MOD156 – Systematic Kinesiology

Definition

Systematic Kinesiology is a holistic health approach that uses muscle testing as a biofeedback mechanism to assess the body’s energy systems, identify imbalances, and guide treatment to promote overall health and well-being.

Explanation

Systematic Kinesiology practitioners use manual muscle testing to communicate with the body’s innate intelligence and identify stressors or imbalances in various systems. The therapy aims to restore balance by addressing physical, emotional, nutritional, and energetic factors that may be contributing to health issues. Treatment may involve a combination of techniques including nutritional support, emotional stress release, structural adjustments, and energy balancing.

Key aspects of Systematic Kinesiology include:

1. Holistic approach: It considers the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, chemical, physical, and energetic aspects of health.
2. Muscle testing: This is the core diagnostic tool used to assess the body’s response to various stimuli.
3. Focus on individual needs: Treatment is tailored to each person’s unique imbalances and health goal].
4. Non-invasive: The therapy uses gentle techniques and does not involve drugs or surgery.
5. Preventative and therapeutic: It can be used both to address existing health issues and to maintain overall wellness.

Evidence to Efficacy

Research suggests that kinesiology offers promising benefits for various health conditions and overall wellbeing. While more studies are ongoing, existing evidence indicates encouraging results:

A study conducted at the University of Southampton explored the effectiveness of kinesiology for treating low back pain. The research, led by Sue Hall of The British Kinesiology Centre, aimed to investigate this gentle therapy which works to strengthen muscles and achieve balance between both sides of the body. This study highlights the growing interest in complementary approaches for managing back pain, a condition that significantly impacts quality of life and productivity.

Some studies have shown potential benefits of kinesiology-style muscle testing for certain applications. For example, research has indicated that experienced practitioners were able to predict muscle strength with a high degree of accuracy. Other studies have suggested that kinesiology-style muscle testing may be helpful in identifying emotional stress and simple phobias.

The physiological effects of kinesiology techniques have also been explored. Some research has shown that kinesiology treatments may be associated with measurable biological changes, including alterations in muscle function and nervous system responses.

While more rigorous research is ongoing, these studies suggest kinesiology’s potential to support health and wellbeing across various domains. The holistic nature of kinesiology, addressing both physical and energetic aspects of health, may contribute to its wide-ranging effects. As research continues, kinesiology shows promise as a complementary approach to support overall wellness, manage musculoskeletal issues, and enhance physical performance.

Practitioners and clients alike have reported subjective benefits such as improved muscle function, reduced pain, and a greater sense of overall wellbeing. These anecdotal reports, while not conclusive, suggest areas for further scientific exploration of kinesiology’s potential effects.

Neuroscience and Physiology

Kinesiology offers a unique approach to health by addressing multiple body systems simultaneously which means its neuroscience is interesting. The key areas are:

Neuromuscular Feedback: Systematic Kinesiology uses muscle testing to tap into the body’s energetic bio-feedback system. This technique allows practitioners to identify imbalances, and energy drains in the body, revealing where health issues stem from.

Nervous System Regulation: The practice aims to reset the nervous system by releasing emotional stress, moving it from a “fight or flight” state back to a natural parasympathetic state. This shift allows the body to focus on important functions like digestion and general repair.

Mind-Body Connection: Kinesiology addresses the four aspects of the whole person: Mental, Chemical, Physical, and Energetic (MCPE). This holistic approach recognises the interconnectedness of these systems and their impact on overall health.

Stress Release and Emotional Healing: The technique offers methods to unburden emotional stress and anxiety. By releasing this stress, practitioners report that clarity and perspective can rush in, creating space for happiness and well-being.

Neuroplasticity and Trauma Release: Kinesiology techniques may promote neuroplasticity, allowing for the release of trauma stored in the nervous system. This can help individuals process and move past traumatic experiences.

Endocrine System Regulation: The practice aims to balance the endocrine system, the network of hormone messengers that communicate throughout the body. When balanced, this can improve various aspects of health, including sleep and energy levels.

Kinesiology offers a unique approach to health by addressing multiple body systems simultaneously.

Governing Body

The Kinesiology Federation is the main professional body for kinesiologists in the UK. It acts as the primary professional association and maintains a register of qualified practitioners. It sets and oversees professional standards and a code of ethics and provides continuing professional development opportunities.

It accredits training courses that meet their standards and there are several schools and organisations that offer KF-accredited kinesiology training, including:

• The Academy of Systematic Kinesiology (TASK)
• Balanced Health
• Kinetic Link Training
• Touch for Health Kinesiology Association (TFHKA)

British Complementary Medicine Association (BCMA): An umbrella body for complementary medicine organisations and The Kinesiology Federation is a member organisation

International Association of Specialized Kinesiologists (IASK):While not UK-specific, it provides international standards and networking for kinesiologists.

These organisations collectively ensure that kinesiology practice in the UK maintains professional standards, ethical practices, and ongoing education for practitioners. They provide the necessary oversight, training accreditation, and continuing professional development opportunities for kinesiologists in the UK.

