Applied kinesiology (Goodheart)

Domain XII · Complementary, energy & biofield · George J. Goodheart Jr. · 1964

What it is

ICAK traces AK to 1964, when the chiropractor George J. Goodheart Jr. observed that postural distortion was usually associated with muscles that "test weak", and that applying an appropriate therapy made those muscles test strong and changed the posture. Goodheart is described as using "the body…

Format

• Session number and course length: not specified in the sources.
• Format: woven into ordinary sessions, usually one focused session plus brief check-ins; longer work when AK use is tied to health anxiety, restrictive eating or a high-control group (see Domain II).

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• Regulation and status, one line each.
• USA: AK is not a licensed profession in itself; it is practised mainly within state-licensed chiropractic, and ICAK membership is professional, not a licence.
• UK: kinesiology practice is not statutorily regulated; advertisers may not make diagnosis or treatment claims without robust evidence (CAP Code rule 12.1) or discourage essential treatment (rule 12.2). NICE advises against kinesiology ("muscle testing") for diagnosing food allergy in children.

Evidence status, as the guide reports it

• Evidence status: controlled studies found AK no better than random guessing for nutrient status (Kenney et al. 1988), and a chiropractic review concluded the evidence does not support MMT for diagnosing organic disease (Haas et al. 2007); proponents dispute this (Cuthbert & Goodheart 2007).

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• self-blame, minimisation, the client returning to the practitioner out of obligation. Working: the client feels believed and makes an informed choice about reporting.
• the client feeling rejected; the therapist's own skepticism or enthusiasm leaking into the conversation. Working: the boundary is clear and the alliance stays intact.
• a sense of being "read" by the practitioner that leaves the client dependent on the test for everyday choices; any report of non-consensual or sexual touch (respond as in 4.9). Working: the client…
• the client fearing retaliation or community fallout; reporting that would breach confidentiality without consent. Working: the client chooses a route with full information, and safeguarding duties…
• hesitation or apology (signals expected judgement); test results being treated as diagnoses ("I tested intolerant to wheat"); children being tested; testing done remotely or through another person.…

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.