Advanced Kinesiology Final

ADVANCED
KINESIOLOGY DIPLOMA

Karen E. Wells
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 by: Karen E. Wells
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All rights reserved. No part of this course may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or
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Wells
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course.
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Table of Contents
Contents
Copyright ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents............................................................................................................................. 3
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Module One ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Advanced Kinesiology ................................................................................................................ 6

Module One ................................................................................................................................... 12
Self-Assessment Tasks .............................................................................................................. 12

Module Two .................................................................................................................................. 14
Muscles and Related Structures ................................................................................................. 14

Module Two .................................................................................................................................. 18

Module Three ................................................................................................................................ 19
The Nervous System.................................................................................................................. 19

Module Three ................................................................................................................................ 33

Module Four .................................................................................................................................. 34
The Central Nervous System and Posture ................................................................................. 34

Module Four .................................................................................................................................. 40

Module Five................................................................................................................................... 41
Correction Techniques ............................................................................................................... 41

Module Five................................................................................................................................... 52

Module Six .................................................................................................................................... 53
Muscle Testing .......................................................................................................................... 53
Module Six .................................................................................................................................... 89

Module Seven ................................................................................................................................ 90
Diagnostic .................................................................................................................................. 90
Module Seven ................................................................................................................................ 94

Final Test ....................................................................................................................................... 95
About Karen E. Wells .................................................................................................................... 96

Introduction
Welcome to this advanced diploma course on Kinesiology. This is an in-depth course which adds
to and builds upon the information provided in the foundation-level course. We use the basis of
applied kinesiology and it is important that you have an informed knowledge of anatomy and
physiology prior to commencing this course. You must also understand biomechanics.
Each part of the body is interconnected, and it takes little to impact movement or for balance to be
affected. Walking incorrectly can create muscular aches and pains and life is impacted as a result.
Posture is also a vital consideration.
Human anatomy is fascinating.
The very principles of kinesiology are used in medicine, for health and fitness, for sports people
and to recover from injuries. Biomechanics is therefore, all important.
At the end of each module, you will see a series of self-assessment tasks which are designed to aid
learning and we suggest that you spend time answering the questions and completing the practical
assessments. Please take your time with this course. Study each module carefully and then, focus
on the assessment tasks. At the end of the course, you will find a final exam, and this should be
completed and sent to KEW Training.
When ready, please turn to Module One.

Module One
Advanced Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of movement. The word originates from the Greek word kinesis, and over
the centuries, the original form of kinesiology - that of dealing with body biomechanics has enabled
people to study and acquire an in-depth knowledge on nerve and muscle function. The nerves
stimulate muscles and this acts upon the bones of the body.
George J. Goodheart, Jr, DC an American chiropractor wrote the book Applied Kinesiology back
in 1964 and many of his findings are used in kinesiology today. He studied his client’s during
chiropractic treatments learning how to help them with their health problems. With his wonderful
observations, he formed many diagnostic techniques and you will find some of these within this
course.
Muscle testing is an important part of kinesiology – so let us consider how this works.
Most of the muscles of the body are attached via the tendons to bones in a moveable joint. As they
contract, they shorten, and this action pulls bones towards the other.
When it comes to muscle testing, the joint has to be bent so that it contracts and shortens the
muscle. To do this, you can place your hands on the muscle so that there is resistance against
further contraction. The idea is that the client contracts the muscle – gently at first building up to
maximum force while you keep your hand still and in place. This enables a steady build of
resistance. Once the client has deliberately contracted the muscle as much as is possible, you would
then exert more force. This should not take long – only 2 or 3 seconds. The whole premise of
kinesiology and muscle testing is that the client must maintain the original position irrespective of
the extra force being applied. If the client can do this without movement, the muscle tests as strong.
If there is movement, the muscle tests as weak.
The aim in the first part of the muscle test is to test both ability and determination for the
contraction of the muscle. The second part of the test involves testing the nervous system. This
technique assesses the functional integrity of the muscular circuit and that aspect of the nervous
system. This test is done without any extra stimulus. This is known as ‘in the clear.’
So, at first the client contracts the muscle in question as

