Neural kinesiology is an approach to alternative healing that seeks to combine elements of other methods into an effective and cohesive therapy. Blending the basics of American kinesiology and the neural therapy employed in parts of Europe, neural kinesiology addresses healing in four important areas – psychological, structural, neurological, and biochemical. Proponents of the therapy claim that this approach to health and healing is successful because it addresses the whole person, rather than focusing on one or two areas.
Sometimes referred to as Autonomic Response Testing, the development of neural kinesiology is attributed to the work of Louisa Williams and Dietrich Klinghardt. The main focus is to determine the current status of the autonomic nervous system and its role in current health ailments associated with the patient. When the system is found to not be functioning at normal levels, this approach can help to identify underlying causes for the ailments, making treatment more focused.
One of the key tools used in neural kinesiology is known as the muscle test. This example of bodywork seeks to diagnose ailments by touching what is known as indicator muscles. These muscles are located in the general area of the discomfort. While the muscles would normally respond to the touch with a certain degree of resistance, the response will be somewhat weak and indicate the presence of a health issue. The idea is that the ailment interrupts the natural flow of energy through the body and that the blockages can be isolated and corrected using elements of the American kinesiology procedures when coupled with elements of European neural therapy.
Once specific ailments are identified, it is possible for the physician to begin the treatment process. Just about any type of physician can make use of neural kinesiology as part of the diagnosis process. Traditional health professionals as well as alternative practitioners can learn the basics of the therapy and apply them when appropriate.
While many medical professionals around the world utilize neural kinesiology, there is not a consensus on the effectiveness of the approach. Opponents of neural kinesiology point out that the approach does not always lead to an accurate diagnosis, while proponents point to situations where the therapy was able to identify health issues that could not be diagnosed using traditional methods.
