What Is Muscle Testing (Applied Kinesiology)?
Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology (AK), is a diagnostic technique developed by chiropractors in the 1960s. It operates on the principle that muscle strength or weakness can indicate imbalances or health issues in the body. Practitioners assess muscle responses by applying manual pressure, often to an outstretched arm, while the patient resists. A strong hold or weak resistance is interpreted as biofeedback.
AK can be used for various assessments, including nutritional ones. Holding a food or supplement while muscle testing is thought to reveal sensitivities or needs based on changes in muscle strength. This technique is used by many alternative care practitioners, such as homeopaths and naturopaths.
Scientific Validity of Applied Kinesiology
Mainstream medical organizations consider applied kinesiology a pseudoscience due to a lack of scientific evidence supporting its diagnostic claims. Studies have indicated its reliability is comparable to random chance. While proponents share anecdotal successes, critics highlight the absence of robust, controlled studies.
What Is Nutrition Response Testing (NRT)?
Nutrition Response Testing is a specific, non-invasive health evaluation system that developed from applied kinesiology. Created by Dr. Freddie Ulan in the 1990s, NRT is used by practitioners like chiropractors and nutritionists. It refines muscle testing by focusing on neurological reflexes and acupuncture points believed to link to specific organs and bodily functions.
During an NRT session, a practitioner contacts reflex points while testing the patient's arm strength. A weakening arm is thought to signal stress or dysfunction in the corresponding area, potentially due to nutritional deficiency, sensitivity, or toxicity. The practitioner then tests supplements against these weak points to find those that restore muscle strength, using this to create a personalized plan.
The Method of Nutrition Response Testing
The NRT process typically involves:
- Initial Analysis: Testing specific reflexes and acupuncture points using muscle testing.
- Stressor Identification: Checking for common issues like heavy metals or food sensitivities.
- Nutritional Testing: Using whole food supplement vials to find which ones improve muscle response against weakened reflexes.
- Personalized Plan: Creating a diet and supplement program based on the results.
Comparison: Nutrition Response Testing vs. General Muscle Testing
| Feature | Nutrition Response Testing (NRT) | General Muscle Testing (Applied Kinesiology) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | A specific, proprietary system focused on nutritional deficiencies and organ function through neurological reflexes. | A broader, foundational practice used to assess a wider range of imbalances, from nutrition to emotional and structural issues. |
| Methodology | Standardized protocol of testing specific neurological reflexes and acupuncture points related to organs and glands. | Uses a variety of manual muscle tests on different muscle groups to assess the body's functional status. |
| Stimulus | Primarily tests vials of whole food supplements or contacts specific reflex points on the body. | Can test reactions to foods, supplements, emotions, or contact with different body areas. |
| System | NRT is a hybrid and offshoot of Applied Kinesiology, developed by Dr. Freddie Ulan. | Applied Kinesiology is the original technique developed by Dr. George Goodheart. |
| Scientific Standing | Considered a form of complementary or alternative medicine, not supported by large-scale peer-reviewed studies. | Widely considered a pseudoscience with no proven diagnostic validity by mainstream medicine. |
The Role of the Nervous System in NRT
The theory behind NRT suggests that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls bodily functions. According to this concept, stressors disrupt the nervous system's energy flow, which practitioners believe they can detect. By touching a stressed reflex point and observing a temporary weakening in an indicator muscle, they interpret this as a form of communication from the body.
NRT practitioners aim to identify root causes of illness rather than just symptoms. They believe finding the correct nutritional supplement helps the body heal by correcting underlying imbalances.
The Broader Context of Complementary Health
Understanding if is Nutrition Response Testing the same as muscle testing requires recognizing NRT as a specialized application of the broader muscle testing technique. Both are considered complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and should not replace conventional medical care. While some seek these methods for chronic conditions when traditional treatments haven't helped, the scientific community debates their efficacy due to a lack of rigorous evidence. Consulting a conventional healthcare provider for a complete assessment is crucial.
Conclusion
Nutrition Response Testing is a specific form of muscle testing, but they are not identical. Muscle testing (applied kinesiology) is the fundamental technique using muscle strength to identify imbalances. NRT is a derivative that uses muscle testing on specific neurological reflexes to create personalized nutrition plans. Although NRT practitioners report high success, mainstream medicine does not scientifically validate the technique. It's important to view these as complementary approaches and seek a balanced perspective from both alternative and conventional healthcare providers.
How to Choose a Practitioner
If considering NRT or Applied Kinesiology, here are steps to find a practitioner:
- Seek Referrals: Ask for recommendations from others with positive experiences in holistic health.
- Verify Credentials: Ensure the practitioner is certified, such as in NRT from Ulan Nutritional Systems.
- Inquire About Experience: Ask about their experience with your specific concerns and the expected number of sessions.
- Consult Multiple Providers: A second opinion is recommended. NRT practitioners should offer consultations to discuss your health history.
- Review Testimonials: Consider client success stories, but maintain realistic expectations.
- Consider Integrative Approaches: Look for a provider who collaborates with conventional medical doctors.
This approach helps ensure a well-rounded and safer health journey.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Other methods for nutritional assessment include:
- Hair Analysis: Provides insights into mineral and metal levels over time.