strongly as possible. Additional pressure is then applied,
and the view is to ascertain whether the client can
contract the muscle with greater force than previously.
Task:
Test this out on a friend or family member so you understand the basic principles of muscle testing.
Advanced kinesiology uses muscle testing ‘in the clear’ but also, uses indicator muscle testing. To
make sense of this, imagine that you have a muscle that tested as strong (in the clear), this is now
used so to test alternate stimulus. You touch a part of the body that is disturbed and by this we
mean, has an injury, is painful or may be infected. If you then repeat the previous ‘strong’ test, the
stimulus may now test as weak. The stimulus is the client touching that body part themselves or
the therapist doing so. This is known as therapy localization.
Note: Some therapists touch the patient to therapy-localise as it is quicker to do so but it can lead
to different results. It can be easier, if not slower for the client to perform therapy localisation. It
is called ‘challenge’ when other stimulus besides touch is used.
Advanced kinesiology is typically a diagnostic technique.
Diagnostic techniques enable the therapist to determine which body system is disturbed. You may
be surprised that a client may state one health condition but you find another is the cause or it is a
secondary issue. As the therapist, you must consider the treatment options that would be best suited
so to correct any disturbance. Interventions include - electromagnetic, structural, chemical, mental,
and nutritional etc. These can be individually tested to assess their worth. The same technique can
then be applied to determine if the treatment was correct. Then, it is important to consider whether
effective and appropriate.
In the early developmental stages of kinesiology, the focus was on mechanics – how muscles affect
bones and joints. We also consider the impact on posture and movement. The bones are considered
levers and the muscles are springs. The joints act as fulcrums (hinges).
Goodheart’s observations throughout his chiropractic sessions was a great benefit however, his
frustration grew at his lack of techniques. He continuously questioned why health issues existed.
To help, he studied nutrition, lymphatic drainage, Chinese acupuncture and neurology and his aim
was to incorporate what he could within his kinesiology studies. He also began to experiment with
reflexes. Through his chiropractic training, he assumed that if correcting alignment issues, it would
be a way to improve other aspects of health but discovered that structural balance was not possible
if the muscles in question were either too tense or limp.
During his initial research, Goodheart found that by rubbing and testing different muscles, there
was often an increase of strength in that muscle. He once treated a patient with a shoulder blade
that was much too prominent. On exploring the weak-testing muscle with his fingers, he
discovered painful little lumps. These are known as nodules. He spent some time rubbing and
massaging these lumps and to his surprise, they disappeared. When he re-tested, he found that
muscle strength had increased. It was this discovery that led him to perform muscle testing.
It was somewhat of a surprise that a weak-testing muscle could be made to test strong simply by
massaging the ends of it. This is where tendons attach to the bone. However, it has been proven to
work well. This technique is used even now. It is known as an origin and insertion technique. It
helps to establish muscular balance and aids structural balance. Many chiropractors also use
advanced kinesiology and manual muscle testing to discover the structural balance of the client.
When origin and insertion massage strengthen any weak-testing muscles, clients and therapists
have found that other health issues dissipate. As the bodily parts are interconnected, this is not
surprising. It is believed that structural balance impacts every aspect of health. The origin and
insertion technique does not always strengthen weak-testing muscles however, nor, is it able to
always re-establish muscular balance.
Some exercises are specifically designed to strengthen a weak-testing muscle. They may increase
muscle mass and weight-bearing strength.
During Goodheart’s investigations, he discovered that muscular imbalances are not always due to
the origin and insertion area of the muscle itself. In fact, it can be related to the Triad of Health
which is commonly used in chiropractic treatments. Any dysfunction could be due to mental health
issues, structural or chemical issues. In advanced/applied kinesiology, the Triad of health is an
extremely important principle and we are aware that one side of the Triad may impact the other.
We know that some foods or chemicals can lead to mental disturbances. It is possible that fear has
a negative impact and can escalate. Adrenaline increases muscular tension. So, we have the three
sides of the Triad - fear equals mental, adrenaline equals chemical and tension equals structural.
Often health professionals will specialise in just one side of the Triad of health. You can see this
by considering the following:
Structural = massage, osteopathy, surgery, dentistry, or chiropractic

Chemical = medication and nutrition.
Mental = psychology and counselling.
Rarely, will these cross over. However, if a primary issue is not identified and subsequently,
treated, other issues can occur.
Goodheart discovered that there can be specific health problems leading to muscles that test as
weak. Any muscle that tests as weak due to a health problem may be used to indicate potential
treatments. Where treatments make the muscle test as strong, it could also influence the health
problem.
Muscle testing affords the much-needed diagnostic tool which enables more possibilities so to deal
with each disturbance.
Goodheart used the client’s body as the diagnostic instrument. He also discovered that muscle
testing was the most effective and efficient way to identify treatments on a personal level.
Some health issues could cause muscles to test as weak, but this could then be used to indicate
potential treatments. When the muscle is made strong, it could influence other health issues.
If a muscle has too much tone, it will feel hard when it is palpated, and this is known as
hypertonic. If the muscle has optimal tone, it is called normotonic. When limp and without much
tone, it is called hypotonic.
When you start muscle testing, there are three responses:
Weak-testing – this is where the muscle does not contract sufficiently to prevent bones from
moving.
Normotonic – the muscle is able to contract sufficiently to prevent bones from moving
Hypertonic – the muscle tests strong but cannot be weakened even if touching the sedation point.
Sedation points are used in acupuncture so to drain energy away from a meridian. Therapy
localization in applied kinesiology should lead to the muscles (connected to the meridian) testing
as weak.
Many of the muscles of the body work in functional pairs i.e. agonist-antagonist. When a weak-
testing muscle is strengthened, it often leads to an antagonist muscle relaxing more. As such,
clients may say they experience less pain. Through observations, Goodheart realized that many of
his clients had other issues too – including corresponding gland or organ problems. These related
to the muscle being tested. When a weak-testing muscle is improved and ultimately, tested as
strong, the health of the gland or organ also improved. So, when you have this situation, it is worth
checking the corresponding glands or organs as well. If they are the issue, then test the
corresponding muscles.
Module One
Self-Assessment Tasks
Task:
Where does the word kinesiology come from?
Task:
Who is George J. Goodheart, Jr?
Task:
What is the triad of health?
Task:
Describe the importance of organs or glands with corresponding muscles?
Task:
What is meant by hypertonic?

