What is Reflexive Kinesiology Muscle Testing?
- lisa039464
- Mar 20
- 5 min read
The mind and body are interconnected in every aspect, and any disconnect will affect our physical and emotional state. Therefore, when performing preliminary assessments we must consider the body as one unit, to address issues. By treating the body as one entity we can help relieve stress, cognitive issues, and physical dysfunctions more effectively. We look beyond the symptoms and check within the body to see discover “unbalances”. Our bodies give us an enormous amount of information if we take the time to listen.
Muscles as Biofeedback Tools
When we monitor muscle tension using information provided by the subconscious through a biofeedback tool, subtle changes can indicate the nervous system’s direct response to stimulus. By using this mechanism, we can determine if the subconscious and the nervous system consider the stimulus a threat, or normal function. As a brain integration practitioner, I am able to learn what the nervous system likes and dislikes. The result shows what correction can be done to resolve the unbalance. Our ultimate goal is to provide the individual with a greater sense of wellness.
Muscle monitoring is a technique used to gain information from the subconscious mind by using certain muscles as biofeedback tools. Subtle changes in muscle tension indicate the nervous system’s direct response to a stimulus. This biofeedback mechanism can be used to determine if the subconscious mind and the nervous system consider this stimulus to be safe or a threat to normal function. The muscle’s response is used to learn what your nervous system likes and doesn’t like, as well as what is needed to resolve the imbalance. As a brain integration practitioner, I am able to use this information to customize corrections regarding this issue. Our ultimate goal is to support changes in the body, mind, and spirit to progress the client towards optimal function.
GLOSSARY
Stimulus- Something that rouses or incites to activity: such as an agent (such as an environmental change) that directly influences the activity of a living organism or one of its parts (as by exciting a sensory organ, evoking muscular contraction or glandular secretion)
Stimuli, in bioenergetic kinesiology, are often things like a memory, emotion, cognitive task, body movement, or a food sample. Some stimuli are processed and integrated easily by the brain and body without any stressful response. Some cause a stress response, or a resistance in the system, and must be addressed.
Resistance- 1. impeding block preventing optimal function 2. Bio-electrical connection interruptions preventing optimal function.
Stress/stressor- Constraining force or influence: such as a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.
In the bioenergetic kinesiology context we use the word “stress” or “stressor” for anything that is causing the body, brain, or mind to work in a “glitchy” or inefficient manner.
Examples:
Physical: a painful area of the body, a painful movement, testing muscle strength, a food to which you are sensitive, a supplement, sensory stimuli. Some practitioners also test for specific pathogens, nutritional needs or allergies; as well as the supplements or homeopathic remedies needed to correct the problem.
Mental: Reading, math calculations, organizing, initiating tasks, decision making, abstract or logical thinking, time management tasks, concentrating in a noisy environment, memory tests
Emotional: Thinking of a specific person, specific emotions, thinking of a goal you are stuck on, thinking of an upcoming event, visualizing desired outcomes
Typically, the client, sits or lies down fully clothed with one elbow bent. The practitioner determines if the muscle will provide accurate results for the procedure. If not, other muscles can be used.
The practitioner asks the body a question, or introduces a ‘stress’ item, (this may be a statement, thought, or an actual item), and exerts a light pressure on the forearm to determine if there is a change in the level of tension.
If the muscle tension remains strong, it is interpreted as a ‘not stressful’ or ‘yes’ response. The stimulus is an agreement with the nervous system, subconscious, or body. It is considered safe and does not get in the way of physical, mental, or emotional processes.
If the muscle tension decreases and ‘gives way’ it is interpreted as a ‘stress’ or ‘no’ response. The stimulus is not in agreement with the nervous system, subconscious, or body in some way. It is considered “not safe” and is getting in the way of physical, mental, or emotional processes.
The process continues through a series of questions and stimuli as the practitioner performs and interprets the muscle test after each one. In this way, we can discover what is affecting you, physically, mentally or emotionally. But more importantly, we can determine what is needed to help the body correct itself!
When the testing is complete, the practitioner performs the bioenergetic corrections needed to rebalance your system in relation to the ‘stressors’ and assist the body in its own self-healing.
Muscle Testing Examples
The practitioner will ask a client to think about a particular distressing situation that might cause an emotional response. If your arm muscle tension decreases, or tests weak, the practitioner searches for the specific correction method the body prefers to help eliminate the imbalance in your system and reduce the emotional response. The test is followed by one or more corrective techniques tailored to individual needs.
Most often, my preferred mode of correction uses acupuncture points, various holds, specific muscle contractions, soft tissue mobilizations, or visualization. Other methods used by practitioners include the use of light, color, sound, tuning forks, vibration, etc.
After the corrections have been complete, the client is asked to think again about the
same distressing situation to see if balance has been restored. At this point, the situation is corrected and the stressor is no longer a problem to the nervous system.
Do Test Results Correlate with Symptoms?
Sometimes, but not always. While it’s always logically satisfying when the tests validate what the client is experiencing, the value of muscle testing is in finding the underlying connections that will help correct the root cause of system dysfunction.
Kinesiology muscle testing identifies the body’s priorities for healing, and they may or may not have any obvious correlation with the main symptom that the client is experiencing. Thereby, as we continue to peel away the layers, different aspects of the problems reveal themselves and can be resolved.
Resources
Krebs, Charles and Brown, Jenny. A Revolutionary Way of Thinking. From a near Fatal Accident to a New Science of Healing! Green Angel Pr; 2007. Chapter 2.
McCrossin, Susan. Crossinology Brain Integration; Pre BIT Training Manual. Learning Enhancement Center, LLC. CO. 2008. p 15-16.
How McKinney Brain Integration Can Help
I customizing all sessions to fit my clients’ needs based on an in-depth consultation. My background in physical therapy, counseling, coaching, and nutrition enables me to add great intuition and depth to what I do. I am continually adding to my knowledge base so that I can serve my clients with the highest quality and provide the best results.
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