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Kinesiology

Kinesiology: A Complete Guide to Muscle Monitoring and Holistic Healing

Last Edited: Sep 2025

What is Kinesiology and How Does It Work?

Kinesiology is a holistic approach to wellness that looks at your body and mind as an integrated whole. It uses muscle monitoring, also known as biofeedback, to identify and relieve imbalances whether they're physical, emotional, psychological, or energetic.

This powerful therapeutic modality works on the principle that your muscles can provide valuable information about what's happening in your subconscious mind and how various stressors are affecting your body. Through gentle muscle testing, kinesiologists can pinpoint exactly where stress and imbalances are located in your system and determine the most effective way to address them.

Kinesiologists identify imbalances or stress in your system and relieve these through a combination of Western and Eastern practices. They may monitor one muscle or a combination of muscles to accurately define where the stress in your body or energetic field is located, as well as what emotions may be underlying the pattern. They then test for what's needed to correct the imbalance.

Your practitioner may use techniques such as vibrational medicine, holding acupressure points, using flower essences, nutritional remedies, structural corrections, counselling or sound tools to shift emotions, limiting beliefs and unblock stagnant energy pathways, bringing your system back to homeostasis.

While kinesiologists don't diagnose medical conditions, they focus on restoring balance to your body's natural internal energies to allow it to heal itself. This approach respects your body's innate wisdom and ability to self-regulate when given the right support.

Origin and History of Kinesiology

Research into kinesiology began in the 1960s when Dr. George Goodheart DC made a groundbreaking discovery that muscle monitoring could be used to gather information from the body about what's happening in the subconscious mind, which can affect underlying causes of health issues.

Dr. Goodheart, a chiropractor, noticed that testing the strength of specific muscles could reveal information about organ function, nutritional deficiencies, and emotional stress. This observation formed the foundation of Applied Kinesiology, which revolutionised how practitioners could assess and treat health imbalances.

Since then, kinesiology has evolved into a well-recognised therapy that's practised in over 100 countries and is gaining popularity all over the world. Various branches have developed, including Touch for Health, Educational Kinesiology, and Specialised Kinesiology, each bringing unique applications and techniques to the field.

The therapy has grown from its chiropractic roots to become a comprehensive healing system that integrates principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutrition, psychology, and energy medicine. This evolution has made kinesiology one of the most versatile and effective holistic therapies available today.

Benefits of Kinesiology

Kinesiology may assist in correcting physical imbalances as well as promoting overall wellbeing, and can focus on areas of personal development, shifting through stagnant energy patterns that have been holding you back.

The natural, non-invasive approach to wellness that kinesiology offers has been known to provide excellent results for many people across a remarkably wide range of conditions.

Kinesiology can benefit conditions such as:

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: Anxiety, depression, fears and phobias, limiting beliefs, trauma, confidence issues, and finding your purpose in life.
Physical Health Concerns: Physical pain issues, fatigue, digestive issues, cardiovascular issues, autoimmune issues, immune system issues, hormonal imbalances, reproductive health, sleep problems, eczema, and psoriasis.
Cognitive Function: Brain function, concentration or learning difficulties, and overall mental clarity.
Lifestyle Challenges: Addiction, allergy management, energy levels, and weight loss support.

The holistic nature of kinesiology means it addresses not just your symptoms but the underlying patterns and imbalances that may be contributing to multiple issues simultaneously. Many clients find that as one area improves, other aspects of their health naturally improve as well.

What a Typical Kinesiology Session Looks Like

When you attend your first kinesiology session, your practitioner will discuss any issues and take a comprehensive history that covers many aspects of your health. Your kinesiologist will then help you define what you'd like to achieve from the treatment. Don't worry if you don't know exactly what you want—many people come to their first session lacking clarity, and your practitioner is skilled at helping you identify what needs attention.