Task:
If you have not already done so, practice muscle testing on family members or friends.
Please note that these self-assessment tasks are to ensure your understanding of the information
within each module. As such, do not submit them for review with Karen E. Wells.
Module Two
Muscles and Related Structures
Each muscle has a large number of tiny contractile fibres and these contain filaments of chemicals
known as actin and myosin. The brain sends electrical signals through the motor nerves to the
muscles and the two chemicals i.e. actin and myosin filaments slide together, and it is this that
shortens the muscle. We call this muscular contraction.
The muscles merge with strong connective tissue tendons prior to attaching to the bones. These
tendon-like tissues are called ligaments.
Ligaments do not stretch and so are perfect for adding stability to a joint. As a muscle contracts, it
pulls upon the bones and usually, joint articulation between two bones exists. Muscular tension
aids bone stabilization – consider movement as someone sits and stands.
There are slow contracting and fast contracting muscles. These are called fast twitch fibres or slow
twitch fibres. Both fibres use a chemical substance known as ATP - adenosine triphosphate. ATP
splits releasing the energy. It is important to understand the implications of how ATP is converted.
Many of your clients will have sports injuries or health concerns due to exercise.
Note that there is only a limited amount of ATP within the muscles. Once it splits, it must be
synthesized to support muscle movement/contractions.
In slow fibres, energy is gained from the oxidisation of sugar and fat. In fast fibres, through the
spitting of sugar without oxygen.
Slow fibres enable endurance. The highest ratio is in tonic or postural muscles and these are the
muscles that must work extensively without pausing. There is a high concentration of myoglobin
supplying oxygen required for ongoing activities.
Note - red coloured myoglobin has six times greater affinity for oxygen rather than the
haemoglobin designed to carry oxygen within the blood.
It is relatively easy for myoglobin to take oxygen from the haemoglobin.
Slow fibres use sugar as fuel and oxidise it to carbon dioxide and water. Around twenty times more
ATP can be produced due to the oxidisation of glucose within the slow fibres rather than the
splitting of glucose that occurs in the fast fibres. Slow fibres are also able to utilise fatty acids as
fuel.
Fast fibres do not have myoglobin or little of it. They are thicker than slow red fibres and do not
need oxygen. The splitting of the glucose leads to lactic acid. As muscles start to contract strongly,
people often feel the build-up of lactic acid within the muscle. There is a sense of fatigue and there
may be some pain. Extra water in the muscles will dilute lactic acid but lactic acid must also be
absorbed into the capillaries and it is then carried out through the veins, enabling the muscle to
refresh.
Lactic acid can be eliminated from tired muscles through gentle exercise or through having a hot
bath or massage. Ice is also used which reduces circulation in the short term. Use ice for a
maximum of fifteen-minutes. Circulation then increases.
Fast fibres do not use glucose as efficiently and will tire more easily. But the rate of contraction is
around ten times faster than slow fibres. Phasic muscles must contract quickly but also in an exact
way. Consider the muscles of the eyes as they have a high ratio of fast fibres.
Each muscle has both fast and slow

fibres.
While a proportion of muscle fibres are determined through genetic predisposition, the ratio of
both fibres can be adjusted by a change of use. This occurs even in adults. Consider that incorrect
posture can lead to strain around a muscle. You can tell this yourself if you have been sitting or
moving awkwardly. If a muscle is impacted – one with many fast fibres, some of these could be
transformed into slow fibres.
Just imagine an athlete who is training regularly. The athlete may use the muscles for short bursts
of activity. Training can be intense and so, fibres may change accordingly. Understanding this is
important.
A muscle has different roles.
The muscle may be involved directly with the movement. This is known as being the prime mover
or, you may hear the term agonist. You may need that muscle to work in a synergistic way with
another muscle or, against a muscle (antagonist) or to hold the bones in a position which leads to
other movements being possible. This is known as stabilizing the muscle.
Note: Electrical signals via the nerves cause the muscles to contract.
Some contractions of the muscles occur through a conscious decision while others have no
conscious involvement but are caused through the central nervous system. (CNS).
Module Two
Task:
What does CNS stand for?
Task:
How do fast and slow fibres work?
Task:
What is myosin?

