
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK), is an alternative medicine practice that claims to diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments. Kinesiologists use muscle testing to access a client's biofeedback system and identify stressors and blockages in the body. It is a non-invasive way of assessing the body's needs and can be used to test for imbalances, allergies, or intolerances. The basic idea behind AK is that any internal issues are accompanied by related muscle weakness. This means that a muscle test can be used to diagnose underlying conditions. For example, a muscle test may reveal whether your body is hosting a parasite or toxin or responding badly to a particular food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Applied Kinesiology (AK), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Objective Muscle Testing (OMT) |
| History | Developed in the early 20th century to measure muscle strength in polio patients. Later adapted by chiropractor George J. Goodheart Jr. in 1964. |
| Purpose | To diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments, and to access a client's biofeedback system to identify stressors and blockages. |
| Testing Methods | Whole body, two-handed, one-handed; index finger and thumb test; vial with a trace of food on or near the body; tester's palm down, then palm up over the subject's head. |
| Applications | Testing foods, nutrients, products, and <co: 8,9,10,11,12,17,19>supplements to see if they are beneficial; diagnosing musculoskeletal issues, gut problems, food intolerances, and allergies. |
| Critics | Critics are skeptical, and a 2001 study found that muscle testing was no more effective than random guessing in diagnosing allergies. |
Explore related products
$9.43 $14.99
$22.58 $32.95
What You'll Learn

Muscle testing for food and drink
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK), is a diagnostic tool that uses the body's biofeedback system to uncover hidden problems. It is based on the idea that the body knows what is wrong with it and can communicate through the turning on or off of muscles. This communication is facilitated by the body's electrical network, which is linked to muscle power. Thus, if something negatively impacts the electrical system, the muscles will weaken when physical pressure is applied.
Applied kinesiology is often used to test for imbalances, allergies, or intolerances related to food and drink. For example, during a test for a food intolerance, a practitioner may place a vial with a trace of the food on or near the patient's body and then ask them to push against their hand with a raised arm. If the patient's body has no issue with the food, their push will be strong, but if there is an issue, their arm will be startlingly weak. This method can also be used to test for food allergies, with the patient holding a vial containing a potential allergen while the muscle strength in the opposite arm is measured. A decrease in strength indicates a positive test result.
Muscle testing can also be used to find the right brand of supplements, as it can assess the body's needs and determine which product is the best choice. For example, one can test different brands of magnesium powders by using the index finger and thumb test to determine which product is the strongest and, therefore, the best choice.
It is important to note that muscle testing has been criticized and rejected by the medical community as a diagnostic tool for conditions beyond musculoskeletal disorders. A 2001 study using muscle tests as an allergy test for wasp venom found that it was no more effective than random guessing. Similarly, a blinded test to multiple foods showed that the results were random and not reproducible.
Diabetes and Muscle Loss: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Muscle testing for supplements
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK), is a 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. This means that applying pressure to a muscle can indicate a yes/no or stress response from the body.
Muscle testing can be used to determine the right brand of supplements for your body. This is because each person's nutritional needs are influenced by their lifestyle choices, age, sex, weight, genetics, and more. The body's electrical system is impacted by these factors, and muscle testing can reveal whether a supplement is having a positive or negative impact.
To perform a muscle test for supplements, stand barefoot or in flat shoes and hold the supplement in your hand. State, "This is good for my body." After a few moments, your body will either be pulled forward or backward, indicating whether the supplement is beneficial for you. You can also extend your arm straight out to the side of your body while a tester places their hand on your shoulder and applies pressure to test for weakness or strength. If your arm is weak and won't stay up, the substance is not good for you, but if it stays strong, it is.
Some people find muscle testing helpful for determining the best supplements for their body, but it is not widely accepted in mainstream medical circles. It is often used by naturopaths and chiropractors and can be a useful tool for creating a unique health program based on biofeedback from the body.
Loosening Tight Muscles: Effective Techniques for Quick Relief
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Muscle testing for diagnosing medical conditions
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is an alternative medicine practice. It is based on the idea that any internal issues are accompanied by related muscle weakness. Thus, by testing muscle strength, one can diagnose underlying medical conditions.
AK is not a part of the science of kinesiology, which is the study of the movement of the human body. However, kinesiologists can use muscle testing to access a client's biofeedback system to help identify stressors and blockages in the body. This is done by applying pressure to a muscle and looking for a yes/no or stress response. The body has an electrical network, and if anything impacts this electrical system, the muscles will be unable to hold their strength when pressure is applied.
