The human body is such a fascinating creation. With a basic understanding of Anatomy, one can only begin to see the delicate intricacies of how the body works. We would probably treat our bodies much better if we truly understood everything that is involved with something as “simple” as movement. Kinesiology, the study of movement (not only of the active structures, but with the passive structures too) has grown into such a diverse subject. There are so many different types of kinesiology I will be discussing Touch 4 Health, a type of applied kinesiology.

Applied kinesiology is considered to be a pseudoscience. It cannot be scientific because too much human judgement is involved. AK is typically a series of techniques used to provide information about the physical properties of the body. It is a form of alternative medicine. AK is the belief that physical, chemical, and mental imbalances are directly related to muscle dysfunction, particularly muscle inhibition. A series of muscle tests are performed on the client. The results of those tests are often used to diagnose the client. You must be licensed to practice kinesiology.

It may be interesting to note that some groups have done their own studies and found “the studies have no valid conclusion”. Many regard the practice of AK with great skepticism.

Touch 4 Health is a type of AK. The main difference is that Touch 4 Health does not use any techniques to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any “medial” condition.

The foundation of T4H is based on truth, faith, hope, and love. In this system of alternative care it is believed that “you” are “your” primary care doctor. This does not replace traditional medical care, but compliments it. It is said that the true power in T4H is the development of our sense of what we really want from our life. It is being aware of all aspects of our experiences. Good and bad, they all contribute in some way to our optimum well being.

T4H uses a series of muscle test as a primary tool, but this test is not used to treat that muscle, organ, or system. The test is used to monitor the response of the muscle as an indication of the flow and balance of the bodies “energies”. These are subtle body energies that can’t be seen. It is said that when the flow of energy throughout the body is balanced, body systems, posture, and muscles become balanced.

T4H incorporate the meridian system into the overall assessment of the body’s energies. This system is a belief that the body has 14 main meridians or energy flow pathways that run throughout the body. There are two foundation meridians, two midline meridians, and ten organ meridians.
The function meridians are the Pericardium and the triple warmer. The pericardium controls the overall circulation of body fluids. The Triple Warmer controls temp. regulation, immune response, metabolize, survival response, and passion.

The two midline meridians are the central and governing channels. These are said to be the “storage batteries” for the meridian systems energies. They also monitor the energies entering and leaving the body.

The ten organ meridians are classified as yin or yang on the basis of direction of energy flow. Yang refers to the sun and flow is from fingers to face or face to feet. Yin refers to earth, and flow if from feet to torso or torso to inside arm to fingertips. The meridians are named for the life function they are associated with.

T4H also includes the 5 element cycles in testing for energy blockages. This system consists of two energy cycles, the creation and controlling/destructive cycles. The creation or Shen cycle is also known as the mother/daughter or nourishing cycle. In a clockwise motion each element feeds the next. The control/destruction or Ko cycle is also known as the grandmother/grand daughter or governing relationship. In a clockwise motion, each element has a controlling or destructive influence to the next element. Each element has an associated meridian, emotion, sound, smell, and many other associations.

Muscle testing is the main technique in T4H used to determine the flow (or lack of) of energy. The basic principle behind the muscle testing is to contract and isolate the muscle by starting in the specified position and testing to see how well the muscle holds against gravity or manual force. By measuring the dynamic function of the muscle as an indication of energy flow you should be able to determine if there are any blockages or excessive energy flows.

It is also believed that if the energy flow to a particular muscle is weak, the opposing muscle will try to overcompensate cause tightness and knots in it. I t wont matter how much manipulation you do to the tight knotted muscle, it will keep returning to this state until the flow to the weak muscle is corrected.

There are several different techniques used to free up blockages. The main are Neurolymphatic massage, neurovascular massage, Meridian tracing, Spinal Vertebra Massage, and the acupressure holding points.

The circuit breakers of the lymphatic system are the neurolymphatic reflex points. These reflexes regulate the energy to the lymphatic system. The “switches” get turned off when the system gets overloaded. The points can usually be felt and can often be painful.

The neurovascular points are said to be associated with blood circulation. With developed sensitivity, it is said you can feel a pulse in each of the points.

The spinal vertebra reflexes reset the muscle when they are bilaterally manipulated. The reflex is activated by stretching the skin up and down over the spinous process.

To get a sense of a strong muscle, or inhibited muscle you must start the muscle testing techniques by finding an indicator muscle. Any muscle functioning normally can be the indicator muscle, but it is usually the deltoid. The client is to relax and when instructed, try to use only the muscle being tested to apply force. The amount of force should be between 2oz and 2 pounds. The resistance should be felt within 2 inches and be applied for no more than 2 seconds. It is important to remember that the physical strength of the muscle is not being tested. It is the flow of energy that we are trying to get a sense of.

A basic 14 muscle test is done by testing the main muscle from each meridian The balancing techniques are performed one at a time until the energy flow or blockage improves.

These tests and techniques can help improve the posture, improve your gait, and improve sense of balance. T4H has been amazingly effective for people suffering from specific symptoms that cannot seem to find any specific cause.
The body is what performs the healing, Nothing is beyond to power of the body’s own healing process.
If there is any interest I can provide pictures of a few basic techniques.

Very informative .