Muscles perform the critical function of supporting and moving the bones. According to George Goodheart, D.C., the founder of applied kinesiology, if a muscle is not functioning properly, the bones and joints that it supports will function poorly, or not at all. This is why people with structural imbalances, musculoskeletal imbalances, and joint problems can benefit from applied kinesiology, and why applied kinesiology is so popular with the chiropractic profession, which many patients consult because of physical pain or dysfunction.

Muscle/Organ Relationships in Applied Kinesiology

  Dr. Goodheart developed his theory and practiced  applied kinesiology and made a conclusion that specific muscles are universally related to specific organs. Because of this relationship, a wide variety of nonmuscular conditions (problems with organs or systems, e.g. digestive) are often benefited. For example, because the deltoid muscle in the shoulder shares an interrelation to the lungs, the muscle test can be an indicator of the state of the lungs, and can serve as an excellent monitor of their condition.

  Reflex areas that stimulate either the deltoid or the lungs stimulate both. If an individual has a lung infection or an abnormal function in one or both lungs, he or she will probably exhibit weakness of one or both deltoid muscles. Not only would there be a lung infection, but because of deltoid weakness a problem may develop in the shoulder. Under normal circumstances, once the lung infection clears, or if the body adapts to the infection, the deltoid muscle will return to its normal state. On the other hand, if a chronic, low-grade infection lingers, the patient can be left with a weakened deltoid muscle. The applied kinesiologist evaluating the patient will need to stimulate the nerve and blood supply, as well as lymphatic drainage and acupuncture energy to the lungs in order for them to clear. Once the lung problem is resolved, deltoid muscle function can return to normal.

  It is interesting that, toxic fumes inhaled into the lungs can conceivably stimulate the brain to produce an immediate weakening of a deltoid muscle, as its link to the lung can serve to monitor lung toxicity. Inhalation of the same fumes may also weaken a muscle related to the liver, such as the pectoralis major (a large fan-shaped muscle of the upper chest that acts to flex and rotate the arm), because of the increased demands placed on the liver to detoxify the harmful substances.

Nutrition in Applied Kinesiology

  Specific vitamins or nutrients are sometimes needed to help a patient with such  condition as an upper respiratory tract infection. One way to identify nutritional substances of value to this specific sickness is to test the patient's weak deltoid muscle while putting the substance on the tongue to stimulate nerve endings, which, in turn trigger certain areas in the brain to make changes in the body. If the correct nutrient is applied, there should be an immediate strengthening of the deltoid muscle.

  Dr. Blaich tells about a conductor who came to him with severe pains in his shoulder inhibiting his ability to conduct. After four hours in front of the orchestra, he could not raise his shoulder. Dr. Blaich evaluated the shoulder area and determined the main problem to be a specific muscle, the pectoralis major. He reset the muscle by correcting a specific cranial fault (minute manipulation of the bones in the head). The problem recurred, and through detailed testing, Dr. Blaich determined that the problem was caused by eating wheat. The patient was found to have a gluten allergy, and as long as he avoided eating wheat, he had no problems with his shoulder.

Applied Kinesiology and Sports

  Because it deals so effectively with the interaction of muscles during activity, applied kinesiology is a superb approach to any type of athletic ailment or injury. It is so effective at improving muscle interaction and stabilization that it is often used not only for rehabilitation, but as a way to prevent injury and improve athletic performance.

  Dr. Blaich gives an example: a football player running down the field with a weak knee-stabilizing muscle is an accident looking for a place to happen . If he moves the wrong way, the knee joint could give out and conceivably cause serious injury. If he is evaluated and treated by an applied kinesiologist, the weak knee muscle will be recognized and treated, and serious injury avoided.

  The muscle/organ link can be helpful in identifying "rate limiting factors," or "weak links," in the performance of top athletes. In 1983 and 1984, Dr. Blaich identified adrenal weakness accompanying other structural and chemical imbalances in a bicyclist named Alexi Grewal. Alexi was a talented young athlete, full of promise and motivation, but with a history of asthma. Dr. Blaich worked to improve Alexi's adrenal gland and diaphragm muscle function as well as structural balance. In the 1984 Olympics Alexi won a gold medal, because his health and performance were improved thanks to Applied  Kinesiology.