APPLIED KINESIOLOGY (AK)
At the Cross Road of Holistic Health

It was founded by a chiropractor named George J. Goodhart in 1964. It is an advanced technique that allows to both diagnose and give precise information on the more appropriate therapeutic approach needed.

It is based on the evaluation of how the nervous system controls the muscle function. This is achieved by manually testing the muscle response which not only is a reflection of the condition of the muscle itself but also of the nervous systems that controls that muscle and which is in turn in communication with the organs and our metabolic system. Using this approach it is possible to evaluate structural, chemical and mental aspect of our health alongside more conventional methods.

AK brings together elements of many complementary therapies, from Chiropractic to meridian and nutrition therapy providing a true interdisciplinary approach to health care.

The techniques used include joint manipulation or mobilisation, cranial techniques, meridian therapy, clinical nutrition, various reflex procedures and dietary procedures.

AK PHILOSOPHY

Our health is viewed as determined by the fine equilibrium of the structural, metabolic/chemical and the emotional aspects which are each represented graphically by a side of an equilateral triangle(Triad of Health). If any of the sides of this triangle is altered the others will as a consequence. This representation was chosen to explain the interaction existing by different element of our health that need to be considered and evaluated. AK enables the practitioner to assess the Triad’s balance highlighting the sides or the sides that are the cause of the imbalance.

WHO IS AN APPLIED KINESIOLOGIST

AK practitioners hold a qualification in a medically based subject such as Chiropractic, Osteopathy or Medicine and have carried out further studies to become Applied kinesiologists. Since the study of AK is open to people coming from diverse medical backgrounds its principles are now applied in different fields from neurology to dentistry. This has strengthened its potential and scope. However, some confusion may arise when some practitioners name the application of some AK principles to the field they work in. That is why today we can find many therapies using the term kinesiology. Unfortunately some form of kinesiology which do not respect the AK College guidance have also developed and sadly associated to the work of Dr. Goodheart.

SPORT

The application of AK to athletes is very important. When we have a muscle or a muscle group that is not working properly an instability is created in the associated joints and muscles. Compensatory mechanisms will take place to overcome the new situation. This might go undetected for a while. However, especially with athletes, the body is asked to perform to its limits exacerbating the possibility for the structure to fail and get injured. When an injury occurs performing movements to the limits of our abilities the extent of the damage done can become serious. The combination of Chiropractic and AK function it is not only to help somebody to recover but also to prevent impending injuries.