Module Three
The Nervous System.
Within this section, we are going to look at the nervous system and how it relates to the muscles.
We must consider the brain as a starting point. It is incredibly complex and there is still much to
learn about it. At the base of the skull - where it connects with the vertebral column and moving
forward, there is the hindbrain, the midbrain and forebrain.
In evolutionary terms, the hindbrain is the most ancient and consists of the cerebellum, the Pons,
and the Medulla oblongata. Together these are known as the brain stem. The medulla oblongata
controls the breathing rate, heartbeat, and blood pressure. It connects the rest of the brain with the
spinal cord. Above the Medulla, the size of the brain stem increases and forms the pons and
continues towards the mid brain.
The pons is known as a bridge. Signals run between the middle brain and the medulla. Within the
middle brain, the neurotransmitter dopamine is produced. This has a direct impact upon muscle
tone. If there are insufficient levels of dopamine, you may see a client with tremors and muscle
spasticity. The cerebellum wraps around the brain stem and fills the bottom aspect of the cranium
at the back.
The cerebellum is the largest part of the hindbrain. It is also the second largest part of the brain as
a whole. Its role is important. It impacts muscle tone, along with coordination of bodily motor
movements. The input to the cerebellum comes from the joint receptors, tendons, and muscles.
The skin, the eyes and the labyrinthine all input to the cerebellum. Any information relating to
posture and the limbs occur within the cerebellum. Any messages received from the cerebral cortex
can override and alter actions of the cerebellum. Impulses that are influenced by the cerebral cortex
have its origin in the cerebellum and they travel to the spinal cord, to the muscles and they change
posture or position.
We consider the forebrain as the largest and most evolved part of the brain and it has two parts.
The cerebrum and the interbrain. The interbrain is often known as the midbrain and it has the pineal
gland, the hypothalamus, and the thalamus. Nerves connects these to the cerebrum which has two
large cerebral hemispheres. They are connected by a nerve bundle called the corpus callosum.
The patterns of movement of the body and all mental pictures are stored within the cerebrum. It
gathers and then, subsequently processes sensory impressions, which include the sensation of
touch, any sounds, or sight. This is known as the centre of memory. Awareness along with
conscious thought processes occur within the cerebrum.
Within the interbrain, you would find the vital control centres for all unconscious body function-
the hypothalamus and the thalamus. The thalamus both receives and transmit nerve signals from
the body between most parts of the brain. Any information gained from the cerebellum will be
processed in the thalamus. The thalamus is considered the door of consciousness. This is because
any information is processed ready for consciousness. Along with the function of the brain, it
affects emotion, personality drive along with an individual’s perception of pain.
The hypothalamus oversees much of the autonomic nervous system. It has control of the digestion,
metabolism, and secretion. These aspects – are not normally be under the control of will but it also
controls instinctive responses such as sex, thirst, and hunger. Located above the pituitary gland,
the hypothalamus controls the function of this gland (often called the master gland). But the
hypothalamus controls all the glands of the endocrine system.
The brain and the spinal cord form the central nervous system and the spine is attached to the base
of the cranium. There are 24 separate bones called vertebrae which are stacked on top of each other
all the way down the spine. The sacrum and the coccyx form the lower end of this vertebral column.
There is a hole passing through each vertebra and the spinal cord moves from the hindbrain through
this long tube and through each vertebra. Within the tube is an extensive bundle of nerves.
There are two main jobs for the central nervous system. Firstly, it ensures structural integrity i.e.
ensures the chemistry of the body is balanced, along with temperature and pressure. Its second role
is to help the body to restore and respond to any alterations in the external environment. Many
physiological processes are controlled by the central nervous system. In fact, these often occur
without conscious awareness. To communicate, the CNS uses chemical and electrical impulses.
The glands of the body are organs which produce, store and release chemicals that impact the
physiology of the body. Exocrine glands produce chemicals known as hormones and these are
released into the bloodstream.
.
Oxytocin and vasopressin are produced by the hypothalamus. They are excreted from the rear
aspect of the hypothalamus and move into the bloodstream.
Vasopressin impacts the kidneys and it is this that filters the blood and delivers urine to the bladder.
Vasopressin enables the kidneys to reabsorb water leading to more concentrated levels of urine. If
water intake is low, or if the person is sweating profusely, there is stimulation of the muscles
around arteries and veins, and as a result, blood pressure rises.
The pituitary gland is located behind the nose. There is a depression in the sphenoid bone (above
the roof of the mouth) this is known as the Turkish saddle. It is considered to be the most important
gland of the body. The posterior part of the pituitary is made up of mainly nerve tissues. Ten
different hormones are released into the bloodstream from the anterior part. This excretion into the
bloodstream signals other glands to act. The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland, and these
are responsible for all other glands of the body.
The endocrine glands include the thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, pancreas, testes, ovaries, and
