here, I cite from a recent Quackometer post regarding applied kinesiology [AK; see 001., below]; then, I illustrate the use of AK by NDs [see 002., below]:
001. Andy Lewis writes in "How Applied Kinesiology Can be Used to Justify any Quack Treatment" (2011-05-19):
"you may not be surprised to learn that applied kinesiology was invented by a chiropractor [...whereby] customer and practitioner get locked into the mutual delusion that muscle strength can be altered in the presence of 'good' and 'bad' substances [...AK] is widely used to [fakely] diagnose allergies and other health problems, and then on the back of a fake diagnosis [/ diagnostic test], sell lots of vitamin pills, diets and dubious devices [...AK] is an unconscious fraud caused by suggestion and the ideomotor effect [...] it lies at the heart of much quackery and I hope that the Nightingale Collaboration will be making it a Focus of the Month in [the] future, as this nonsense really needs to be challenged."
Note: hear, hear. Me too.
002. these first-page results occurred via a Google.com web search parameter ""applied kinesiology" naturopathic diagnosis" [without the outside quotes] (2011-05-30):
002.a. Alberta, Canada's Lenung, K. (ND CCNM) states in "Applied Kinesiology" [vsc 2011-05-30]:
"applied kinesiology is a system that evaluates structural, chemical, and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing alongside conventional diagnostic methods. The essential premise of applied kinesiology that is not shared by mainstream medical theory is that every organ dysfunction is accompanied by a weakness in a specific corresponding muscle, the viscerosomatic relationship."
Note: really. The wonders of naturopathic gullibility never ceases to amaze. Not shared because it isn't true.
002.b. Portland, Oregon's Thomas, N. (ND NCNM) states in "Applied Kinesiology" [vsc 2011-05-30; my comments are in bold]:
"applied kinesiology [...] AK balances the structural, chemical and mental sides of health [...it's] used for:
musculoskeletal issues - pain, injuries, sprains, loss of function, limited range of motion, spinal and joint misalignment, TMJ dysfunction, etc.;
disease and illness prevention and recovery;
increasing organ and gland health and function;
releasing and managing emotions and stress;
improving brain and nervous system function and co-ordination;
discovering individual nutritional needs and sensitivities [...in sum]
AK treatment addresses the function of your body's muscles, organs,
glands, spine, joints, nervous system, lymph, meridian flow (based on
Chinese medicine), emotions, and nutrition [...]";
that's quite a list.
"applied kinesiology (AK) is a diagnostic and therapeutic practice [...] its diagnostic principles are based on traditional Chinese medicine in which every muscle in the body is related to an organ, gland or acupuncture meridian. By testing specific muscles, the doctor can identify areas of dysfunction in the body and apply the appropriate method of treatment [...]";
a lot of bunk there -- I'll guess it doesn't happen for free, either.
"AK blends therapeutic modalities from cranial-sacral therapy, sacral-occipital technique, acupuncture meridian therapies, chiropractic, naturopathy, osteopathy, clinical nutrition, and energy psychology [...]";
because when all that junk petered out, a rebranding had to happen!
"an AK doctor is able to examine how areas of the body (organ, glands, etc) are functioning, locate the cause of any dysfunction, and apply therapy towards the specific areas to restore and maintain health. In this way, AK is able to help the areas that need the support, and prevent pathology and disease before it occurs."
promises, promises.
002.c. Newington, Connecticut's Riley, K.M. (ND Bastyr 1984) who states on the Naturopathic Gathering 2011 page [vsc 2011-05-30]:
"Kathleen Riley has been practicing naturopathic medicine for the past 26 years [...] Dr. Riley incorporates applied kinesiology [...] and other therapeutics into her practice as a way to help her patients effect deeper healing [...] she has worked extensively with patients with Lyme disease for many years and has much to share in how to approach these patients using our naturopathic principals [sp., principles]. She strives to try and help her patients work toward healing in the way that she was taught by her teachers, especially John Bastyr and Bill Mitchell and is excited to be able to share her experience through cases and conversation at this year’s Gathering."
Note: the Gathering is about the 'essentially naturopathic'. And yes her alma mater Bastyr's motto is "science-based natural medicine", an absurd label placed upon what is TRULY not scientific at all -- e.g. much of naturopathy's principles' content [vitalism, supernaturalism and such, for starters].
003. AK, therein, is VERY naturopathic:
pseudo and nonsensical.
