Kinesiology, also known as human kinetics
Is the scientific study of human movement. Kinesiology addresses physiological, mechanical, and psychological mechanisms. Applications of kinesiology to human health include: biomechanics and orthopedics; strength and conditioning; sport psychology; methods of rehabilitation, such as physical and occupational therapy; and sport and exercise. Individuals who have earned degrees in kinesiology can work in research, the fitness industry, clinical settings, and in industrial environments.Studies of human and animal motion include measures from motion tracking systems, electrophysiology of muscle and brain activity, various methods for monitoring physiological function, and other behavioral and cognitive research techniques.
How kinesiology developed
Kinesiology stems from chiropractics and applied kinesiology. It is also based on the ancient Chinese acupuncture theory of chi energy. Unlike applied kinesiology, where muscles are tested for strength, the more recently developed forms of kinesiology use muscle monitoring as a form of biofeedback to the subject.
How kinesiology works
The human nervous system is designed to self-regulate and adapt to change. When we cannot adapt efficiently, the muscles will reflect the stress in the central nervous system. This stress creates specific muscle patterns that kinesiologists can assess using muscle monitoring techniques.
The easiest way to understand this process is to think of the signals between the brain and the body as feedback loops. As the brain adapts to the changes in the muscle systems, the muscles send signals to alert the brain that the changes have taken place.
Muscle monitoring may indicate a wide variety of possible causes of imbalances in a person’s overall wellbeing.
Kinesiologists work with a wide range
of health issues
Kinesiology therapy aims to stimulate the body’s energy so that untapped potential can be released. Kinesiology uses a multilevel approach to treatment. Practitioners look for the subtle but numerous imbalances that may lie behind physical, mental and emotional problems. Kinesiologists may be able to help treat a wide range of health problems, including:
- Stress
- Muscular disorders
- Nervous disorders
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Emotional problems
- Learning and behavioural difficulties.
Kinesiology procedure
A kinesiology practitioner begins by recording the person’s relevant history (in confidence). The session itself commences with the person remaining fully clothed and lying comfortably face-up on a massage table. Each session can include several tests or challenges performed at various times depending on the nature of the person’s problem.
- Physical challenge – the practitioner tests neuromuscular integrity (biofeedback) by asking the person to position an arm or leg in a certain way, and then to hold that position while the practitioner exerts gentle pressure against the limb.
- Mental challenge – the patient thinks about certain things or focuses on their feelings while the practitioner performs a specific muscle test. The test may indicate an energy imbalance or stress that needs attention.
The client sees and experiences first-hand all changes that have been made, especially when confirmed through the muscle-monitoring process.
Techniques used in kinesiology
Some of the techniques available include:
- Emotional release
- Acupressure
- Lymphatic massage
- Hypertonic muscle release
- Attention to reflex, trigger and body points
- Remedies, such as flower essences and homoeopathics
- Nutritional advice.