50TH NATIONAL TOUCH FOR HEALTH KINESIOLOGY CONFERENCE

Muscle testing as an assessment tool can guide the practitioner to determine the nature of imbalances and the therapeutic priority. The art and skill of muscle testing is important in having consistent, accurate and replicable results. Being a skill that underlies all the energy kinesiology methods, learning precision muscle testing is an essential ingredient in having successful results. This workshop will teach not only the basics, but will also fine tune the art of muscle testing with hands on instruction of the physical skill and the art of communicating the process. We will also explore some of the key factors in assuring a high level of quality, consistency and accuracy in muscle testing.

Background

Muscle testing is a kind of body biofeedback that can be used to evaluate changes in the body's subtle energy field. Manual muscle testing has been used for over 50 years by doctors and physical therapists to evaluate muscle function. In the 1960s, Dr. George Goodheart utilized muscle testing as a diagnostic tool to assess muscle, nerve and meridian energy connections. More than just a diagnostic procedure his discoveries led to the creation of a new system of healing that we now know as Applied Kinesiology.

In addition to assessing the strength of an individual muscle’s response, muscle testing can be used to assess the body's energetic response to specific stimuli. All types of stress (biochemical, electromagnetic, physical, emotional, mental) impact on the body's energy field and subsequently register on the nervous system, creating a change in muscle response, which we can monitor through muscle testing. That can be useful information when one wants to personalize a session to show someone their individualized response to stress or potential corrective technique.

The technique of muscle testing involves applying slow, gradual pressure against the body. Specific muscles are tested starting in contraction and pushed towards extension; that is the opposite direction of how they normally function. The degree or amount of pressure applied is not as critical as the gradualness and consistency of the pressure. Smooth, gentle pressure will give one the greatest clarity of results. The amount of time applying pressure is approximately 2-3 seconds. This seems to be the optimal amount of time to see if the muscle is able to hold that position or whether it "gives", without fatiguing the muscle. The purpose in muscle testing is to be able to see the difference in muscle strength and performance. It is often used as a measure of feedback on how the body is responding to a specific stimuli.

Communication

After one understands the purpose of muscle testing and how to do it, it's important to be able to successfully communicate that to others. Using kinesiology is like speaking a new language which many students may not discover until they get outside of the classroom when they try to explain it to their friends and family. Explaining




 

the process and how you want the other person to respond when being tested is as much an art as the actual physical technique.

When one muscle tests someone for the first time, in addition to explaining the purpose of muscle testing and how it is done, it is also important to let that person know what is expected of them. Letting them know that its their job to "hold" the position as the muscle receives pressure against it, but that if the muscle "gives" that "its ok to let it go." Personally, I never use the word "resist" unless you intend to engage in a contest of strength. Showing them what the muscle will feel like when it unlocks by pushing together the spindle cell in the belly of the muscle is a useful way to help them sense the difference in muscle response ahead of time.

You can also teach someone how to muscle test you. One of the most important things to remember when coaching someone, especially if it is their first time, is to always give positive feedback. Instead of "don't push so hard" say "push more gently and smoothly." Be sure to reframe what they're not doing right, into what or how they could do it better. Always keep your feedback supportive, as that will help to engender confidence and enthusiasm.

In the early stages of learning muscle testing it is quite helpful to get hands on supervision by an experienced kinesiology teacher. Not all kinesiologists practice the same nor do they test the same, so be aware of that. Look at their background and skill level if you are looking to learn from them. Those who have mastery with the skill will test with smooth, consistent pressure and show a refinement in their skill. Taking some classes where muscle testing is taught, not just used, is important if you are serious to learn the skill well. Repetition and getting feedback in the early stages will help one learn the basics without having to unlearn any bad habits later. My personal recommendation would be to take a class in Touch for Health Kinesiology that focuses considerable time on the actual skill of muscle testing as a part of its basic curriculum.

Testing Procedure

The following is a procedure that can be used when muscle testing to help assure a greater level of accuracy and consistency.

A. Preparation