Applied Kinesiology - A Diagnosis For Good Health

Many chiropractic physicians are incorporating a treatment called applied kinesiology into their therapeutic regimens. Applied kinesiology (AK) is essentially an advanced diagnostic technique that tests the strength of various muscle groups in order to determine the general functioning level of the body. Invented in 1964 by Dr. George J. Goodheart, applied kinesiology is intended to diagnose underlying weaknesses in the major systems of the body; it is used along with conventional diagnostic methods in order to produce a more complete picture of the body's overall health.

AK is based on a principle called the viscerosomatic relationship; this principle's main premise is that dysfunction of the major organ systems can be detected through corresponding weakness in specific muscle groups. It is thought that detection of organ failure or systemic illness can be accomplished through applied kinesiology far earlier than with some traditional methods of testing. Once an illness or other dysfunction has been indicated through applied kinesiology, further testing is done to determine the extent of the problem and to determine what course of treatment will be most helpful to the patient.

One of the most common tests used in AK is the Delta Test, which measures muscle resistance; this involves requesting the patient to attempt to resist a force applied by the chiropractic physician. Usually the Delta Test is performed on the patient's extended arm as the chiropractor applies pressure downward. The tension in the muscles is evaluated by the chiropractor, who determines if the muscle response was appropriate, or if it showed signs of excess stress or weakness. This test can sometimes highlight problems that traditional medical testing might miss.

Another diagnostic technique used in applied kinesiology is nutrient testing; this is intended to detect allergies or negative responses by testing muscle responses before and after contact with the suspected substances. This shows good results in determining if muscle weakness or discomfort is due to food or drug allergy.

Applied kinesiology is not a therapeutic treatment, but rather a diagnostic tool used by chiropractic professionals to ascertain the body's functioning level. When used as part of a comprehensive health regimen, it can assist your chiropractor in providing you with the best care possible and ensure your good health now and in the future.