Applied Kinesiology: Chiropractor-Developed Modality

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As part of our Portland, Oregon integrative medical practice at Terrain Wellness, we often employ Applied Kinesiology techniques including muscle testing. Applied Kinesiology (A.K.) traces its origins to a chiropractor immersed in the lore of how muscles, joints and the spinal column interact in the body. While chiropractic treatments and A.K. have since branched off into unique fields of study it is important to respect this historic relation between chiropractic treatment and A.K. While naturopathic physicians in Portland, Oregon are not by definition “chiropractors” and do not do “chiropractic adjustments”, it is important to note that Dr. Dani has received additional training in joint manipulation and realignment. Terrain Wellness also employs muscle testing as a useful diagnostic tool as part of our integrative medical practice.

The International College of Applied Kinesiology defines AK in this way:

“Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a system that evaluates structural, chemical and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing combined with other standard methods of diagnosis. AK, a non-invasive system of evaluating body function that is unique in the healing arts, 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 manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, counseling skills, evaluating environmental irritants and various reflex procedures.” – International College of Applied Kinesiology.

The triad of health according to applied kinesiology principles is to balance biochemical pathways, mental/emotional health, and physical/structural patterns.

Applied Kinesiology uses muscle testing to find joint imbalances. When the bones of the body don’t align, the muscles are not capable of neurologically locking during contraction. Similar to a circuit board, even the slightest imbalance in the body can help us determine where there is dysfunction.

Muscle testing is painless and consists of a variety of movements associated with different levels of resistance to assess how each particular muscle responds. Every muscle in the body is associated with an organ system. Muscle testing evaluates how a particular organ is functioning. Weaker muscle responses during testing indicate imbalances to the corresponding organ. Dr. Dani incorporates muscle testing along with Chinese medicine diagnosis, conventional physical exams and blood testing to accurately diagnose where dysfunction can be found, and begin to unravel how to return balance to the body. If you want to learn more about how A.K. may be able to help you come see us at our Portland, Oregon medical office.
Does A.K. replace standard examinations?

Muscle testing can be very helpful in diagnosing, and is one aspect of a thorough examination. In some case more extensive imaging or lab work may be required, and muscle testing can help narrow down exactly where to focus an investigation.
History of Applied Kinesiology. Applied Kinesiology was discovered by Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor by trade, who happened upon by what would be called Applied Kinesiology by accident in 1964 when he identified the muscular cause of a 17-year old injury in a patient he was treating.

Dr. Goodheart’s medical technique and philosophy may have been very different from what chiropractic training looks like today, but incorporating and understanding the physical/external structure can give us clues as to the body’s internal imbalances. At the Terrain Wellness Clinic in Portland, Oregon, we honor the traditions and learning of this historic chiropractor and use muscle testing and other A.K. principals as a useful treatment and diagnostic modality within our practice of integrative medicine in Portland, Oregon.