Dominic Stone
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is an alternative medicine practice that claims to effectively diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments. It was originated in 1964 by Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor who discovered that the strength or weakness of a muscle was connected to the health of a specific corresponding organ. Goodheart's work was influenced by Kendall and Kendall, who had built their model for muscle testing based on the work of R.W. Lovett, an orthopedic surgeon who created a process of manual muscle testing to evaluate muscle function and nerve damage in polio patients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Influenced by Eastern knowledge of the meridians (or lines of energy in the body) and acupuncture or acupressure points |
| Originated in 1964 through the work of Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor | |
| The first documentation of these theories is "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine" | |
| R.W. Lovett, an orthopedic surgeon from Boston, created a process of manual muscle testing to evaluate muscle function and nerve damage in polio patients | |
| Henry and Florence Kendall built their own model for muscle testing | |
| Dr. John Thie, one of Dr. Goodheart's students, theorized that muscles tested differently depending on the stress they were under | |
| Dr. Alan Beardall, another student of Dr. Goodheart, developed his own system of over 250 specific muscle tests | |
| Richard Utt developed an additional method called Applied Physiology |
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What You'll Learn
Eastern knowledge of meridians and acupuncture
The development of muscle testing techniques has been influenced by Eastern knowledge of meridians and acupuncture, with origins dating back centuries. The first documentation of these theories is "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine".
Eastern medicine, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), views the human body as having a network of meridians or pathways through which \"Qi\" (pronounced "chee"), the body's vital energy, flows. This network of meridians is believed to be a circulatory system of energy, similar to the circulatory system of blood in Western medicine. The key difference is that instead of blood, meridians allow the flow of Qi, which is believed to be a life-energy that promotes spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
The Meridian System incorporates the Yin and Yang duality, with Yin energy radiating outward and Yang energy returning to the core. Additionally, the Meridian System follows the Five Elements theory, which groups different qualities and organs into five categories: hollow and solid. The hollow organs include the stomach, bladder, gallbladder, and intestines, while the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs are considered solid organs. Each element in this theory provides tools to diagnose disease and help the body regain balance and health.
Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, is believed to improve the flow of blocked or stagnant Qi by inserting thin needles into specific points on the skin along the meridians. These needles may be connected to electrodes or heated, and they stimulate nerve endings, triggering the corresponding meridian. Acupuncture is often used to treat chronic pain, such as arthritis and lower back pain, and it is believed to promote physical and emotional well-being.
The concept of meridians and acupuncture has influenced the development of muscle testing, with practitioners believing that specific muscles are associated with certain organs and their functions. Muscle testing techniques, such as those developed by R.W. Lovett and Henry and Florence Kendall, have built upon this Eastern knowledge to evaluate muscle function, nerve damage, and overall health.
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R.W. Lovett's manual muscle testing
The history of muscle testing can be traced back to ancient Chinese medicine and the influence of acupuncture and acupressure points. The first documentation of these theories is found in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine. The Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics (G.C.I.) in Stockholm, Sweden, also played a role by founding an occupational group that laid the foundation for most physiotherapy practices.
However, the specific technique of manual muscle testing (MMT) was pioneered by R.W. Lovett, an orthopedic surgeon from Boston, in the early 20th century. Lovett's work focused on evaluating muscle function and nerve damage in polio patients. He introduced a method of muscle testing that utilised gravity resistance to objectively grade muscle strength. In his 1917 book, Lovett described a 'resistance gravity system' with a grading scale from 0 to 6. This early work laid the foundation for subsequent developments in muscle testing.
Henry and Florence Kendall, two physiotherapists, further developed Lovett's ideas and created their own model for muscle testing. They published their combined insights in the book "Muscles: Testing and Function". Their work outlined specific methodologies to isolate and test individual muscles or muscle groups, making it a valuable contribution to the field.
Subsequently, a chiropractor named George Goodheart built upon the foundation laid by the Kendalls. Goodheart discovered that balancing his patients' muscles not only helped with chiropractic alignment but also seemed to provide additional healing benefits. He identified connections between chiropractic techniques and Chinese medicine and termed his new practice Applied Kinesiology. Goodheart's work gained traction, and he began lecturing and teaching his methods to students, who further disseminated and built upon his work.
Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a system that evaluates structural, chemical, and mental aspects of health by using muscle response testing alongside conventional diagnostic methods. It posits that every organ dysfunction is accompanied by weakness in a specific corresponding muscle, known as the "viscerosomatic relationship". While AK has faced criticism and skepticism from mainstream medical organisations, it has nonetheless attracted a following, with an estimated 40% of American chiropractors utilising it in their practices.
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Henry and Florence Kendall's model
Muscle testing is a technique used to gauge health status, supplement dosage, and more. It was first used in the early 20th century to measure muscle weakness in polio victims. The practice has its roots in Eastern knowledge of meridians (or lines of energy in the body) and acupuncture or acupressure points, with the first documentation appearing in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine.
Henry and Florence Kendall, two physiotherapists, built upon the work of R.W. Lovett, an orthopedic surgeon who created a process of manual muscle testing to evaluate muscle function and nerve damage in polio patients. Lovett's premise was that muscle testing could determine nerve damage as "weak" muscles were associated with the same spinal nerve. The Kendalls further developed their own model for muscle testing, which they detailed in their book, "Muscles: Testing and Function," published in 1949. The book became the standard text in the field, helping establish what constitutes "normal" function in a patient.
