History
Kinesiology was developed in 1964 by American chiropractor Dr. George Goodheart, who discovered that stimulating specific points on the body could improve muscle strength and function. Over time, his approach evolved into a comprehensive technique that integrates principles from chiropractic, nutrition, and acupuncture.
Renowned for his ability to address complex health issues, Dr. Goodheart began teaching his methods to chiropractors, osteopaths, and medical doctors, eventually founding the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK). For the general public, a more accessible version of this method is known as Touch for Health, which originated in the United States and was later further developed in the United Kingdom into what is now called Systemic Kinesiology.

What is it?
Systematic Kinesiology is a non-invasive, holistic discipline that considers the body as a complex system rather than a series of individual parts and symptoms. The concept of Kinesiology is based on the idea that the body already holds the answers. By analysing the connections between muscles, organs, and energy pathways known as meridians (originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine), Systematic Kinesiology helps then reveal the body’s own responses and imbalances.

How does it work?
A simple ‘kinesiological muscle test’ is used, applying light pressure to a specific muscle to assess its “strength” or ‘weakness’.
The muscle response then indicates any potential imbalances in the body, such as:
*structural (muscles, bad posture, accidents, etc.)
*biochemical (nutritional deficiencies, toxins, food intolerances, dehydration, etc.)
*emotional (stress, trauma, fears, strong emotions, etc.)
*energetic (energy blockages in the body, electromagnetic stress, etc.)
Once the root cause of the imbalance is identified, Kinesiology offers a range of techniques and strategies to help restore the body to its natural state of balance and well-being.

Kinesiology and emotions
Personally, I have found Kinesiology to be a powerful tool for supporting emotional well-being. Physical symptoms often carry an emotional charge—whether it’s a past trauma, a suppressed feeling, or a memory stored in the body.

One example:
One of my clients had been suffering for nine years from persistent pain on the left side of her abdomen. Despite numerous tests, the cause of the pain had never been identified. During a kinesiology session focused on this issue, a memory emerged of her partner calling her “my little girl”. That innocent phrase had infuriated her so deeply that she threatened to leave him if he ever called her that again . It seemed like an exaggerated reaction, but behind those words was hidden a deep trauma. As a child, just before the beating, her father would always call her by that name — “my little one”. That unconscious link between the words and the trauma had remained imprinted on her body, transforming into physical pain. After bringing that emotional memory to light and releasing it, the pain vanished forever.
This is how kinesiology can help release emotions blocked in the body. Often, it is enough to discover a strong emotion hidden in the subconscious and bring it to the conscious level. This awareness alone is a big step towards healing. In some cases, depending on the severity of the trauma that caused it, more sessions are needed to identify and address the true root of the problem.

Trauma
When a child or adult experiences a deeply traumatic event, the mind activates coping strategies to manage the overwhelming stress and maintain a sense of stability. The person then relies on these strategies until they adapt to the change and process what has happened. If the experience is not processed in a healthy way or if the person does not have the right support, these defence mechanisms will then become part of everyday life. The person may then begin to react in unusual ways, without understanding why.
Examples of reactions resulting from repressed emotions and unresolved trauma include isolation, avoidant behaviour, procrastination, overthinking, addictions, various fears, aggression, escapism, depression, and also various physical problems, etc.