's Muscle-Paralyzing Powers: Unlocking the Mystery
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Muscle testing is a non-invasive technique used to assess the body’s responses to various stimuli. It is also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT).
Muscle testing works by detecting changes in muscle strength when exposed to different substances, thoughts, or touchpoints. A muscle is isolated and tested for strength by applying gentle pressure. A stimulus is then introduced, which could be a substance, a question, an acupressure point, or a thought.
Muscle testing provides a unique edge in identifying and addressing health imbalances. It gets to the root cause of health challenges, works holistically, and eliminates trial-and-error in treatments. It also empowers practitioners and clients by giving them a direct tool to assess and balance health.
There are many resources available to learn muscle testing, including online guides, courses, and hands-on training. You can also practice muscle testing techniques on your own to improve your skills.
It is important to be well-hydrated, eat a clean diet, and have a centred and still mind. Avoid personal bias and ensure your questions are precise and benefit the universe as a whole, rather than being based on greed or fear.











































