From the Research
Applied kinesiology is not recommended as a reliable diagnostic or treatment method. It is an alternative medicine technique that uses muscle testing to supposedly diagnose health problems and determine appropriate treatments. Practitioners claim they can identify nutritional deficiencies, allergies, and other health issues by testing muscle strength while a patient is exposed to various substances. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of applied kinesiology for diagnosing or treating any medical condition, as noted in studies such as 1 and 2.
The practice involves a practitioner applying pressure to a patient's extended arm while the patient holds a substance (like a vitamin or food item) or thinks about a particular concept. The idea is that if the muscle "goes weak," it indicates a problem related to that substance or thought. However, this method is highly subjective and prone to bias from both the practitioner and patient.
Some studies, such as 3 and 4, discuss the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for musculoskeletal pain, but they do not provide evidence to support the effectiveness of applied kinesiology. In fact, 5 highlights the importance of evidence-based treatments for chronic pain management, and applied kinesiology is not mentioned as a recommended treatment.
While applied kinesiology is generally considered harmless when used alone, it can be potentially dangerous if it leads to delays in seeking proper medical care or if it's used to replace evidence-based treatments. The technique is not taught in medical schools and is not part of standard medical practice. If you have health concerns, it's always best to consult with a licensed medical professional who uses scientifically validated diagnostic methods and treatments.
Key points to consider:
- Applied kinesiology is not a recommended diagnostic or treatment method
- There is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness
- It can be potentially dangerous if it leads to delays in seeking proper medical care
- Evidence-based treatments should always be prioritized for chronic pain management, as noted in 5