Naturopathic muscle testing, also known as manual muscle testing and applied kinesiology, is a diagnostic tool used by various health practitioners to evaluate muscle strength and identify areas in which health is compromised. The technique is traditionally used by chiropractors. Today, however, many other types of health care professionals use muscle testing, including naturopaths, physical therapists, massage therapists, general medical doctors and even dentists.
History
In "Applied Kinesiology: A Training Manual and Reference Book of Basic Principles and Practices," author Robert Frost attributes the emergence of the study of movement, or kinesiology, to the "father of biology," also known as Aristotle. Applied kinesiology was developed in the mid-1960s through the work of George J. Goodheart, a chiropractor seeking a better interpretation of his patients' physical complaints and a more effective method of corrective intervention. In addition to applying his knowledge of chiropractic principles, Goodheart studied Chinese acupuncture, nutrition, the lymphatic system and the biomechanics of traditional kinesiology.
Principles
Muscle testing is performed to detect blockages in the flow of energy between the mechanical body and the emotional self. In short, the theory behind the procedure proposes that there is no division between the structural, chemical and mental aspects of the individual. More specifically, dysfunction in an organ correlates to weakness in a specific muscle. By way of illustration, the American Cancer Society says that a naturopathic practitioner employing muscle testing might interpret a weak muscle in the chest as a sign of liver disease or that a weak muscle in the lower back is evidence of a lung problem. Similarly, there is a belief that strengthening the weakened muscle will also enhance the function of the affected organ.
Applications
Aside from detecting potential disease in organs, muscle testing is used for other diagnostic purposes. For instance, some health practitioners use muscle testing to identify food or environmental allergies by testing specific muscles while the patient is in physical contact with the substance in question. Practitioners may also use muscle testing to look for chemical imbalances, glandular disorders or nerve damage. In some cases, claims have been made that the procedure can promote the "spontaneous remission" of cancer. However, as the American Cancer Society notes, there is no clinical evidence to support this claim.
Critical Analysis
Evidence that muscle testing is an accurate diagnostic or therapeutic tool is largely anecdotal. In addition, out of the small number of studies conducted to investigate the effectiveness of muscle testing, the majority produced conflicting results. Some studies have been deemed unreliable due to poor study design. In fact, a review of the literature conducted by the International College of Applied Kinesiology found that at least 50 published studies failed to meet the standards of acceptable scientific research. This does not mean that muscle testing is not a valuable resource; it simply indicates that more research in this area is needed.
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