Applied Kinesiology

What is APPLIED KINESIOLOGY?

 

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a system that evaluates structural, chemical and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing combined with other standard methods of diagnosis. It uses the principle that the body is a self-maintaining, self correcting mechanism.  Assessing neuromuscular function provides additional information about the regulation of structure, chemical and mental physiology.  AK is a non-invasive system of evaluating body function that is unique in the healing arts and has become a dynamic movement in health care in its relatively short existence.  When properly applied, the outcome of an AK diagnosis will determine the best form of therapy for the patient.

The combined terms “applied” and “kinesiology” describe the basis of this system, which is the use of manual muscle testing to evaluate body function through the dynamics of the musculoskeletal system.  Typically, the applied kinesiologist looks for a muscle that tests weak and then tries to ascertain why that muscle is not functioning properly. The practitioner will then evaluate and apply the treatment that will restore that muscle's function back to normal. 
Treatments may involve specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, counseling skills, evaluating environmental irritants and various reflex procedures.
AK skills are developed and approved by the International College of Applied Kinesiology Board of Standards.  These skills are refined from many disciplines including Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Medicine, Dentistry, Acupuncture, Biochemistry, Psychology, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy etc.  Members of these professions share knowledge through the publications and conferences of the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK).

 

History of Applied Kinesiology:

In 1964 Dr. George Goodheart made the first correlation between find a weak muscle using manual muscle testing and then employing chiropractic therapy to make it stronger. His work was derived on the belief that the structural integrity of the body was an important component and indicator of the body's health and energy.   Dr. Goodheart has a unique way of looking at a patient’s problem and asking, "Why is that?" This has allowed him to correlate many different types of examination and treatment procedures into a unified method of examining and then treating many difficult patients.
Since then he has looked beyond the chiropractic profession to the fields of biomedicine, osteopathy, acupuncture, dentistry, nutrition, biochemistry, and others for methods to increase the health and well being of patients based on using the body itself as a diagnostic tool.
 

 
In Memory of Dr. George J Goodheart, DC, Founder of Applied Kinesiology
Dr Barbra Gibbons w/ Dr Goodheart in Novembe 2006 @ ICAK annual meeting

 

What is the "TRIAD OF HEALTH"?

Applied kinesiology is comprised of three parts-chemical, mental and structural factors to describe the proper balance of the major health categories.

The triad is represented by an equilateral triangle with structural health as its core and the upright sides representing chemical and mental health. When a person experiences poor health, it is because of an imbalance in one or more of these three factors. The three sides of the triangle interrelate with each other.  For example, a constant structural strain will affect one's emotions.  The emotional reactions can then interfere with digestion which can cause chemical/ nutritional deficiencies.

 

Triad of Health 

The triad of health lists the three basic causes of health problems.  They are structural, chemical, and mental, with structure as the base of the triad. Literally, all health problems, whether functional or pathological, are involved with one part or all parts of the triad. This is not new to chiropractic, as its founder, D.D. Palmer states in his text, “The Science, Art, and Philosophy of Chiropractic,” “The determining causes of disease are traumatism, poison and autosuggestion.” AK enables the doctor to evaluate the triad's functional balance and direct therapy toward the imbalanced side or sides. The physician who is aware of the triad of health, and evaluates every patient for all three sides, increases his ability to find the basic underlying cause of a patient’s health problem.
 
AK skills are developed and approved by the International College of Applied Kinesiology Board of Standards.  These skills are refined from many disciplines including Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Medicine, Dentistry, Acupuncture, Biochemistry, Psychology, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy etc.  Members of these professions share knowledge through the publications and conferences of the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK).

 

 

HOW TO ACHIEVE BALANCE & HEALTH at GIBBONS HOLISTIC

"Your health and well-being are top priority at Gibbons Holistic Chiropractic & Wellness Centre."

 

Using AK and the TRIAD OF HEALTH holistic approach, we evaluate your condition based on three major factors: structural, chemical and emotional conditions. The most common conditions necessitating treatment are:

  • Accidents
  • Sports Injuries
  • Repetitive Trauma
  • Degenerative Diseases
  • Congenital Condition
  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • Environmental Illnesses
Gibbons Holistic Chiropractic Centre treats patients of all ages, from infancy to the elderly, with a large portion of the practice devoted to pediatric and pregnancy. Our highly trained staff also works with the legal profession on work-related injuries and accident cases. Combining years of experience, the latest technological advancements and the utmost in caring, Gibbons Holistic Chiropractic Centre provides the best possible treatment.

 

 

“If you begin early in life correcting the body's imbalances, you become a healthier teenager and adult."

 
Building a Sound Structure - Having a sound structure is the basis for good health and well-being. Structural stability is important to our body's ability to function properly both physically and internally. Common conditions that result from structural imbalances are:
  • Headaches
  • Disc Injuries
  • Neck tension
  • Low Back Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Carpal Tunnel
  • TMJ
  • Joint Pain/ Bursitis
  • Whiplash
  • Sports- related pain
Through the use of Applied Kinesiology, a chiropractic technique, the doctors can determine muscle weaknesses that indicate improper alignment and nerve impairments. You will receive a variety of treatments ranging from spinal manipulation to muscle relaxation, as well as ongoing exercise programs and more. At Gibbons Holistic Chiropractic Centre, care and treatment will result in pain-free movement, proper balancing of the body's internal functions, and better overall health.
 
Creating Chemical Balance - Proper chemical balance is the second side of the Triad of Health. These are some of the many factors that can cause chemical imbalance.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies
  • Allergies
  • Environmental illnesses
  • Over exposure to Toxins
  • Improper nutrition supplementation
Too often, drugs and overcompensation mask the real condition, causing even greater damage. Symptoms and health conditions resulting from severe chemical imbalance can cause autoimmune deficiencies:
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Chronic Yeast Infections
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Inflammatory Arthritis
  • Lupus
 
In conjunction with the structural evaluation, chemical testing will provide the additional information needed to allow your body to achieve optimum performance. Once proper treatment has begun for both the structural and chemical deficiencies, you will be well on your way to achieving Balance and Health the Holistic way.
 
Healthy Mental Outlook - Increased awareness and understanding of the emotional/mental side have revealed how our mental attitude affects proper health. Research has shown that many psychiatric conditions can result from physiological malfunctions. Conditions commonly experienced are:
  • Depression
  • Hyperactivity
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Colitis
How your emotions are affecting your nervous system can be evaluated through specific chiropractic techniques. Understanding emotions and how they may adversely influence the body's function is the third and final side of the triad. At Gibbons Holistic Chiropractic Centre, we will evaluate all sides of the TRIAD OF HEALTH to determine the best methods of treatment.
 
 "AK allows us to take the "guess work" out of your healthcare and give your body exactly what it needs."