Background

• Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a technique that uses muscle testing with the aim to diagnose nutritional deficiencies and health problems. It is based on the concept that weakness in certain muscles corresponds to specific disease states or body imbalances. AK practitioners may diagnose organ dysfunction, energy blockage, or allergies (including those to foods and drugs). Edukinesthesia is a type of AK that is used to detect the cause of learning difficulties and poor concentration.
• Some AK practitioners assert that this technique can be used to treat conditions by rectifying imbalances in the body.
• AK was developed in the 1960s by George Goodheart Jr., a chiropractor who asserted that postural distortions can be associated with weak muscles. He suggested that with his assessment technique, interventions could be identified and tested based on their ability to make muscles stronger and change postural distortions. Currently, AK may be practiced by chiropractors, naturopaths, medical doctors, dentists, nutritionists, physical therapists, massage therapists, nurse practitioners, or other providers. The International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK), founded in the 1970s, has established standards of practice for this form of assessment based on the work of Goodheart.
• There is limited scientific research on Applied Kinesiology, and published studies have not established specific links between muscle responses and diseases affecting the organs. Applied Kinesiology is not recommended as a sole diagnostic tool in cases when other tests have been shown to be effective. If Applied Kinesiology is used alone, there may be a risk that disease will remain undetected and untreated.

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