Kinesiology
Where did Kinesiology come from?
Kinesiology shares a common origin with osteopathic medicines in Andrew Taylor Still’s study of anatomy and physiology in the late 1800’s. Osteopaths and chiropractors started to notice correlations between muscular tension and different health conditions from the 1900’s. Kinesiology was born as a modality when George Goodheart completed a detailed study of the muscle – acupuncture meridian – organ relationships in the 1970’s. Since then, kinesiology has continued to evolve whilst always including the central philosophy that our muscles are the key to creating wellbeing.
Kinesiology releases stress
In Kinesiology, the focus is on releasing unconscious stress stored in the body, mind and soul.
When a person’s body, mind and soul are in balance, the physical body’s self healing abilities are activated.
Many holistic healing modalities (including osteopathy and Chinese Medicine) include this idea. Stress is a common cause of pain, discomfort and chronic disease in the human body and can accumulate over time. It can affect the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of us. We often store stress in our subconscious to protect ourselves from pain. This is outside our conscious awareness. Unconscious stress stored in the body can look like:
- Re-occurring injury
- Fatigue and pain
- Chronic conditions
- Repeated poor relationships
- Poor food choices
- Feelings of inadequacy + low confidence
Kinesiology specifically aims to clear stress in the form of unconscious limiting beliefs, thoughts and stored emotions.
A kinesiologist #1 tool: muscle testing
Kinesiologists are trained to read subtle changes in the tension of muscles that indicate what/where/how unconscious stress is held and how to resolve it. Usually this means a release of emotion, an awareness of an unconscious desire, a decision point, and/or an action to take.
Muscle tension is also an indicator of the health of key energetic structures that nourish the physical body – meridians, chakras, nadis etc. Balancing of these aspects is integrated into every kinesiology balance.
Note: At the Fremantle Osteopathic Clinic, we practice quantum style Energetic Kinesiology. Energetic Kinesiology is different to the practice of kinesiology in North America as it addresses the health of the individuals energy body (meridians, chakras, nadis etc.) as well as the physical. ‘Kinesiology’ in America or Canada is more similar to physiotherapy. ‘Quantum style’ also means we incorporate more esoteric healing methods when the body indicates it is needed.
How are Kinesiologists trained?
Becoming an Advanced Functional Kinesiologist requires 3+ years of training at a Registered Training Organisation. This includes a requirement for 500 hours of practice prior to graduation. A referral from a doctor is not required to see a Kinesiologist.