- Electrodermal Screening: A non-invasive method measuring skin's electrical resistance to assess sensitivities.
- Food Diary Analysis: Tracks eating habits and reactions through self-reporting, though data is subjective.
- Consult a Registered Dietitian (RD): Offers evidence-based nutritional guidance based on conventional standards.
- Consult a Functional Medicine Practitioner: Integrates conventional and alternative approaches to address root causes.
Conclusion
Distinguishing between Nutrition Response Testing and muscle testing is crucial. NRT is a proprietary system using muscle testing on specific neurological reflexes for nutritional assessment. Both rely on biofeedback and lack mainstream scientific validation, necessitating consultation with qualified healthcare professionals from both conventional and alternative fields. Understanding their differences and limitations allows for more informed choices in pursuing holistic health.
Here is some additional information about the scientific basis of these methods.
Key Takeaways
- Nutrition Response Testing is a form of muscle testing: NRT is a proprietary, non-invasive system that uses the foundational muscle testing technique, or applied kinesiology, to evaluate nutritional imbalances.
- NRT focuses on neurological reflexes: Unlike general muscle testing, NRT specifically assesses neurological and acupuncture points corresponding to different organs to gather information.
- The goal is personalized nutrition: NRT practitioners develop customized dietary and supplement plans based on the muscle responses to tested nutritional substances.
- Both are part of alternative medicine: Neither Nutrition Response Testing nor applied kinesiology is scientifically validated by mainstream medicine, and they are not replacements for conventional diagnosis.
- Consult multiple professionals: It is best to seek advice from both alternative practitioners and conventional doctors to form a comprehensive health strategy.
- Accuracy depends on the practitioner: The reliability of NRT largely depends on the training and skill of the practitioner conducting the assessment.
- Consider alternative assessments: Traditional blood tests and consultations with registered dietitians offer alternative, evidence-based methods for nutritional assessment.
FAQs
1. What is the fundamental difference between Nutrition Response Testing and muscle testing? Nutrition Response Testing is a specific, trademarked system that uses muscle testing (applied kinesiology) on particular neurological reflex points to analyze nutritional needs, whereas muscle testing is a broader, foundational technique.
2. Is Nutrition Response Testing a scientifically proven diagnostic tool? No, mainstream medicine does not recognize Nutrition Response Testing as a valid diagnostic tool. The scientific community regards it as a complementary or alternative technique due to a lack of large-scale, peer-reviewed studies.
3. How does a practitioner test for nutritional imbalances in NRT? A practitioner uses muscle testing by applying light pressure to an extended arm while touching different reflex points. A weak arm response indicates an imbalance in the corresponding organ or system.
4. What is applied kinesiology? Applied kinesiology is a technique in alternative medicine that uses manual muscle testing to assess functional imbalances in the body. It is the basis for many other techniques, including Nutrition Response Testing.
5. Does a weak muscle during testing always mean a nutritional problem? In applied kinesiology, a weak muscle is interpreted as an indication of dysfunction or imbalance. In NRT, this response is specifically linked to nutritional deficiencies or toxicity, although mainstream science does not validate this interpretation.
6. What are the criticisms of muscle testing and NRT? Critics argue there is no scientific evidence to support their claims, and studies have shown them to be no more reliable than random chance. The subjectivity of the tests and potential for practitioner bias are also major concerns.
7. Should I use NRT instead of traditional medical tests? No, NRT and other forms of muscle testing should not replace conventional medical testing, diagnosis, or treatment. It is best to use them as a complementary approach and to always consult a trusted medical professional.
8. Can NRT help with chronic conditions? Some practitioners claim NRT can help address the root causes of chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and other conditions by identifying underlying nutritional imbalances. However, results are anecdotal, and scientific evidence is lacking.
9. Is NRT suitable for children? NRT is non-invasive and can be performed on children, often using a parent as a "surrogate tester". However, as an unproven method, parents should exercise caution and discuss any health concerns with a pediatrician.
10. What kind of health issues can be detected with nutritional muscle testing? Practitioners claim that nutritional muscle testing can identify a range of issues, such as organ dysfunction, food sensitivities, heavy metal toxicity, and other imbalances affecting overall health.
11. Is the outcome of NRT dependent on the practitioner's skill? Yes, the subjective nature of muscle response interpretation means that the accuracy of NRT can vary significantly depending on the practitioner's training and skill.
12. Can NRT be used to identify food allergies? NRT practitioners may use the method to identify perceived food sensitivities, but medical organizations state there is no diagnostic validity for detecting allergies with applied kinesiology. For proper allergy testing, an allergist should be consulted.
13. What is "Designed Clinical Nutrition"? Designed Clinical Nutrition is the personalized nutritional and supplement plan developed by NRT practitioners to address imbalances identified during testing. It often involves whole food supplements rather than synthetic vitamins.
14. Are there any risks associated with NRT? The primary risk is forgoing a proper medical diagnosis and treatment for a potentially serious condition in favor of an unproven alternative method. Physically, it is generally considered safe as it is non-invasive.
15. Does insurance cover Nutrition Response Testing? Insurance coverage for NRT varies and is not guaranteed, as it is considered an alternative or complementary therapy. It is best to check with your insurance provider directly.
