Kinesiology is a method of maintaining health by ensuring that all the muscles in the body are working properly. Each of the muscles is believed to be connected to a specific part of the body, such as the digestive system, blood circulation, and specific organs. If a muscle is not working properly, it will cause a problem in its related body part.

Kinesiology originated in 1964 and was developed by an American chiropractor named George Goodheart. While treating a patient for severe leg pain, he discovered that massaging a particular muscle in the upper leg relieved the pain while also strengthening the muscle. However, when he used the same method on different muscles, the results were not the same. Previous research by an osteopath named Dr. Chapman found that there were certain “pressure points” in the body that were connected to particular muscles. Chapman found out which point was connected to which particular muscle and found that when he had massaged the patient’s upper leg muscle, the pain had subsided. The pressure point of that leg muscle was the only one above the actual muscle. All other points were not close to the part of the body with which they were connected.

In the 1930s, an osteopath named Terence Bennett claimed that there were similar pressure points located on the skull. If light pressure were applied to these pressure points, it could help blood flow to related organs. George Goodheart tested this claim and found that applying fingertip pressure for just a few seconds improved the strength of a particular muscle. He was able to locate sixteen points on the head, the back of the knee, and the sternum that were all linked to major muscle groups. To further her studies, Goodheart turned to acupuncture, which is a form of healing that also makes use of certain points on the body but that run along pathways known as meridians. He concluded that these meridians could be used for both muscles and organs. The paths used in kinesiology are exactly the same as the paths used for acupuncture.

A physical therapist will examine a patient and try to find out if there is a physical disorder, lack of energy, or poor diet that is causing problems. When the problem areas have been located, a light massage will be applied to the corresponding pressure points (usually not near the associated muscles). In kinesiology it is held that the use of pressure points works because blood flow to the muscles is stimulated. This will ensure that a supply of lymph is also generated; Lymph is a watery fluid that removes toxins from the tissues. As with acupuncture, it is believed that there is an invisible flow of energy that runs through the body. When this flow of energy is interrupted because a person is sick or under stress, the body will become weak because not enough energy is being produced. Testing the strength of the muscles will provide information about the flow of energy and help assess the general health of the patient. It is claimed that by finding any imbalance and correcting it, Kinesiology can be used as a preventative therapy. If a person feels tired all the time, it is believed that this condition is made worse by the slow flow of internal body fluids, such as blood circulation. Kinesiologists can treat this problem by stimulating the flow of lymph and blood by massaging the pressure points.

It is claimed that kinesiology can be beneficial for those who suffer from phobias or irrational fears. An example of this is the recommendation that the bone below the eye be tapped at the level of the pupil. Neck and back pain can be treated without manipulating the joints. Massaging the muscle on the inner thigh can be beneficial for weak muscles as they are the cause of back pain.

Kinesiology is also used by professionals in homeopathy, herbalism and osteopathy. Therefore, if there is a problem related to the ligaments, muscles, or bones, it may be advisable to contact an osteopath or chiropractor who is also qualified in kinesiology. If the problem is emotional or mental in nature, then it may be advisable to contact a psychotherapist or counselor who also practices kinesiology.