History of Kinesiology
(early 1900’s) Boston orthopaedic surgeon, R.W. Lovett first developed the science of manual muscle testing. He used his muscle testing to analyse disabilities resulting from polio and nerve damage. He applied muscle testing to trace spinal nerve damage because muscles that tested “weak” often had a common spinal nerve.
(1960’s) Detroit-based chiropractor, George Goodheart took an interest in the work of Kendall and Kendall. As Goodheart began to increasingly use muscle testing in his practice, he found some clients had specific muscles that would test weak, were hypotonic, when certain types of disease conditions were present. An eclectic reader, Goodheart was interested in all sorts of different areas of knowledge and by synthesising his discoveries, Goodheart pioneered a system that brought together work done by his predecessors: Chapman’s Points (for lymphatic function); Bennett’s Points (for vascular function); his own origin/insertion technique (for muscular problems); cranial bone manipulation after William Sutherland, DO.
(1980’s) American scientist, Charles Krebs developed LEAP (Learning Enhancement Acupressure Program) following his recovery from a would-be fatal diving accident in 1982. A kinesiology practitioner since 1984, Krebs has done extensive research into the brain and nervous system, kinesiology techniques and energetic sciences. His scientific research and success as a kinesiology practitioner has seen him advance kinesiology and cement it as one of the worlds most powerful healing therapies.
Applied Physiology developed by Richard Utt and LEAP developed by Charles Krebs were instrumental in moving the field of Energetic Kinesiology from a wellness modality to a serious healthcare profession. In the 1990s Energetic Kinesiology continued to evolve with an increased emphasis on resolving physiological issues long term.
From these beginnings, kinesiology has blossomed to become a diversity of different types of kinesiology-based treatments. These new systems were developed by people who saw the incredible potential of the techniques because generally, they were not locked within the rigid Western medical and physiological models.