Most of your treatment takes place whilst you lie fully clothed on a massage table. Your kinesiologist uses muscle testing in combination with acupressure points (without needles) to determine where there are imbalances in your energetic system. They may test one muscle or a combination of muscles to accurately define where stress is located within your system.

When stress is located, your kinesiologist may use a number of techniques such as vibrational medicine including holding acupoints, using flower essences or sound tools to correct the imbalance and unblock stagnant energy pathways, helping restore balance to your system.

Your kinesiologist may find that emotional stress is a contributing factor in the imbalance, so they may have a chat with you about this to help you become aware of how it relates to the problem. When emotional stress is brought into conscious awareness, it's so much easier to integrate and release.

Your session should then finish with a summary of what's taken place and some tools and techniques to be implemented, or lifestyle changes which may be necessary for your healing and wellbeing. This integration piece is crucial for ensuring the work continues between sessions.

Kinesiology Session Aftercare

Aftercare following a kinesiology session is an important part of the overall process, as it allows your body and mind to integrate and respond to the changes that have been made during the session.

It's recommended to follow any advice given by your kinesiologist that may help support your body and energetic system as it adjusts to the shifts that have occurred.

One common aftercare recommendation is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This can help flush out any toxins or energetic build-up that may have been released during the session, and it can also support your body's natural healing processes.

Some people may experience mild side effects, such as fatigue, headache, or emotional release after a kinesiology session, so it's important to listen to your body and rest if needed. These reactions are usually temporary and indicate that your body is processing and integrating the changes.

In addition to physical aftercare, you may like to set aside time for self-care activities, such as meditation, yoga, or journalling, to help process any emotions or insights that may have come up during the session. This conscious integration can significantly enhance the benefits of your treatment.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Kinesiology

Kinesiology, as a holistic therapy, integrates principles from both Western and Eastern medicine to promote overall wellbeing. While its primary tool, muscle monitoring, may seem unconventional to some, there's ongoing research exploring its efficacy and mechanisms.

Research into muscle monitoring suggests it reflects changes in autonomic nervous system activity and correlates with emotional states, indicating potential applications in stress management and holistic health. Studies have shown that muscle response patterns can change in relation to various stimuli, including emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies, and physical imbalances.

Drawing from neurophysiology and energy medicine principles, kinesiology proposes that muscle responses offer insights into nervous system function and energy flow, aligning with concepts in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Despite varying empirical support, ongoing studies seek to standardise protocols and explore clinical applications, aiming to enhance its credibility and efficacy in promoting overall wellbeing.

The subjective improvements reported by countless clients worldwide, combined with emerging research, suggest that kinesiology offers valuable therapeutic benefits, particularly for stress-related conditions and chronic health challenges that don't respond well to conventional approaches.

How Kinesiology Complements Other Holistic Practices

Kinesiology often complements and integrates well with various other modalities, enhancing its effectiveness in addressing a wide range of health and wellness concerns.

Acupuncture: Practitioners often combine muscle monitoring with acupuncture, leveraging both disciplines' understanding of energy flow and meridian balance to create comprehensive treatment plans.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy supports kinesiology by addressing physical tension identified during sessions, promoting circulation and structural alignment that reinforces the energetic work.
Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices complement kinesiology by fostering mental clarity and emotional integration post-session, helping you maintain the shifts achieved during treatment.
Energy Healing: Modalities like Reiki further support kinesiology's goals by clearing energetic blockages and promoting balance throughout your system.
Counselling: Counselling techniques are also integrated to address underlying emotional and psychological factors, offering you deeper insight and holistic healing that extends beyond the physical.
Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine and essential oils are sometimes recommended to support your body's natural healing processes, working synergistically with the muscle monitoring and energy balancing techniques.

Together, these integrative approaches allow kinesiology to provide a comprehensive approach to wellness, addressing physical, emotional, and energetic imbalances for holistic health enhancement.