adrenal glands. Hormones are also produced by the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart, but these
hormones only occur in small quantities. Some glands are controlled by nerves. If the
hypothalamus recognizes that there are insufficient levels of oestrogen within the blood, the
oestrogen releasing hormone (RH) is directed to the pituitary gland. RH transports along nerves
connecting the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland releases the follicle
stimulating hormone (FSH) into the bloodstream. As FSH reaches the ovaries, oestrogen is
produced and released into the blood. Once levels are optimized, the hypothalamus stops sending
the hormone.
Electrical impulses travel through nerves of the skin, inner organs, glands, and muscles to the
central nervous system. The central nervous system receives and processes the signals and then,
generates more signals - this time to the organs. The nerve signals to the adrenal glands are more
rapid than hormones.
Stress
When you see clients, you may notice that in addition to injury or problematic movement issues,
many will be feeling stressed. When we think about the fight or flight stress response, we must
understand that hormones are released quickly into the body. While we try to avoid stress, it is a
natural process and designed to protect us.
Unlike, our early ancestors, we do not typically experience the same life-threatening risks but even
so, the stress response acts accordingly. If there is danger and you need to escape it, adrenaline is
a hormone that is quickly released from the adrenal glands. A chemical signal occurs via the
bloodstream to the adrenal glands which starts the production and release of adrenalin.
It works by a chemical signal occurring via the bloodstream directly to the adrenal glands and then
this immediately starts the production and release of adrenaline. However, an even faster response
is obtained by electrical stimulation via the nerves.
Organs which are needed during the fight or flight response gain an increase of blood circulation.
The organs that are not required have less blood flowing to them and the activity levels slow.
Adrenaline constricts the superficial capillaries and skin begins to pale. Heartbeat and respiration
increase, and the pupils dilate. Circulation increases and the voluntary muscles tense preparing the
body for movement. Non voluntary muscles have reduced activity.
Nerve cells
Nerve cells (neurons) have a cell body which contains a nucleus and extensions. Dendrites are
short fibres that extend out and transmit into the nerve cell body. One of these extending fibres is
known as the Axon and it sends impulses out of the nerve cell body. Axons stimulate dendrites of
other nerves or they act directly to cells. A fluid filled cavity known as a synapse occurs where the
Axon meets the dendrites. As the Axon emits an electrical impulse, it meets the synapse and a
chemical reaction occurs. Impulses received will typically fire up the nerve. If the same nerve
circuits continue to fire through that same synapse, the synapse fluids often become exhausted and
this means that the signal dies.
The largest nerve bundle outside of the brain is within the spinal cord. If you were able to see into
the spinal cord horizontally you would see a white substance (butterfly shaped) which is embedded
within a grey substance. The two wings of the butterfly are called ventral horns. The two wings
which extend posteriorly are called dorsal horns. All of the outgoing motor nerves emerge from
the ventral horns while incoming sensory nerves go to the dorsal horns.
Note: the use of the word sensory does not relate to a conscious awareness, only that the signal is
received by the nervous system.
The white substance in this severed section, is made up of nerves which transmit signals via the
spinal cord at first and then, to and from the brain. On both left and right sides are two adjacent
vertebrae. There are incoming nerves (afferent) that intakes sensory information gained from
muscles and organs. Within the same segment, outgoing nerves direct the functions of the same
muscles and organs.
On the ventral side of the first column, it is more protected from injury. The motor nerves emerge
from this side of the spinal cord and they have greater protection than the sensory nerves. Before
these nerves emerge from the intervertebral space, they become joined and become a paired nerve.
Typically, signals passed through the nerves rapidly, but with each synapse that it must pass
through, the signal naturally has to slow down. It makes sense therefore, that for any message to
be received it will depend how far it has had to travel. The types of signals that occur through the
spinal cord and the body does not require the brain to be involved. Muscular reactions which are
produced are known as reflexes.
Nerve receptors
Afferent nerves are stimulated as a result of various receptors. Mechanical receptors receive
information about external mechanical forces which includes movement, gravity, sound, pressure
or touch and they then transmit the information gained to the central nervous system. Within the
ear, there is a hollow, spiral-shaped bone called the cochlea and it plays an intrinsic role in hearing
and auditory transduction. It contains mechanoreceptors and this is able to transform those external
sounds and they become auditory nerve signals. In addition, receptors within the eye are used by
the brain. These receptors are vital for simply keeping the head in an upright position. Both the
cochlea and visual receptors respond to stimuli from light and sound.
Proprioceptors are a group of nerve receptors that respond to any stimulus which has been created
within the organism. It is the cerebellum within the central nervous system that compares the
signals so to regulate movement, positioning and body integrity.
There are three main groups of proprioceptors:

