Applied Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary diagnostic-therapeutic approach that allows for verifying and treating body imbalances at the structural, biochemical, and mental levels, through the analysis of muscle response mediated by an appropriate stimulus
What is Applied Kinesiology?
Applied Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary diagnostic-therapeutic approach that allows for verifying and treating body imbalances at the structural, biochemical, and mental levels, through the analysis of muscle response mediated by an appropriate stimulus.
It is characterized by the use, alongside standard diagnostic methods, of posture and gait analysis, range of motion, and static and dynamic palpation.
In 1964, Dr. George Goodheart, D.C., introduced the use of manual muscle examination for evaluating body functions through neuromuscular pathways.
Placed in the right perspective, Applied Kinesiology is a valuable tool for assessing the impact that a multitude of endogenous and exogenous stimuli have on the nervous system. It truly adds a new dimension to diagnosis, especially in relation to functional problems: not only to understand functional symptomatic complexes but also to distinguish functional factors from pathological ones when a pathology has already developed.
For this reason, Applied Kinesiology should be a fundamental tool and a common language, used by every professional involved in the art of healing such as chiropractors, dentists, osteopaths, medical doctors, and naturopaths.
History of Applied Kinesiology and Dr. Goodheart
The photos above of Dr. Goodheart and his wife, JoAnn, were taken during the Conference in Milan in 2000.
The founder of applied kinesiology is the chiropractor George Joseph Goodheart Jr., D.C., born in Detroit, Michigan in the United States on August 18, 1918, and died on March 5, 2008), originally graduated in 1939 from the then National College of Chiropractic.
In 1964, he published the first-ever article on kinesiology in the Digest of Chiropractic Economics, summarizing the results of studies and research he had conducted in previous years. The alleged new opportunities offered by applied kinesiology immediately aroused enthusiasm among various colleagues along with criticism from various others.
The birth of Applied Kinesiology dates back to 1964 when Dr. George J. Goodheart, a chiropractor from Detroit, Michigan, began evaluating his patients’ muscles with manual tests.
He observed that sometimes a muscle appeared weak even though there was no atrophy or other apparent reasons for the weakness. On one occasion, he tested a patient’s shoulder muscle and found it weak. He then proceeded to examine the muscle and found nodules along the muscle origins. Instinctively, he applied deep pressure with his fingers until the nodules dissolved. Then he re-tested the muscle and, to his great surprise, it was much stronger. This discovery led to the development of the first A.K. technique called “Origin and Insertion Treatment”.
Dr. Goodheart and his colleagues continued to seek ways to strengthen malfunctioning muscles in order to maintain the results of their chiropractic treatments. It was a period of great creativity in this field, as one serendipitous discovery after another triggered completely new therapeutic approaches. By 1973, an international group of physicians, dentists, osteopaths, and chiropractors joined to form the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) and annual conventions were established worldwide.
The annual conventions continue to this day, and members remain dedicated to advancing the scientific use of AK and promoting education.
The Cultural Association Chiropractic Team (ACCT) was created in 1974 by a group of French chiropractors interested in continuing education. From 1974, ACCT began promoting Dejarnette SOT and inviting SOT speakers to France, including Doctors Helen de Lue, Rees, Stark, and Bloodworth.
Subsequently, Doctors Goodheart, Walther, White, Markham, Sabella, Sinett, Camble, and Leaf were invited. These are some of the main historical images: September 2, 3, and 4, 1976 in Paris Orly, France. (Photos courtesy of the Cultural Association Chiropractic Team and the International Journal of Applied Kinesiology) issue 20 – Autumn 2005, Castello Publisher).
From left to right: the first time George Goodheart gave a conference in Europe. This seminar was organized by the Cultural Association Chiropractic Team (ACCT) at the PLM Hotel at Orly Airport in Paris. To Dr. Goodheart’s left is Dr. Sabella, DC, DIBAK, from Sydney, Australia. To the right of the blackboard, the tall man with binoculars is Dr. Jean Pierre Meersseman, DC, and again, Dr. Goodheart demonstrating a muscle test on J.P. Meersseman.
In 1978, David S. Walther came to Europe, author of the “bible” of Applied Kinesiology, Synopsis and Applied Kinesiology Volume 2, and then in 1979 saw the arrival of David Leaf, author of the Practical Manual, Flowchart.
1984 AIKA – Italian Association of Applied Kinesiology is born, the first AK association in Italy
In 1984, Jean-Pierre Meersseman, Chiropractor, Riccardo Legnani Medical Pharmacist, and Massimo Pandiani, Medical Doctor, collaborated to open AIKA – Italian Association of Applied Kinesiology, the first AK association in Italy.
During this period, various experts in the field were occasionally brought to teach in Italy, such as David Leaf and George Goodheart, and during this time a close friendship solidified that would last a lifetime.
1989: The First Series of Annual Courses
A.I.K.A. dedicated itself, in 1989, to organizing three seminars every year on applied kinesiology, held in Milan at the Leonardo Da Vinci Congress Center, for the first time respectively on June 17 and 18, September 9 and 10, November 11 and 12. At the end of each seminar, a certificate of attendance was issued for the course, proving the member’s actual participation in the seminar.
A.I.K.A., moreover, periodically published volumes collecting the most significant original articles that appeared in its international applied kinesiology journals.
The Members enrolled in A.I.K.A. as of 12/31/1989 were 127.
2000 The Great Conference of Dr. Goodheart in Italy
Dr. Antonio Gil, with Castello Publisher, organized the Great Conference of Dr. Goodheart in Milan with over 250 participants in September 2000.
Program of the 2000 Conference, Dr. Gil discussing with Dr. Goodheart, and award ceremony
Dr. Gil with JoAnn Goodheart (Dr. Goodheart’s Wife), Full room with over 250 participants
2002. Applied Kinesiology principles integrated into MilanLab by Dr. Meersseman
MilanLab is the high-tech interdisciplinary scientific research center owned by AC Milan. The Laboratory is located within the Milanello Sports Center and has been operationally active since March 2002.
MilanLab acts as technological support for the decision-making process aimed at optimal management of individual well-being. Science and technology, corporate “know-how” and individual experiences are combined in an innovative way to achieve a systemic approach to the various aspects that contribute to well-being
2024. The New Era of AIKA and the Revolution of Applied Kinesiology in Italy
After a hiatus of several years, we are embarking on a journey to resurrect the legacy of applied kinesiology that once flourished under the name of AIKA.
With sincere dedication and a shared passion for promoting the principles of applied kinesiology, former members of the association’s leadership have come together to revive its mission and restore its esteemed place within the community.
It is with great enthusiasm and commitment that we announce our collective efforts to bring back to life the teachings and seminars that have long been valued by our members. We are eager to embark on this journey of revitalization and look forward to your valuable support and participation in this endeavor.
The members of the new association possess exceptionally high qualifications and expertise in the field of applied kinesiology. With a collective wealth of knowledge and experiences, we are determined to propel AIKA towards the position of the most formidable association for applied kinesiology in Europe.
Our team is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence and innovation, ensuring that AIKA serves as a beacon of excellence and progress within the global applied kinesiology community. Together, we are poised to revitalize the landscape of applied kinesiology and pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in research, education, and practice.
We invite you to become an AIKA member starting from this year.