Muscle testing is often used to test for imbalances, allergies, or intolerances that are causing discomfort or negative side effects. It can also be used to find micronutrient deficiencies or excesses. For example, a 2001 study used muscle tests as an allergy test for wasp venom, but found that it was no more helpful than random guessing. Another study in 2023 found that AK provided accurate results when used to measure sacroiliac dysfunction.
Muscle strength testing can also be used to diagnose many problems in which weakness plays a role, such as in patients with stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other neurologic problems. It is often used as an assessment of muscle strength as part of a patient's objective assessment.
Muscle Hernia: Is It a Dangerous Condition?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Muscle testing for purchasing products
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK), is a practice that can be used to determine whether purchasing a particular item is a wise decision. It involves applying pressure to a muscle and looking for a yes/no or stress response. The basic idea behind AK is that for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Thus, any internal issues may be accompanied by related muscle weakness.
To perform a muscle test, one can use three primary ways: whole-body, two-handed, or one-handed. For example, a tester can ask the subject to stick out their arm and resist the tester's pressure. If the subject's arm falls despite their efforts to keep it up, it indicates a weakness. Another way is to ask the subject to say their name and then press down on their arm. The arm will hold strong for the correct name and weaken for a wrong name.
Muscle testing can be used to test for imbalances, allergies, or intolerances, which may cause discomfort or negative side effects such as weight gain, bloating, or tiredness. It can also be used to find micronutrient deficiencies or excesses from vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. For instance, an athlete may use muscle testing to create a positive internal and external environment for training, competing, and living.
Additionally, muscle testing can be used to test foods, nutrients, and products to see if they are beneficial. For example, a practitioner may place a vial with a trace of food on or near the body and ask the subject to push against their hand with a raised arm. If there is no issue, the push will be strong, and if there is, it will be startlingly weak. This can indicate whether the food is suitable for the body or not.
Overall, muscle testing is a simple skill that anyone can learn to access their body's biofeedback system and help identify stressors and blockages.
Heart Muscle Nuclei: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$13.89 $19.99

Muscle testing for electromagnetic fields
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is an alternative medicine practice used to diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments. While AK has been rejected by the medical community as a diagnostic tool, it is still used by many health practitioners and individuals for self-testing. The basic principle behind AK is that any internal issues are accompanied by related muscle weakness. Thus, by applying pressure to a muscle and observing the response, one can identify stressors and blockages in the body. This is believed to be possible due to the electrical network within and surrounding the body, which is impacted by external factors, resulting in muscle weakness when under physical pressure.
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are a combination of electric and magnetic fields that are constantly present in our environment, generated by both natural and artificial sources. While EMFs are essential for our body's functioning, excessive exposure to certain types of EMFs has been linked to potential health risks. Muscle testing can be used to assess the body's response to different EMF exposures and identify any associated stressors or imbalances.
To perform muscle testing for electromagnetic fields, one can follow these steps:
- Identify the source of EMF exposure you want to test for, such as a specific electronic device or a location with high EMF levels.
- Prepare your body by ensuring proper hydration and grounding. Relax your mind and set an intention for the test.
- Apply pressure to a muscle, typically by extending your arm and resisting the pressure. You can do this alone or with a partner.
- Observe the response of your muscle. If it weakens or falls, it indicates a stress response to the EMF exposure.
- Repeat the test with different sources of EMF exposure to compare the results.
It is important to note that muscle testing for electromagnetic fields is a controversial practice and should not replace professional medical advice. However, some individuals find it useful for making informed decisions about their environment and well-being.
Muscle Recovery: Essential for Fitness and Overall Health
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
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.
Muscle testing is the art of applying pressure to a muscle and looking for either a yes/no or stress response. The body has an electrical network, and if anything impacts this electrical system, the muscles will be unable to hold their strength when pressure is applied.
Muscle testing can be used to assess the body's needs and test for imbalances, allergies, or intolerances. It can also be used to find micronutrient deficiencies or excesses and test foods, nutrients, and products to see if they are beneficial.
You can muscle test products by standing up, relaxing, and asking your body to show you a yes and a no. You will tilt slightly forward for yes and backward for no. You can also test products by holding them and having a tester apply pressure to your extended arm. If your body is negatively impacted by the product, your arm will weaken and be unable to resist the pressure.











