Ligaments
Joints
Skin
But we must also consider skin proprioceptors, labyrinthine and muscle proprioceptors.
The small muscles of the neck contain a large number of proprioceptors and these are important
as they help to keep the head in an upright position on the neck and also affect the position of the
neck on the body. Within the ear, there is an organ known as the labyrinthine. This impacts
equilibrium. It has a hollow bone (the petrous bone) and inside are the sensory organs for hearing
and balance. This is filled with a lymph fluid.
Mechanical impulses produced by sound are sent to the labyrinthine fluid through the foramen
ovale (a window) in the hollow bone. So, the fluid moves through the vestibule containing the
foramen ovale into the cochlea. This is easily identifiable as similar to a snail’s shell. In here, the
fluid compresses sensitive cells that generate nerve signals which are then sent to the brain. Once
processing occurs, it creates awareness of sound.
At the far end of the labyrinthine, three semi-circular canals are filled with lymph fluid. At the end
of each one is an ampulla which has a fluid filled sac. These are lined with special hair cells and
the nerves that are attached to these measure lymph movement which is a cavity containing a fluid
filled sac. These are lined with hair cells. The nerves that are attached to these hairs are designed
to measure movement of the lymph fluid within the canals. They then signal the nervous system
detailing the position, or motion of the head.
Muscle proprioceptors
When we talk about active work for a muscle, we simply mean a muscle contracting. When we
talk about muscle tone, we mean it is resting. It is passive.
The tone of the muscle is produced through gamma motor neurons. It is the neuromuscular spindle
cell receptors and the Golgi tendon organs that are most involved with the muscles. These muscle
proprioceptors are involved with posture and movement.
The Golgi tendon organs monitor tension.