Understanding Muscle Monitoring

Muscle monitoring is the cornerstone of kinesiology practice. This technique involves applying gentle pressure to specific muscles whilst you resist that pressure. The quality of your muscle response—whether it maintains strength or weakens—provides information about underlying imbalances.

This isn't about testing your overall strength or fitness level. Instead, it's about observing how your nervous system responds to various stimuli or queries. When your body encounters stress, whether physical, emotional, or energetic, specific muscles will temporarily weaken, creating a clear biofeedback mechanism.

Your kinesiologist uses this feedback to identify which areas need attention and which techniques will be most effective for restoring balance. The process is gentle, non-invasive, and surprisingly accurate at pinpointing issues that might not be obvious through conventional assessment methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kinesiology safe?

Yes, kinesiology is a safe, non-invasive therapy suitable for people of all ages, from babies to elderly individuals. The muscle testing and balancing techniques are gentle and don't involve any forceful manipulation. However, some people may experience mild temporary side effects such as fatigue, emotional release, or headaches as their body processes and integrates the changes. These reactions are typically short-lived and are considered part of the healing process.

How many kinesiology sessions will I need?

The number of kinesiology sessions varies greatly depending on your individual circumstances, health history, and goals. Some people experience significant improvements after just one or two sessions, whilst others with more complex or long-standing issues may benefit from a series of sessions over several weeks or months. Your kinesiologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that suits your needs and budget. Many people also return for periodic maintenance sessions to support ongoing wellbeing.

What should I wear to a kinesiology session?

For a kinesiology session, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement. You'll remain fully clothed throughout the session whilst lying on a massage table, so choose something you feel relaxed in. Avoid tight jeans or restrictive clothing that might interfere with the muscle testing process.

Can children receive kinesiology treatment?

Absolutely. Kinesiology is gentle enough for babies and children of all ages. It can be particularly helpful for children experiencing learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, anxiety, sleep issues, or physical complaints. Children often respond very quickly to kinesiology because they typically have fewer layers of compensatory patterns than adults.

How much do kinesiology sessions cost?

Kinesiology sessions typically cost between $90-$180 in Australia, depending on the practitioner's experience, location, and session length. Initial consultations may be slightly more expensive as they include comprehensive health history taking and assessment. Some practitioners offer package deals for multiple sessions. You may be able to claim rebates through private health insurance under natural therapies or remedial massage, depending on your practitioner's qualifications and your level of cover.

How do I choose a kinesiologist?

Different kinesiologists have different areas of focus. For example, you might find a practitioner who specialises in Sports Kinesiology that works on structure and repairing the physical body, whereas others might focus more on personal development and energetic practices.

When choosing a kinesiologist, look for someone who's properly trained and certified through a recognised kinesiology organisation. Consider their areas of specialisation and whether these align with your needs. Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of their approach and effectiveness.

If you're unsure which practitioner is right for you, many offer free introductory calls where you can discuss your needs and get a feel for their approach. Bodhi Holistic Hub provides carefully vetted and verified kinesiologists, giving you confidence that you'll be working with qualified professionals who meet high standards of practice and care.

What's the difference between kinesiology and physiotherapy?

While both work with the body, they use very different approaches. Physiotherapy focuses primarily on physical rehabilitation through exercise, manual therapy, and movement education, typically addressing musculoskeletal issues. Kinesiology takes a holistic approach, using muscle monitoring to identify physical, emotional, and energetic imbalances, then addressing these through a combination of techniques including energy work, nutrition, and emotional release. Kinesiology considers how emotions and stress impact physical health, whereas physiotherapy focuses mainly on the physical body.

Can kinesiology help with emotional issues?

Yes, kinesiology is particularly effective for emotional and psychological concerns. Because muscle monitoring can identify stored emotional stress in your body, kinesiologists can help you release trapped emotions, transform limiting beliefs, and process unresolved trauma. Many people find that kinesiology helps them access and release emotions that have been difficult to address through talk therapy alone. The body-centred approach often provides breakthroughs where purely mental approaches haven't been successful.