Muscle testing, often referred to as Applied Kinesiology (AK), is an alternative, non-invasive assessment method used to determine the body’s reaction to various stimuli, including foods, supplements, or environmental factors. This technique aims to gain insight into the body’s energetic state by observing temporary changes in muscle strength. It operates on the premise that the body can communicate its needs or aversions through its musculature. This article provides practical instructions on how to perform this self-assessment technique.
The Principle of Applied Kinesiology
The core concept of muscle testing is that the body exhibits a strong physical response when presented with a beneficial or compatible substance, statement, or thought. Conversely, exposure to something perceived as harmful or incompatible temporarily disrupts the body’s energy field, resulting in a weak muscle response. This change in strength is interpreted as a direct form of biofeedback.
A substance that supports the body allows the nervous system to maintain full muscle contraction, while a non-supportive substance momentarily inhibits the neurological flow to the muscle. The mainstream medical and scientific community widely regards Applied Kinesiology as a pseudoscience, citing a lack of rigorous scientific support and empirical evidence. Studies attempting to validate the technique have not consistently established reliable connections between muscle responses and specific diseases or nutritional deficiencies, often highlighting the influence of external factors like suggestion and muscle fatigue on outcomes.
Step-by-Step Self-Testing Techniques
Before attempting any self-test, establish a clear baseline for what constitutes a “strong” (compatible) and “weak” (incompatible) response. Begin by making a true statement, such as “My name is [Your Real Name],” and observe the strong response. Follow this immediately with a false statement, like “My name is George,” to identify the weak response. Repeating this contrast helps the body and mind recognize the difference in sensation.
The O-Ring Test
The O-Ring Test uses the fingers to create a self-contained feedback loop. Press the tip of the thumb and a finger (usually the index or middle finger) of one hand together firmly to form a closed ring. Hook the index finger of the opposite hand into the ring and try to pull the two fingers apart while resisting the pressure. A strong response means the ring remains closed, while a weak response is indicated by the fingers opening easily under minimal pressure.
The Sway Test
The Sway Test utilizes the entire body as a pendulum. Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart and relax your posture, allowing for a slight natural sway. After stating the question or affirmation, observe the direction of the body’s movement. A positive or strong response is associated with a gentle sway forward, while a negative or weak response causes the body to sway backward. Finding a consistent correlation between a true statement (forward) and a false statement (backward) establishes the personal reference for this method.
Applying the Test to Supplements and Foods
To integrate the physical test with a supplement or food, ensure the substance is in the body’s energy field. For supplements, hold the closed bottle or container firmly in the non-testing hand, or place it directly against the torso over the stomach or thymus area. For foods, a small sample can be held in the mouth or against the skin to introduce its energetic signature.
Once the substance is in contact with the body, perform the chosen self-testing technique, such as the O-Ring Test or the Sway Test, to gauge the resulting muscle response. A strong, maintained contraction suggests the substance is compatible or supportive for the body at that moment. A weak or inhibited muscle response suggests the substance is non-supportive or incompatible.
The technique can also be adapted to test for appropriate dosage or frequency. After confirming a supplement is supportive, you can make specific statements like, “Two capsules of this supplement is the correct dose for me,” and test the response. Proxy testing involves testing for another person by holding their picture or a sample of their DNA while performing the test on oneself, based on the idea that an energetic connection can be established for assessment.
Common Errors and Result Interpretation
Several factors can affect the accuracy of self-muscle testing. Dehydration is a common issue, as it can potentially cause all muscles to test weakly regardless of the stimulus. External influences, such as strong electromagnetic fields from electronic devices or background noise, can also introduce interference.
Bias and expectation are significant internal factors that can invalidate the test, as the subconscious mind may subtly influence the muscle’s strength to match a desired outcome. To ensure results are genuine, the testing must be performed quickly and without anticipation. Physical fatigue from over-testing or poor technique, such as not isolating the correct muscles or using too much force, can also lead to a weak response.
For accurate interpretation, repeat the test multiple times, ideally at different times of the day, to confirm the consistency of the response. If results are inconsistent, take a short break, sip water, and mentally “reset” by testing the known true and false statements again to re-establish a clear baseline. A genuinely strong or weak response should be clearly distinguishable from physical strain or poor execution, providing a consistent signal when the body is properly prepared.