The neuromuscular spindle cell receptors deal with the length of the muscle.
Neuromuscular spindle cells occur in their most concentrated amounts. Deep within the muscle,
you will find concentrations of neuromuscular spindle cells and each one is 2-20 mm in length and
is contained within a sheaf of connective tissue (this is filled with fluid).
There are 3-10 intrafusal muscle fibres – these are thin fibres. They are located parallel to the larger
extrafusal muscle fibres. The extrafusal fibres are located outside of the sheaf. These form the
bulk of the muscle and are essential for contraction strength.
Around the centre of the intrafusal fibres are the neuromuscular spindle cell receptors. These nerve
receptors transmit their messages along the primary type La afferent nerves all the way to the
central nervous system. Efferent nerves relay the response from the CNS back to the muscle and
alpha motor neurons and gamma motor neurons.
There are two type of alpha motor neurons, i.e. tonic and phasic. Phasic alpha motor neurons
supply organs and body parts with nerves. They supply phasic muscles which only contracts for a
short period. By contrast, tonic alpha motor neurons supply post-traumatic muscles which remain
active for an extended bout of time.
The signal from a nerve remains the same but it is the intensity of the signal
that is important due to how often that nerve fires up.
Approximately 70% of motor neurons going to the muscles are alpha motor neurons. They supply
the extrafusal muscle fibres which are important for muscular contraction force. Gamma motor
neurons make up the other 30%. They supply the intrafusal muscle fibres. These do not contribute
to muscular contraction strength but stretches the neuromuscular spindle. This produces
exceptional motor control but does not produce raw force. The nerve impulses sent through gamma
motor neurons begin in the cerebellum.
If you were to look at the end of neuromuscular spindle, you would see intrafusal muscle fibres
attaching to the sheaf of the muscle. These are lengthened or shortened automatically. In the middle
of the intrafusal fibres will be a section without myosin or actin. This means it will not contract.
La nerves are afferent nerves. Consider them primary so to identify them from type II nerves. They
are the receptors of neuromuscular spindle cells and send signals constantly to the spinal cord. As
the central part is stretched, this increases the output from the primary receptors. The nerves are
thick. Signals travel easily. When the receptor area is lengthened, intense signals are fired. These
are sent to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. It only takes one synapse within the spinal cord to be
stimulated and then, a monosynaptic response is fired back to the same muscle. It then contracts.
This forms the foundation of a reflex reaction.
Secondary type 2 afferent nerves connect into the contractor part of the intrafusal muscle fibres.
These are thinner and are slower. They have the responsibility for the second type of
neuromuscular spindle response and once are stimulated, the tension within the muscle is slowly
elevated and it will then remain in this state.
When you are performing muscle testing or if there are any weight-bearing activities, know that
both alpha and gamma efferent stimulation is occurring to the muscles. The alpha stimulation of
the extrafusal fibres creates contraction force. The gamma stimulation of the intrafusal fibres
stretches the central receptor area of the neuromuscular spindle cell. This means that the receptor
(constantly sending impulses) speeds up the impulses to the spinal cord and to the cerebellum.
Contraction increases. Then a nerve signal is fired back through the alpha motor nerves to the
extrafusal fibres of that muscle. The force of contraction increases.
The neuromuscular spindles themselves signal the nervous system. In turn, this increases tension
in any muscle lacking in tone. When you apply greater force, the neuromuscular spindle cells
analyse the amount of force applied and as a result, it signals the nervous system. Then, the right
level of alpha nerves signal and enable the muscle to contract sufficiently so to hold the body part
in its position. If neuromuscular spindle cells are not sending sufficient signals, the muscle will
test as weak.
Neuromuscular spindle cells activity will cause its muscles to contract. It also leads to the
contraction of the muscle stabilisers and synergist. Antagonist muscle is inhibited. The reflex
motion of the muscle occurs swiftly because only one synapse in the spinal cord must go between
the neuromuscular spindle cell and the extrafusal muscles to enable the force of contraction. This
is why the body sometimes jerks away from stimuli. Consider when the knee reflex is utilised.
When it comes to the synergist and stabilisers, the neural circuits dealing with these two aspects,
each have two synapses within the spinal cord. Note that these are slower.
Muscular contraction when smooth and coordinated is due to the combined efforts of the alpha
and gamma nerves within the neuromuscular spindle cells. Tonic muscles will hold their level of
tone for long periods of time and these muscles tend to have a greater number of slow tonic fibres.
The activity of these muscles requires little coordination. Tonic muscles do not have many
neuromuscular spindle cells. Phasic muscles have a greater number of fast phasic fibres. There is
an increased number of neuromuscular spindle cells as they are required for more intricate or
coordinated movements.
The length of a muscle can be manually adjusted through manipulation. You push or lightly pinch
the neuromuscular spindle cells together i.e. parallel to the length of the muscle. By doing so, you
reduce the tension on the intrafusal muscle fibres. The signals are less intense through the La
afferent nerves. In fact, it reduces, on a temporary level, alpha efferent nerve signalling so there is
less tension within the extrafusal fibres. These are responsible for muscular strength. So, by
pinching the spindle cells, the muscle will temporarily test as weak. This can be used to determine
if the muscle responds correctly.
To stretch and activate the neuromuscular spindle cells, you have to push your fingers or using
both hands deep into the mass of the muscle. Pulling it apart will stretch the intrafusal fibres and
will thereby increase the output to the spinal cord. This means more nerve impulses are sent each
second and this means the muscles will contract more strongly.
Any trauma, stretching, or extreme contraction - if done too quickly, could cause the
neuromuscular spindle cell to send impulses of inappropriate strength into the spinal cord. This
leads to inappropriate levels of tension in the muscles, stabilisers, synergists, and antagonists.
This could lead to other muscles contracting at a higher level. There is the risk that it could impact
posture too. Increased contraction could inhibit antagonists. Adaptations to any incorrectly
functioning neuromuscular spindle cell is actually quite a common cause of neurological
disorganisation.
When the agonist acts, the neuromuscular spindle cells action inhibits the antagonist. When the
antagonist acts, then it is the agonist that is inhibited. We know this as reciprocal inhibit inhibition.
This reciprocal inhibition occurs automatically at the spinal cord where synapses meet between
the nerves (afferent and efferent). Note that higher brain centres can override this. Consider that
any conscious decision once made in the cerebral cortex may lead to the entire group of agonist
and antagonists flexing simultaneously. Typically, when a muscle is active, it means the antagonist
is inhibited. But if the neuromuscular spindle cell is not functioning properly, the impulses sent
could be so strong that the muscle can test as weak even if the agonist muscle has relaxed. This is
known as reactive muscles.
If you see a dysfunction in the neuromuscular spindle cell, this will typically therapy localise
If the muscle tests as weak and is due to an issue with the neuromuscular spindle cells, by touching
it, the muscle will test as strong. Know that any dysfunction to a neuromuscular spindle cell is
often felt as a hard lump. By utilising therapy localization and palpation, it is easier to correct.
If you wish to strengthen a weak-testing muscle, you need to press your fingers deeply into the
muscle on each side of the neuromuscular spindle cell and then pull your fingers apart – in the
direction of the fibres. This is used to wake up muscles and to prepare them for a strong contraction.
If you need to weaken a muscle that has tested as hypertonic- one that is strong but cannot be
weakened by its usual means due to the neuromuscular spindle cell dysfunction, press your fingers
into the muscle on each side of the problem spindle cell. Press your fingers together following the
line of contraction. You need to perform a pinching motion which pulls the spindle cell together.
Note: Warn your clients that this is not a pleasurable massage.
Tight shoulder muscles can benefit from this too.

