What
Is Applied Kinesiology?
Applied
Kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis using muscle testing
as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person’s
body is functioning.
In
general, the doctor finds a muscle that tests weak and then
attempts to determine why that muscle is not functioning
properly. The practitioner will then evaluate and apply
the therapy that will best eliminate the muscle weakness
and help the patient.
Training
and Therapy
Unlike
traditional chiropractic which primarily focuses on manipulating
the spine, chiropractors certified in AK (100 post graduate
hours followed by an examination) utilize a variety of therapies
which can include specific joint manipulation or mobilization,
various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian
therapy, clinical nutrition, dietary management and various
reflex procedures.
In
some cases, the doctor may test for environmental or food
sensitivities by using a previously strong muscle to find
what weakens it.
The Triad of Health
Chiropractors
using applied kinesiology use the triad of health –
chemical, mental and structural factors – to describe
the proper balance of the major health categories.
The
triad is represented by an equilateral triangle with structural
health as its base, and the upright sides representing chemical
and mental health. When a person experiences poor health,
it is due to an imbalance in one or more of these three
factors. The triad of health is interactive and all sides
must be evaluated for the underlying cause of a problem.
A health problem on one side of the triad can effect the
other sides. For example, a chemical imbalance may cause
mental symptoms.
Using
applied kinesiology, the doctor of chiropractic can evaluate
the triad’s balance and direct therapy toward the
imbalanced side or sides.
When
health is back to its maximum level, AK procedures can be
used to maintain health by finding poor functioning (e.g.
“sub-clinical conditions”) and correcting problems
before symptoms develop or get worse. |
