Applied Kinesiology
Applied kinesiology (AK) is a holistic diagnostic technique that assesses muscle strength and function to evaluate imbalances in the body. Developed in the 1960s by Dr. George Goodheart, AK is based on the idea that muscle weakness can indicate underlying issues such as structural misalignments, nutritional deficiencies, or energetic imbalances. Practitioners use manual muscle testing as a feedback system to identify dysfunctions in the nervous system, meridian pathways, and organ function. They then apply various treatments, including chiropractic adjustments, nutritional supplementation, acupressure, and other therapeutic interventions, to restore balance and improve overall health.
Unlike traditional kinesiology, which studies human movement and biomechanics, applied kinesiology integrates elements of chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, and functional neurology. While many proponents claim that AK is an effective tool for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including digestive disorders, chronic pain, and allergies, it remains controversial in mainstream medicine. Critics argue that the muscle testing methods used in AK lack scientific validation and may be influenced by practitioner bias. Despite this, AK continues to be widely used by chiropractors, naturopaths, and other alternative health practitioners who believe in its ability to detect and address subtle health imbalances that conventional tests might miss.
The QA (Quintessential Applications)
The QA (Quintessential Applications) Protocol is an advanced system within Applied Kinesiology (AK) that provides a structured, step-by-step approach to diagnosing and treating dysfunctions in the body. Developed by Dr. Walter Schmitt, QA integrates principles of neurology, biochemistry, and biomechanics to create a precise sequence for muscle testing and treatment. Unlike traditional AK, where practitioners might test multiple factors randomly, QA follows a prioritized order, ensuring that foundational neurological and physiological issues are addressed first. This systematic approach enhances the reliability of muscle testing and helps uncover hidden dysfunctions that might not be apparent through conventional methods.
The core idea behind QA is that the body operates in a specific hierarchy of function, meaning some imbalances must be corrected before others can be effectively treated. Practitioners using QA assess neurological integrity, cortical function, brainstem responses, immune and metabolic factors, and structural integrity in a specific sequence. By following this protocol, they can identify root causes of dysfunction, rather than just addressing superficial symptoms. The QA Protocol is widely used by chiropractors, functional medicine practitioners, and applied kinesiologists to treat complex conditions such as chronic pain, fatigue, digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, and neurological imbalances. While QA is not yet widely recognized in mainstream medicine, many practitioners consider it a breakthrough in improving accuracy and effectiveness in applied kinesiology treatments.