What is Applied Kinesiology?

I'd heard of Kinesiology, but usually from a backpacker friend who had tried it from a new age point of view, rather than as an accurate alternative therapy. It was only recently that another friend, (who was not a backpacker) tried it and reported just how accurate her diagnosis had been, that I became more curious as to whether it could benefit my constant IBS. Kinesiology, is used to detect any body imbalances and areas of dysfunction with a wide variety of muscle tests. Any remedies prescribed, would be purely natural. What harm could I do by giving it a try?

I met with Karen Willis at the lovely Bodymatters, the mind, body and beauty treatment centre in Swiss Cottage, London. Karen originally trained as a Biochemist and worked in the fields of cancer research, genetic disorders and laboratory diagnosis of diseases. After some years, Karen's interest in natural therapeutics led her to pursue a career with more of a 'hands on' approach with people, in the healing sciences. Find out more about Karen's experience...

I really didn't know what to expect, but Karen put me at ease straight away. She asked why I was there and we had a good chat about my general health. Then, Karen asked me to lay down on the practice bed fully clothed and from then on, the Kinesiology began.

Lying flat on my back with my arms positioned by my sides, Karen asked me to resist the pressure she applied to each of my limbs. My arms are especially weak, but Karen knows if you are trying too hard, not trying hard enough or cheating by over-compensating with other muscles. Occasionally I was asked to put my finger on my forehead, my thyroid and on my stomach over my liver. Miraculously, this had an effect on the strength of my legs and arms! Karen also had a box full of food, oil and herb samples. She identified a sluggish liver and a deficiency of both omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in a very short space of time. A weak muscle strengthened when samples of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids was placed on my tongue. 'So what', you may say - that means nothing - however, I have recently been a 'food intolerance guinea pig' and a week later had my blood analysed at Galen Naturopathic Centre in Richmond. Your blood cells are what you are made of and therefore do not lie. Galen picked up once again, a sluggish liver and a defecit of omega oils. Find out more about Kinesiology.

The whole point of Kinesiology is that ailments are identified and treated naturally. Ailments that can be rectified are:

• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Sciatica
• Headaches and migraine
• Postural abnormalities
• disc injuries
• Nerve root irritation
• Acute onset and sports injury

In addition, an AK practitioner will address many other functional and systemic disorders from which people increasingly suffer in modern day society, including:

• Stress related disorders
• Childhood disorders such as allergies, asthma, eczema, recurrent ear, nose and throat infections
• Hormone related disorders
• Symptoms of PMS and menopause
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Post viral fatigue syndrome / ME
• Food intolerances
• Sleep pattern disorders
• Behavioural problems of infancy and childhood
• Dyslexia

Karen prescribed me with vitamins to give me a boost of what I was severely lacking and asked me to come back a month later. Ideally - you'd need a course of sessions to monitor improvements and changes. Little do people realise that simple things can make big changes to your fitness and wellbeing. Eating healthily for a start.

If you are curious to give it a go, make sure you find someone reputable. You can find out more and search for a practitioner at International College of Applied Kinesiology. Or visit Karen Willis at Bodymatters in Swiss Cottage, London, 020 7419 7900.