Kinesiology

Kinesiology, founded in the 1960s in the United States by Dr. George Goodheart, is a therapeutic approach based on a fascinating principle: our muscles directly reflect our emotions and our overall state of health.

At Hello Soins, we are noticing growing interest in this discipline, which helps resolve emotional blockages, better manage stress, and improve athletic and intellectual performance. What exactly does kinesiology treat? This gentle method also proves effective against phobias and addictions, thanks to techniques such as acupressure, abdominal breathing exercises, and visualization methods.

In this article, we explore the origins, fundamental principles, and different types of kinesiology. In particular, we will see how painless muscle tests make it possible to assess muscle tone and why sessions, lasting from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, are personalized according to each person’s needs.

Origins and foundations of kinesiology

The term "kinesiology" comes from the Greek "kinesis," meaning "movement." This therapeutic approach developed from a holistic vision that establishes deep connections between our body, our emotions, and our overall well-being.

The birth of the discipline in the 1960s

Kinesiology emerged at the crossroads of Western physiology and traditional Chinese energetics. This relatively recent discipline in France has its roots in the United States in the 1960s. Initially focused on the study of interactions between muscles, the nervous system, and vital energy, kinesiology gradually developed into a method for the overall balancing of the person.

In 1964, a revolutionary discovery marked the official birth of this discipline. At that time, careful observations made it possible to establish that a muscle’s strength could be influenced by energetic imbalances and corrected through precise stimulations. This innovative approach quickly gained popularity among therapists, becoming a benchmark in the field of alternative care.

The role of Dr. George Goodheart

Dr. George Joseph Goodheart (1918–2008), an American chiropractor who graduated from the National College of Chiropractic in Chicago in 1939, is universally recognized as the founder of modern kinesiology. After serving in the Air Force during World War II, he resumed an active practice in the 1960s.

While treating his patients, Goodheart made a crucial observation: a lack of muscle tone is often linked to an organ that is energetically out of balance. This discovery led him to develop "applied kinesiology," a method that integrates concepts from traditional Chinese medicine and functional anatomy.

He then deepened his knowledge of the acupuncture meridian system, neuro-lymphatic reflex points, and energy flows. His pioneering work even led him to accompany the U.S. Olympic team in 1979 at the Winter Games in Lake Placid, making him the first Olympic chiropractor.

The link between muscle tone and well-being

The fundamental principle established by Goodheart is based on the idea that "the body never lies." According to this approach, our muscles act as a mirror of our emotions and health. Indeed, in a stressed or unwell person, muscle tension is affected.

Dr. Goodheart therefore developed muscle testing, a technique that makes it possible to identify muscles showing a lack of tone. This direct communication with the muscles provides access to the body’s emotional memory. Kinesiology postulates that:

• The weakness or illness of an organ necessarily affects muscle tone

• Identifying a specific muscle weakness and correcting it makes it possible to eliminate a physical or mental imbalance

• The body has a natural capacity for self-healing when it regains its energetic balance

This holistic approach aims to place the human being back into their entirety and is part of a dynamic of empowerment and responsibility.

How does kinesiology work?

At the heart of kinesiology practice lies a privileged dialogue with the body, making it possible to access information that the mind alone could not reveal. This unique method uses specific techniques to identify and correct energetic imbalances.

Muscle testing: principle and objectives

Muscle testing is the fundamental tool of the kinesiologist, comparable to a compass guiding the exploration of imbalances. Indeed, this technique is based on a simple principle: when a person is faced with stress, the tone of their muscles temporarily weakens.

Concretely, the practitioner chooses an "indicator" muscle, often located in the arm for practical reasons. They ask the client to hold a position while applying slight pressure. At the same time, they mention a subject, an emotion, or a particular situation. If the arm "drops" or "unlocks," this indicates a disturbed energy flow related to that specific subject.

This muscular reaction is not intentional but controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Thus, muscle testing makes it possible to bypass the conscious mind and gain direct access to the body’s memory and emotional blockages.

Techniques used: acupressure, Brain Gym, visualization

After identifying the imbalances, the kinesiologist has a range of techniques to correct them:

• Touch for Health, developed by Dr. John Thie, uses manual muscle testing to balance the acupuncture meridians

• Brain Gym, created by Paul Dennison, offers 26 simple movements that improve learning, concentration, and memory

• The Three in One Concepts method works on deep emotions and their impact on our belief system

Other commonly used techniques include stimulation of acupressure points, meridian tracing, eye movements, visualization, and emotional release. All of these approaches aim to release stress stored in the body and mind.

Holistic body-mind approach

Kinesiology stands out for its holistic vision, which considers the human being in their entirety. This method simultaneously takes into account the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of the person.

Each session begins with a discussion in which the client expresses their issue. The practitioner then uses muscle testing to understand how the body reacts to different stimuli. This approach makes it possible to identify the deep, often unconscious, origin of the imbalances, and then to apply the appropriate corrections to restore body-mind harmony.

Kinesiology therefore offers a unique way of accessing our innate bodily wisdom, allowing us to unlock our potential for well-being.

The different types of kinesiology

In the field of kinesiology, several branches have developed over the decades, each with its own specificities and framework of practice. These different approaches meet varied needs and target distinct audiences.

Applied kinesiology: reserved for health professionals

Professional applied kinesiology represents the original branch, developed by Dr. Goodheart in 1964. This practice is strictly reserved for qualified health professionals who have completed at least 3,500 hours of training, notably physicians, chiropractors, dentists, and osteopaths. In France, this approach has only a few dozen practitioners.

