We’ve all wondered at times what is going on inside our bodies, but what if we could ask the body and get direct answers… from our body. The way to get answers is through a technique called kinesiology, biofeedback or muscle testing.
How Muscle Testing Came About
Muscle testing was first developed in 1915 by Robert M. Lovett MD to discern how muscles were affected by polio. Then in 1920 Frank Chapman developed a map of neurolymphatic reflex points on which modern kinesiology is based. In 1949 a book entitled Muscles, Testing and Function written by Henry and Florence Kendall listed muscle tests to assess each muscle group and then in 1964 a kinesiology research manual was written by Michigan chiropractor George Goodheart. Goodheart put it all together by showing how one could apply Kendall’s muscle tests to areas on Chapman’s map of reflex points to assess whether organs in the body were stressed.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology, or muscle testing, is now a well-established science. It has a degree program that extends to the graduate level with a scientific foundation in chemistry, anatomy and physiology. It also brings in neuroscience and fitness and exercise science. Kinesiology uses muscle monitoring as biofeedback which can assess the causes of stress. It can be used to determine a client’s allergies or medical conditions. It can also be used to evaluate organ and gland health, nutrition and emotional, mental and spiritual health. It taps into the body’s innate awareness to pinpoint imbalances in the body.
How it is Done
Muscle testing is a safe, non-invasive, natural technique to ask the subconscious mind questions and get answers from the body’s muscular system. The test itself is fairly simple. The practitioner asks the patient a question and pushes or pulls on parts of the body, usually withfingers or an arm extended, and based on the muscular weakness or strength an answer is determined. The trick is to quiet the conscious mind of doubting and busy chatter, so that the neurological responses to questions can be detected. It is based on an all or none muscle response. A positive answer invokes a strong muscle response, while a negative answer results in a weakening of the muscle. This occurs independently of the test subject’s own opinion or knowledge of the subject. It provides an objective basis for discerning truth from falsehood, and can be verified by testing a number of random test subjects.
Interesting Fact: If the patient is not able to be muscle tested due to pain, amputation or age, a surrogate can be used in the patient’s place. This can be done with a high success rate, particularly with parents and babies.
Guidelines for Muscle Testing
Permission- Like most holistic treatments, permission must be given to do the treatment.
Two Finger Rule- So as not to use excessive force, the practitioner may only use two fingers when pressure testing the arm. The patient agrees to breathe during the muscle test. This helps create a clear connection with the subconscious.
The Now Rule- Being in the present moment is key and brings the subconscious to the forefront for the test. Making sure the body is relaxed and well hydrated.
The Truth Rule- Because questions are being asked, there is an agreement to remain in truth and allow the body to answer.
Techniques for Muscle Testing Yourself
1. Pick up a piece of fruit and observe if your body sways forward or backward. The movement is subtle. If your body sways forward, it is beneficial to eat the fruit. If it sways backward, it is probably not a good idea to eat the fruit.
2. To muscle test for supplements, pick up the bottle and hold it near your stomach and notice which way your body subtly sways.
3. A single hand muscle testing method is to make a circle with your thumb and index finger. Try to break the connection using your other hand. Place the thumb and index finger of your other hand inside the ring and try to spread them out, or link them like a chain and try to pull them apart. It may take some practice to get the pressure right. Not being able to break the circle is a positive response, breaking it is negative.
4. You can try holding your arm straight ahead of you and ask yourself a question. If it stays strong, the answer is yes. If it wants to fall, it is a no. Be aware that doing it for too long may make the arm weary leading to e a false negative.