What is kinesiology and how can it treat health concerns?

It’s an alternative therapy that claims to treat a range of health concerns but what exactly does kinesiology entail?

Many people haven’t heard of kinesiology but those who have generally rave about it.

I’ve personally seen huge improvements in my mental and physical wellbeing from seeing kinesiologists.

According to kinesiology.com.au,  kinesiology may be understood as a system of natural healthcare which combines muscle monitoring with the principles of Chinese medicine to assess energy and body function, applying a range of gentle yet powerful healing techniques to improve health, wellbeing and vitality.

Kinesiology is best included as a complimentary health treatment or natural medicine alternative along with other beneficial health practices.

My experience of kinesiology

In 2012 I needed additional support after a trifecta of challenging events – my friend died suddenly at 24, I had to move from my rental in a hurry and my relationship ended.

Although my friends and family were there for me, I needed something more. A friend recommended I visit a practitioner they see, which I thought was a counsellor of sorts and without too much enquiry, I booked. I was then introduced to kinesiology.

Had I been told that the session would involve muscle testing, tarot cards, crystals, birth date analysis, essential oils and even reiki, I probably would have said “Nope, not for me!”

But I’ve learned that kinesiology has helped connect my mind, body and spirit.

It goes deeper than physical pain, emotions and feelings. It often uncovers issues I didn’t even realise were affecting me and it’s helped me to work through challenging periods in my life.

Over the past six years, I’ve been to three different kinesiologists in three different cities. I’ve found that I connect with each practitioner in different ways, depending on where I’m at in my personal life.

Kinesiology is broad and even practitioners acknowledge that it can be hard to define. It’s unique to each person and each practitioner offers something different.

How does kinesiology work?

Holistic kinesiologist Amanda Howle said if we ask the right ‘questions’ the body will indicate what is needed.

“The body is intelligent. It has an inherent ability to return to good health (or balance),” she said.

“Kinesiology uses muscle monitoring (bio-feedback) to identify stresses or patterns in your body that may be causing dis-ease.”

Kinesiologists also incorporate a range of therapeutic techniques into their practice including acupressure, lymphatic and other reflex points, trigger and body points.

What happens in a kinesiology session?

Natalie Carden, kinesiologist at Inspiring Lives, starts her sessions with a brief chat to get to know her patient and discover what they’d like to gain from kinesiology.

She then discusses their medical history, challenges, behavioural patterns and needs.

“This gives me a picture of where we will focus the session,” she said.

Patients will often lay down, and with a goal in mind for the session, the practitioner will work on balancing the stresses that have shown. The final part of the session is usually quite relaxed and focuses on the body.

Kinesiologists work with the muscles in your body to identify which body systems are affected or out of balance to determine the underlying cause.

“What makes kinesiology a little different is that we treat the person, not the condition. When using kinesiology, we don’t assume the cause, we allow your body to reveal it and your body to change it,” Carden said.

She also points out that kinesiologists won’t work through a set of treatments for you. Instead, they work with your body and energy depending on where you are at each session.

“This allows you to grow and change through the sessions,” Carden said.

You don’t need to see a kinesiologist every week, or even every month. You can seek their treatment when you feel in need of additional support or to work through something specific, such as a traumatic life event.

How can kinesiology help?

It’s important to note that a kinesiologist will not diagnose your disorders.

“A 90-minute session every few weeks isn’t going to solve all your problems, but the journey you take as a result of what comes up in those sessions certainly helps affect change,” Howle said.

Kinesiology works with all issues, not just the psychological, said Carden.

“The added benefit of a kinesiology session is that by working with the body, it can change the way stress is stored. This can allow you another perspective or release tension that was not previously achieved through talking alone,” she said.

Is kinesiology right for me?

It may not be, and not every type of health treatment suits everyone.

However, if you can have an open mind in the pursuit of improving your wellbeing, kinesiology could be a helpful inclusion in your health plan.

If you’re curious, Howle recommends that you book a session to find out more.

“Discovering kinesiology has been life-changing for me. Through all of life’s ups and downs, I feel I’m in a better space as a result of tapping into my own inherent wisdom,” she said.

You don’t need a referral to see a kinesiologist. To find a practitioner in your local area, visit Natural Therapy Pages, The Australian Kinesiology Association, or Australian Institute of Kinesiologists.

Interested in learning more about complementary health therapies? Find out more about reiki here and Ayurveda here.