Florence Kendall, in particular, played a significant role in the field of physical therapy. She dedicated nearly seventy years of her life to the profession, and was instrumental in drafting the bill that legally established the practice of physical therapy in Maryland in 1947. The University of Maryland, School of Physical Therapy, honored the couple by dedicating the "Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Conference Room" in December 2000.
The Kendalls' work influenced George Goodheart, a chiropractor in Detroit, who used their collected information in his practice. Goodheart discovered that balancing his clients' muscles led to the clearing of additional issues, and he identified associations between chiropractic techniques and Chinese medicine. He named his new practice Applied Kinesiology, which gained popularity as he lectured about it across America. Goodheart's work led to the development of kinesiology-style muscle testing, which is now used in over 70 different techniques worldwide.
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George Goodheart's applied kinesiology
Muscle testing is a simple, non-invasive assessment tool used by many health practitioners to gauge everything from general health status to specific supplement dosages. The technique is believed to have originated in the theories outlined in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, a foundational text of traditional Chinese medicine. Over time, various forms of muscle testing have been developed, including applied kinesiology, which was pioneered by George Goodheart.
George Goodheart, a chiropractor based in Detroit, Michigan, is credited with founding applied kinesiology (AK) in 1964. Goodheart built upon the work of Henry and Florence Kendall, two physiotherapists who had developed a model for muscle testing. Through his experiences testing clients' muscles, Goodheart discovered that he could provide healing beyond chiropractic alignment. He identified associations between chiropractic techniques and Chinese medicine and termed his new practice Applied Kinesiology.
Applied kinesiology is a system that evaluates structural, chemical, and mental aspects of health using muscle response testing or manual muscle testing (MMT) alongside conventional diagnostic methods. The fundamental premise of AK, which diverges from mainstream medical theory, is that every organ dysfunction is accompanied by a weakness in a specific corresponding muscle, known as the "viscerosomatic relationship". Goodheart's approach to AK was influenced by various sources, including the work of Frank Chapman, D.O., Terrence J. Bennett, D.C., and William G. Sutherland, D.O. Additionally, Goodheart incorporated acupuncture meridian therapy into the AK system, inspired by the writings of Felix Mann, M.D.
Goodheart's work gained recognition, and he began lecturing at conferences across America. He took on students, including Dr. John Thie and Dr. Alan Beardall, who made significant contributions to the field of applied kinesiology. Dr. Thie theorized that muscle testing revealed differences in stress levels, indicating connections to imbalances in the body. Dr. Beardall developed a comprehensive system of muscle tests to isolate major muscles and introduced the concept that the subconscious mind could express itself through muscle testing.
Goodheart authored numerous works on applied kinesiology, including yearly Applied Kinesiology Research Manuals from 1964 to 1998. He also served as the chairman of the Research Committee for the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) for 32 years. In 1979, Goodheart accompanied the US Olympic team to the Winter Olympic Games as their first official chiropractor.
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John Thie's theory of stress and muscular symptoms
Muscle testing, or kinesiology, has grown in popularity over the last 30 years. It was first used in the early 20th century to measure muscle weakness in polio patients. The technique was developed by R.W. Lovett, an orthopedic surgeon from Boston, to evaluate muscle function and nerve damage in polio patients. His premise was that muscle testing could determine where nerve damage had occurred because muscles that tested “weak” were often associated with the same spinal nerve.
Applied Kinesiology (AK) was later developed by George Goodheart, a chiropractor in Detroit, in 1964. Goodheart used the information collected by Henry and Florence Kendall in their book, *Muscles: Testing and Function*. Goodheart discovered that some clients experienced a clearing of additional issues once he had balanced their muscles, and identified associations between chiropractic techniques and Chinese medicine. He found that muscles tested differently depending on the stress they were under.
One of Goodheart's students, Dr. John Thie, furthered this theory of stress and muscular symptoms. Thie asserted that muscular symptoms were connected to imbalances in energy blockages, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or nutritional issues. Thie's theory suggests that stress can cause muscular symptoms, which can manifest as a variety of physical and mental health issues.
Stress is a normal reaction to challenges in one's physical environment or perceptions of what is happening around them. While short-term stress can be beneficial, helping one to accomplish tasks or avoid dangerous situations, long-term or chronic stress can lead to negative mental and physical health outcomes. Chronic stress can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and depression. It can also lead to mental health disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Thie's theory of stress and muscular symptoms is based on the idea that stress can create imbalances in the body, which can then lead to muscular weakness and other health issues. This theory has been further developed by other students of Goodheart, such as Dr. Alan Beardall, who created his own system of over 250 specific muscle tests to isolate major muscles of the body.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT), is an alternative medicine practice that claims to effectively diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments.
Applied kinesiology was originated in 1964 by Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor who pioneered this specialty.
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 any internal issues are accompanied by related muscle weakness.
Muscle testing is performed by having the patient use the target muscle or muscle group to resist while the practitioner applies a force. A smooth response is sometimes referred to as a "strong muscle," while a response that is not appropriate is called a "weak response.".
