Applied Kinesiology (AK)

The method of AK is primarily concerned with neuromuscular function, and how it relates to the regulation of structural, chemical and mental physiology. It uses the principle that the body is a self-maintaining, self-correcting mechanism.

Applied Kinesiology is a system that evaluates structural, chemical and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing combined with other standard methods of diagnosis. AK is a non-invasive system of evaluating body function that is unique in the healing arts. It has become a dynamic movement in health care in its relatively short existence.

The combined terms “applied” and “kinesiology” describe the basis of this system, which is the use of manual muscle testing to evaluate body function through the dynamics of the musculoskeletal system. Treatments may involve specific joint adjustments or mobilisation, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, counselling skills, evaluating environmental irritants and various reflex procedures.

Aims of Applied Kinesiology

To restore the balance of structural, chemical and mental factors which together unite to form the ‘Triad Of Health’.

The triad of health lists the three basic causes of health problems. They are structural, chemical, and mental, with structure as the base of the triad. Literally, all health problems, whether functional or pathological, are involved with one part or all parts of the triad. This is not new to chiropractic, as its founder, D.D. Palmer states in his text, “The Science, Art, and Philosophy of Chiropractic,” “The determining causes of disease are trauma, poison and autosuggestion.” AK enables the practitioner to evaluate the triad’s functional balance and direct therapy toward the imbalanced side or sides. To restore the balance of structural, chemical and mental factors which together unite to form the ‘triad of health’.

Health is composed of structural, chemical and mental factors which must be equally balanced producing the ‘triad of health’. When a person has ill health, at least one of these factors is involved and often two, or all three. The principle of Applied Kinesiology is to analyse and check all three factors and treat any or all that are disrupted.

An example of this is a person suffering with a long-term intestinal irritation. Nutritional balance in the body will be severely disrupted due to malabsorption problems and possibly long term use of antibiotics. Low back pain will be evident due to the dual nerve supply to the low back and intestine and there will be stress-related elements that further exacerbate symptoms.

It is imperative in the treatment of this patient that all three aspects are analysed and balanced in order to restore the ‘triad of health’, and the person to complete wellness.

What to expect in an Applied Kinesiology (AK) treatment 

Arthur Tovar, Doctor in Chiropractic, will take a full and detailed history, and the patient is given time to talk. Dr Tovar will be establishing a complete picture, and will perform a wide variety of muscle tests on the patient in order to establish areas of dysfunction.

Applied Kinesiology gives a detailed insight into body function but it must be emphasised that it is used in conjunction with standard diagnostic tests whenever relevant – X rays, physical diagnosis, history, blood tests etc. AK examination enhances standard diagnosis.

The great advantage of AK is that the practitioner no longer needs to rely entirely on chemicals or invasive technology to treat the patient. AK provides a system whereby the practitioner works with the patient and the patient is able to be actively involved in their treatment and has an immediate source of feedback through muscle testing. In this way, the patient is able to adopt a much greater sense of responsibility towards their illness and can have a greater awareness of their bodies dysfunction.

When visiting our clinic for an AK consultation, expect to be involved. We will test for basic mechanical defects; the possible connection of visceral dysfunction (that is, the function of the associated gland or organ); stress levels in the body; and, where relevant, cranial and pelvic distortion and toxicity/allergy problems. Treatment may involve any combination of mechanical stimulus’s into the body, guidance in self-treatment, nutritional support, homeopathic remedies and treatment to aid stress-related problems.

What can Applied Kinesiology help you with?