Conventionally the word Kinesiology (kin-easy-ology) means the study of motion, in particular the study of how muscles act and coordinate to move the body. However, in the natural health field, the term kinesiology is seen and used in a different way. Here, muscles become monitors of stress and imbalance within the body where 'Muscle Testing', the key technique in Kinesiology, is used as an effective and versatile tool for detecting and correcting various imbalances in the body which may relate to stress, nutrition, learning problems, injuries and so on. This exciting aspect of Kinesiology is sometimes referred to as 'specialised kinesiology' and can be found in courses such as Touch For Health, Educational Kinesiology and Three In One Concepts, to name a few available in Australia.

HOW DID KINESIOLOGY BEGIN?

Kinesiology has its roots in the early sixties with an American Chiropractor, George Goodheart D.C. Goodheart began to use muscle testing to evaluate muscle function, posture and general body imbalances. His continued research, which also included discoveries of corrective measures for the evaluated dysfunctions, led him to formulate 'Applied Kinesiology', a system he made available to other Chiropractors and professionals. Soon after, in the early seventies, another Chiropractor, John Thie D.C., with wonderful humanitarian insight, systemised Kinesiology for the lay person. This simplification towards a self-help method he called Touch For Health. Since the inception of Touch For Health, Kinesiology has been taught to millions of people the world over, in many languages.

The techniques of Kinesiology have developed since these times. They are still being taught to individuals from all walks of life but today their powerful and broad application has blossomed greatly. Many students, clients, instructors and practitioners are dealing with the subtle but numerous imbalances that lie behind the physical, mental and emotional problems which are experienced today.

One of the greatest virtues of Kinesiology is its versatility. Its concepts and techniques can be applied almost anywhere at any time. They can be expanded upon and developed to suit individual tastes or needs and can be used on oneself, within the family or in the professional situation.

SOME ASPECTS OF KINESIOLOGY

The following are outlines of some of the main aspects of kinesiology which one can learn in various courses or experience in one to one consultation work.

1. Food Sensitivity Testing.

Twentieth Century living has given us a time where food sensitivities and allergies are manifesting as major health concerns (chemical sensitivities included). Most of us encounter food sensitivities, however, it is the severity and the range which determines the effects. Unfortunately, in many cases we are not aware that certain foods (or chemicals) are creating imbalances.

Muscle testing is a wonderful tool for determining food intolerances or sensitivities. In fact, with Kinesiology techniques, individuals are able to monitor regularly what foods their bodies are coping with or not. Working this idea into any diet regime adds further value. Also young children and babies are not excluded from help. Much feedback has come from mothers who have used muscle testing (surrogate) with their infants & children.

2. Meridians and Circuits.

In Kinesiology one can obtain feedback about the state of the meridians in the body (meridians are channels of subtle energy that nourish the functions and organs of the body - they form the basis of acupuncture and the ancient Chinese healing principles). This is important since meridian energy is fundamental to our state of wellbeing.

What is so interesting about meridians is that they are an intricate part of a whole network of 'circuits' interconnecting different parts and functions of the body. These circuits, which include those in the nervous system, create a complex yet beautiful functioning web. Through stress, inappropriate diet and/or various other factors, meridians and their related circuits, 'switch off' like a blown fuse, upsetting the smooth or regular functioning of the body. Sometimes inappropriate circuits will 'switch on' as in bad habits or improper responses to stress.

A wonderful feature of Kinesiology is its ability to locate and influence the many circuits of the body.

3. Enhanced Learning

Much of the electrical, circuit or nervous system work in Kinesiology comes into the realm of 'brain integration' and deals with aspects such as learning problems. Kinesiology has developed many 'switch on' points and techniques for the eyes, ears, coordination and the brain as a 'whole'.

The power of Kinesiology in this area has been brought to the fore by Dr. Paul Dennison, whose discoveries updating conventional cross patterning movements have been most profound. While 'cross-crawling' is considered a normal motor activity, many people are not 'switched on' to this integrated movement. Consequently their body prefers non integrated modes and circuits which have a detrimental effect on their ability to learn or respond appropriately to stress. Switching people back on in this respect is very basic to Kinesiology work. The simplicity of techniques which one can learn in this area is truly amazing.

4. Stress Release

Stress related work is becoming a major part of the Kinesiology field, and fundamental to its effectiveness in this area is the Emotional Stress Release or Stress Defusion concepts.

Stress Release techniques are very simple yet most powerful. They are taught in all Kinesiology courses and are used regularly in consulting work. This is because at the basis of many disharmonies we find stress and emotions blocking or impairing proper body and mind functioning. Stress Release can help to clear blockages related to past or present traumas, belief systems, negative thoughts etc.

The basis of Stress Release can be used by any individual for their own growth or to help others. It also functions effectively when used with affirmations or when working with goals.