Due to its alternative process, many feel it is too ‘out there’ but there are numerous cases made that muscle testing can be very effective for certain prognoses. According to the International College of Applied Kinesiology, the use of manual muscle testing is simply “to evaluate body function through the dynamics of the musculoskeletal system.” Various treatments can fall under this broad practice, however, they “may involve specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, counselling skills, evaluating environmental irritants, and various reflex procedures.”

I have been practicing AK in my clinical practice for over 20 years and I feel it is a great tool on top of my university qualifications to help determine the best bespoke wellness protocol for each client.

As a naturopath, I teach my clients to muscle test themselves using the sway method, to see if a food or supplement (or something else for that matter) is good for them or not. This entails a very simple process, but first, you have to set yourself up. You simply stand straight, look forward, eyes down, and say a true statement like your name and wait until you feel a shift forward as a yes. Then say an untrue statement that your name is some other random name and you will feel your weight shift backwards as a no.

You can repeat this process with other simple questions to gain your footing and see if you are swaying and responding correctly. Once you’ve established this discourse with your body and sense a definite yes and no, you are ready to begin self-testing. You can then hold a food or supplement and ask, ‘is this good for me? Your nervous system will then respond accordingly if this item strengthens or weakens you.