Massage and Kinesiology

Kinesiology is basically the study of how people’s bodies move and respond to messages sent by the brain.

 The term, which stems from the same root word of ‘kinetics’, literally means the deep understanding of movement.

 Kinesiology is most popularly applied in alternative medicine as a type of massage therapy that involves the monitoring of muscles to see what could be wrong or imbalanced in a person’s body.

The technique of Kinesiology carefully scrutinizes the stress reactions that may be unresolved in people’s bodies. From this, the Kinesiology practitioner would assist the body to heal naturally with the help of procedures such as massage.

How did Kinesiology come about?

  Kinesiology is often seen as an offshoot of chiropractics, combined with the ancient Chinese principle of chi energy, which is most commonly demonstrated in acupuncture. Kinesiology uses biofeedback or muscle monitoring to guide practitioners in the massage therapy.

How does Kinesiology work?

  A healthy and normal nervous system is creatively designed for self-regulation and adaptation to changes in the environment. However, there are times when the body fails to adapt well, and this manifests with stress in muscles. Kinesiologists then look for the muscle stress patterns to see what could be causing the problems and how to fix them.

What can be treated by Kinesiology?

  Kinesiology can treat a wide range of ailments by stimulating body energies and tapping its hidden potential to heal itself. A lot of ailments actually stem from these body imbalances and thus Kinesiology could help treat or cure a lot of disorders, both physical and mental. Among the many health problems that can be treated by Kinesiology are muscular disorders, allergies, emotional problems, stress, nervous disorders, nutritional deficiencies and psychomotor difficulties.

How is Kinesiology practiced?

  A Kinesiology practitioner usually gets the health history of the patient. The patient then lies fully clothed on the massage table, where the practitioner will perform a series of tests involving the patient with some trials depending on the health problem at hand. Here are some of the tests that may be involved in a Kinesiology session:

Physical test – here, the Kinesiology practitioner would test the integrity of the neuromuscular system by tasking the patient to manipulate a leg or an arm in particular ways. The patient would then hold the positions, as the practitioner would exert mild pressure to the limb.

Chemical Test – here, the practitioner would test the reaction of the patient to particular allergens or foods by placing small quantities of a suspected substance to the body. The Kinesiologists would examine the body’s reaction by watching for the relationship among muscles and their corresponding organs.

Mental Test – here, the practitioner would ask the patient to think about particular objects or feelings while the muscles are being monitored. Certain imbalances or stress reactions are being watched for in this session.

Among the wide range of techniques used in Kinesiology are acupressure, hypertonic release of muscles, massage emphasizing body, reflex and trigger points, nutritional counseling, homeopathic remedies such as aromatherapy, lymphatic massage, and emotional release.

Is Kinesiology medically proven?

  There are a lot of ailments in the nervous system that can influence muscle strength. However, there is not much scientific research that backs up the philosophy of Kinesiology since it is regarded as a health practice that uses the energy model instead of medical principles. Nevertheless, a significant number of patients who underwent professional Kinesiology therapy have given strong testimonies about the relief they experienced after sessions and the great improvements of their general well being.

How does one find a Kinesiology practitioner?

  When looking for a Kinesiologist, it is best to consult with the professional alternative medicine association in your area to get a list of their members who practice Kinesiology. You may also ask referrals from health practitioners as well as the recommendation of your family and friends.

 When you first meet a Kinesiology practitioner, do not be afraid to ask about their experiences, qualifications and trainings received. Avoid Kinesiology practitioners who prescribe you to totally abandon the medical treatments you are going through because such cases must be carefully consulted with your physician.

  Kinesiology could greatly help relieve a lot of symptoms that are connected to a lot of body ailments. However, Kinesiology should not be used to solely diagnose disorders. It is still best to avail of Kinesiology in conjunction with conventional medicine.