What Good Looks Like

In the context of kinesiology, an exceptional experience should encompass several key elements:

• You should feel a sense of comfort and trust from the moment your session begins. Your practitioner ought to create a calm, non-judgmental environment where you feel at ease to explore your body’s responses.
• The session should start with your practitioner explaining the process of muscle testing and demonstrating it to you. You may be asked to hold your arm out while the practitioner applies gentle pressure, helping you understand how the testing works.
• Throughout the session, you should experience a deep sense of connection between your mind and body. Your practitioner should guide you to pay attention to subtle changes in your muscle responses, enhancing your body awareness.
• You ought to feel actively involved in the process. Your practitioner should encourage you to voice any sensations, emotions, or thoughts that arise during the muscle testing, as these can provide valuable insights.
• The muscle testing should feel gentle yet precise. You may notice that your muscles respond differently when various points on your body are touched or when certain statements are made. This process should feel intriguing rather than uncomfortable.
• Your practitioner should explain their findings clearly, helping you understand the connections between your muscle responses and potential imbalances in your body. You should feel that you’re gaining new insights into your health and wellbeing.
• During the session, you may experience moments of revelation or ‘aha’ experiences as hidden stressors or imbalances are uncovered. These moments can feel deeply enlightening and empowering.
• Your practitioner should use a variety of techniques to address any imbalances found. These might include gentle physical adjustments, nutritional advice, or emotional stress release techniques. You should feel that the approach is holistic, addressing your health on multiple levels.
• By the end of the session, you should feel a noticeable shift in your energy and overall sense of wellbeing. Many people report feeling lighter, more balanced, and more in tune with their bodies after a kinesiology session.

Remember, a truly effective kinesiology experience should feel like a journey of self-discovery, helping you to explore and understand your body’s innate wisdom in new and enlightening ways. You should leave feeling more empowered and equipped with insights to support your ongoing health and wellbeing.

What to Ask a Practitioner

Key questions to ask when choosing an exceptional Systematic Kinesiology practitioner:

How do you tailor your approach to individual clients’ needs?

Desired answer: Look for a practitioner who emphasizes personalization, mentioning how they assess each client’s unique health status across multiple systems and adapt their treatment accordingly.

Can you explain your process for identifying and addressing imbalances using muscle testing?

Desired answer: An exceptional practitioner should be able to explain their method for conducting muscle tests and interpreting the results. They might mention how they use this information to guide treatment decisions.

How do you integrate different aspects of health (mental, emotional, physical, nutritional) in your treatment approach?

Desired answer: Look for a practitioner who demonstrates a holistic understanding of health, discussing how they address imbalances across multiple systems.

Can you describe your approach to client education and empowerment?

Desired answer: The practitioner should emphasize teaching clients about their body’s needs and providing tools for self-care between sessions.

How do you stay updated with the latest research and developments in kinesiology?

Desired answer: Look for a practitioner who demonstrates a commitment to ongoing education and professional development.

Key items that MUST be included in a Systematic Kinesiology practitioner’s approach:

• A thorough initial assessment using muscle testing and other diagnostic tools
• Clear explanation of the kinesiology process and what to expect during sessions
• Integration of multiple aspects of health (mental, emotional, physical, nutritional, energetic)
• Emphasis on client education and empowerment
• Use of a variety of treatment techniques based on individual needs
• Focus on supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms

Self-Study Resources

Here are some recommended resources if you’re interested in learning more Systematic Kinesiology:

Books

Kinesiology for Balanced Health Volume 1, Part 1 – This 144-page textbook contains over sixty-four safe and powerful techniques for laypeople and healthcare professionals, providing a comprehensive introduction to Systematic Kinesiology.

Applied Kinesiology: Muscle Response in Diagnosis, Therapy, and Preventive Medicine by Tom Valentine and Carole Valentine – This practical guide explores kinesiology as a diagnostic tool, detailing how muscle response can help identify underlying physical problems and improve overall health.

Principles of Kinesiology: What it is, how it works, and what it can do for you by Maggie La Tourelle with Anthea Courtenay – This introductory guide explains the fundamentals of kinesiology, combining muscle testing with principles of Chinese medicine to assess energy and body function, making it an excellent resource for anyone interested in holistic health.

Online Resources

YouTube Channel: The Academy of Systematic Kinesiology – Offers videos demonstrating kinesiology techniques to improve health and well-being, presented by Claire Muller, the Principal of the Academy. Visit their channel for more insights into Systematic Kinesiology.

Website: TASK-UK Network – Provides resources, including streamed videos of Systematic/Applied Kinesiology muscle tests, which are useful for learning and practicing kinesiology techniques.

YouTube Channel: Kinesiology Institute – Offers videos on a range of kinesiology topics, providing educational content and practical demonstrations to enhance your understanding of kinesiology practices.

Related Therapies

Tai Chi (MOD157): A Chinese martial art practiced for both defence training and health benefits, including stress reduction and improved balance.

Osteopathy (MOD121): A system of medicine that emphasises the physical manipulation of muscle tissue and bones to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury, based on the principle that the body’s systems are interconnected and capable of self-regulation and self-healing.

Biofeedback (MOD136): Biofeedback is a technique that uses electronic monitoring of bodily processes to train individuals to gain voluntary control over physical and mental functions typically considered involuntary.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (MOD167): An ancient medical system that includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, exercise, and dietary therapy.

Reiki (MOD142): A Japanese energy healing technique that involves channelling universal life force energy through gentle or no touch. Reiki can be combined with sound healing to enhance relaxation and energy flow.

Physiotherapy (MOD207): A healthcare profession that assesses, diagnoses, treats, and works to prevent disease and disability through physical means, using evidence-based techniques to promote movement, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

Rolfing (MOD096): A form of bodywork that reorganises the connective tissues to realign and balance the body.

Pranic Healing (MOD132): An energy healing system that uses prana (life force) to balance, harmonize and transform the body’s energy processes.

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