Training is provided by the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) according to rigorous standards. To reach the advanced level (DIBAK), more than 300 additional hours of training are required, along with the writing of research papers and passing oral and written exams.

In this approach, the practitioner uses kinesiology as a complementary tool within their original field of expertise. Muscle testing is integrated into standard clinical examinations to treat mainly neuro-musculoskeletal disorders and certain functional imbalances.

Non-therapeutic kinesiology: caution and oversight

There is also a so-called "non-therapeutic" kinesiology, accessible to anyone without prior qualifications in the health field. This training requires a minimum of 600 hours of study, validated by theoretical and practical exams.

However, caution is needed regarding the quality of training. Some schools offer correspondence courses that are sometimes insufficient, while others do not meet the minimum required number of hours. To ensure quality support, it is recommended to check that the practitioner is registered with the French Federation of Kinesiology or the National Union of Kinesiologists.

Common methods include Touch for Health, Brain Gym (Edu-kinesiology), and Three in One Concepts, each having developed its own protocols and techniques.

Recognition and medical limitations

Finally, recognition of kinesiology varies considerably from country to country. In Switzerland, it has a federal diploma and is reimbursed by supplementary insurance. In Denmark, teachers can officially use it to improve students’ learning, while in Austria, 90% of the population is familiar with the practice.

In France, the situation is more nuanced. INSERM, in its 2017 report, concluded that "neither professional applied kinesiology nor energy kinesiology has, to date, proven its effectiveness." Muscle testing, the fundamental tool of this approach, has not scientifically demonstrated its reproducibility or diagnostic validity.

The potential risks identified concern in particular the practitioner’s positioning and the possibility of undue influence. However, these risks are less present in applied kinesiology practiced by health professionals working within a regulated framework.

What does kinesiology treat?

Considered a holistic approach to well-being, kinesiology is aimed at anyone seeking to improve their quality of life, regardless of age. This non-therapeutic practice acts upstream, on the individual’s health and well-being, and is seen as an educational and preventive approach.

Stress and emotion management

Kinesiology particularly excels in stress and emotion management. Thanks to muscle testing, the practitioner can quickly detect present and past emotions and energetic states that cause weaknesses. Since body and mind are intrinsically linked, any emotional disturbance can manifest as physical weaknesses.

This method makes it possible, in particular, to identify the emotional blockages that hinder our fulfillment. By releasing these held-back emotions, kinesiology promotes a state of emotional balance and a sense of overall well-being. People suffering from anxiety, sleep disorders, or burnout thus find effective support.

Improving school and sports performance

In the educational field, kinesiology offers valuable tools. Brain Gym, developed in the United States by Paul Dennison, offers 26 simple movements that greatly improve our ability to learn. Some help release tension to concentrate better, others promote understanding or stimulate both hemispheres of the brain.

For athletes, kinesiology also offers significant benefits. In particular, it can boost performance, promote recovery, and manage competition-related stress. A Quebec school that introduced a sports program achieved a graduation rate about 15% higher than the provincial average, with an absenteeism rate of less than 1%.

Support for personal development

Kinesiology is an effective tool for personal development. It works on several fundamental aspects:

• Self-esteem and self-confidence

• A sense of identity and competence

• Release from defense and avoidance mechanisms

• Resolution of procrastination problems

By identifying and correcting energetic imbalances, this approach helps realign body and mind, promoting a life more aligned with our values and personal aspirations.

Support for phobias and addictions

When it comes to phobias, kinesiology offers an interesting approach. The practitioner uses muscle testing to look for the origin of traumas often rooted in childhood. The Brain Gym technique proves particularly suitable for effectively combating phobias.

Regarding addictions, kinesiology helps support the person in their process of change. By working on physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual resources, it helps understand the mechanisms of dependence in order to better free oneself from them.

However, it is important to note that INSERM, in its 2017 report, concluded that neither professional applied kinesiology nor energy kinesiology has, to date, scientifically proven its effectiveness.

Conclusion

Kinesiology undoubtedly represents a fascinating approach to well-being that is gradually gaining popularity. Indeed, this discipline builds remarkable bridges between our body, our emotions, and our overall health. Muscle testing, the cornerstone of this practice, provides access to valuable information often inaccessible to our conscious awareness.

Thus, kinesiology offers a particularly broad field of application. It helps notably with managing daily stress, overcoming emotional blockages, and improving both intellectual and athletic performance. Although its effectiveness has not yet received full scientific validation according to INSERM, many people testify to the benefits they derive from it.

Nevertheless, it is important to remember the importance of consulting qualified practitioners. The distinction between applied kinesiology, reserved for health professionals, and non-therapeutic kinesiology must be clearly understood. Consequently, choosing a certified kinesiologist remains essential in order to fully benefit from this approach.

At Hello Soins, we observe the growing interest in alternative medicine, of which kinesiology is a part. Our platform precisely facilitates connections between patients and qualified practitioners. Thanks to our premium service, patients gain access to the best available appointment slots while practitioners benefit from increased visibility and effective management tools.

Ultimately, whether you are looking to better manage your stress, improve your performance, or simply regain overall balance, kinesiology could be an appropriate response to your needs. This gentle method, centered on listening to the body, reminds us of the importance of a holistic approach to well-being in our modern society, which is often disconnected from bodily sensations.