Founded in 1964 by George Goodheart, DC, Applied Kinesiology (AK) has emerged as a foremost diagnostic system that integrates a variety of complementary healthcare treatment methods.

Applied Kinesiology is a holistic approach to healthcare which draws together various complementary therapies – many described in this book – creating a more unified approach to the diagnosis and treatment of disease processes. AK helps determine the cause of the problem through non-invasive measures such as posture and gait analysis, range of motion, palpation and manual muscle testing.

These assessments are used along with standard methods of diagnosis such as clinical history, physical examination findings, laboratory tests, x-ray and instrumentation. This information is used as a guide for the doctor to determine which conservative therapies will be most effective for the patient.

An Applied Kinesiologist is a doctor who has completed a minimum of 100 hours of training certified by the International College of Applied Kinesiology. In the United States, AK is represented mostly by Chiropractors. However, there is an increasing number of Medical Doctors, Dentists, Osteopaths, Doctors of Oriental Medicine, and other healthcare professionals who are discovering the health benefits offered by Applied Kinesiological methods. The practice of Applied Kinesiology requires that it be used along with other standard diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

One of the most notable techniques of evaluation utilized by AK is manual muscle testing. The doctor performs individual muscle tests to see how nerves in the body react to physical, chemical and emotional stress. The information gathered from this analysis is used along with other standard diagnostic tests to assist the physician in developing a therapeutic plan.

Additionally, Applied Kinesiologists have recognized relationships between specific muscles and organs. This is very useful in helping the doctor determine the true cause of the patient's problem.

Applied Kinesiology does not fix or cure any disease. Rather, it provides a way for the doctor to evaluate and restore proper function of the nervous system thereby allowing the body to once again regulate its own health. We have within all of us the potential to be well. It is up to the doctor and the patient to be sure this inborn potential for health and healing is free from any interference.

Sources: Robert Blaich, DC, Denver CO; and Peter Lyons, DC, Boulder CO

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