Consider the upper trapezius muscle between the neck
and shoulders as this area is often extremely tight.
Tip: If you see clients with little tone in their muscles, exert less pressure on them. Instead, perform
the techniques several times.
Observation plays a key role in kinesiology. If you see that the muscle is wide and that several
neuromuscular spindle cells are affected, then, repeat this treatment on each active spindle cell or
across the whole width of the muscle. Once this is completed, the neuromuscular spindle cells
should have restored tension levels.
If you find that this dysfunction returns or if there are problems in other neuromuscular spindle
cells, then consider looking at nutrition.
Golgi tendon organs
To adjust the level of tension in a muscle, you can also use the Golgi tendon organs as these are
proprioceptors. These are located at the junction where the muscles blend into the tendons so
before they attach to the bones. You will find 10-15 muscle fibres attached to each of the Golgi
tendon organs. Their function is different from the neuromuscular spindle cells. While the
neuromuscular spindle cells monitor the length of the muscle, the Golgi tendon organs are more
concerned with tension.
If a muscle contracts with strength, it will shorten and as such, the spindle cells reduce but the
Golgi tendon organs activate and stretch. The Golgi tendon organs are passive. Activation of Golgi
tendon organs lead to a decrease in the tension of the muscles in which they are found. In other
words, this inhibits it. This is the same with the synergists and stabilisers.
The tendon receptors of the Golgi tendon organs are connected to a type I afferent nerve in the
same way as the neuromuscular spindle cells. The tendon receptor nerves are called Ib afferent
nerves. These travel to the spinal cord and they impact the alpha motor nerves. The signals are
then returned to the muscle. The signal also goes via the spinal cord to the cerebellum which deals
with balance, movement, and posture.
If there is extreme stretching or the movement is too quick, there will be a decrease of muscular
tension. The Golgi tendon organs send out a greater output signal when the muscle is strongly
contracted. This has an inhibiting effect of the Golgi tendon organ and prevents damage to the
muscle fibres etc. If the Golgi tendon organ signal is strong, the alpha motor neurons turn off. This
means that there is little signal passing through the alpha motor nerves back into the muscle. So,
the muscle will relax. The protective mechanism can be overcome through practise and conscious
decision.
Any level of tension within the muscle and its response to muscle testing can be altered through
manipulation of the Golgi tendon organs. If the muscle is functioning normally, the Golgi tendon
organs will not therapy localise. This means you cannot use this to determine the location. You
can activate the Golgi tendon organ by pulling one or both of the ends of a muscle towards the
bone where the tendon attaches, and this will cause a normal tonic muscle containing the Golgi
tendon organ to test as weak. The actual effect of this lasts from 20-120 seconds approximately.
If the muscle has tested weak due to a dysfunction in the Golgi tendon organ, you can try to therapy
localise it. Check for a lump in the junction between the tendon and the muscle. It should be fairly
easy to feel this. If you pull the lump parallel to the fibres of the muscle - towards the inner part of
the muscle several times, this can fix the issue. If you have a muscle that is hypertonic because the
Golgi tendon organ is overactive, you will need to pull the Golgi tendon organ away from the
middle section of the muscle. It is worth evaluating the Golgi tendon organs located at both ends
of the muscle. You may find one or both of them are dysfunctional. Push and pull them several
times varying your pressure levels.
Module Three
Task:
What is contained in the hindbrain?
Task:
What is the pons?
Task:
What do the Golgi tendon organs monitor?
Task:
Why is observation important in kinesiology?
Task:
What is meant by active work for a muscle?
Module Four
The Central Nervous System and Posture
When muscle proprioceptors need to be adjusted, they fail to signal correctly. This leads to false
messages being sent via the afferent sensory nerves to the spinal cord and cerebellum within the
central nervous system (CNS). If the CNS responds appropriately but, incoming signals are
incorrect, then the outgoing signals via the efferent motor nerves will be incorrect. Because of
this, some of the muscles will be too tense or palpatory hypertonic – and some will be too relaxed
– hypotonic.
When this happens, posture is affected. Poor structural alignment occurs, and this can lead to
uncoordinated movements if it is not corrected. The central nervous system reacts to information
that is inputted in a similar way to a computer. It defines how the information is presented and it
can lead to internal processing. Thereafter, signals go to various parts of the body.
Stimulus is interpreted on an individual level. The signals from the Golgi tendon organs and
neuromuscular spindle cells have the responsibility for patterns of motion and for posture. The
key to understanding and correcting posture is that it becomes a habit and so, poor posture needs
to be corrected gradually. After all, incorrect posture can feel normal if repeated. If you have a
client with poor posture, ask them to sit or stand straight, and notice whether they tighten their
muscles. The posture may appear straighter but if they tense the muscles constantly, this can have
a damaging effect.
Tense agonist muscles remain tight and shorten and antagonist muscles tighten as well as they
are fighting against the agonist muscles. This leads to the joints jamming together and discomfort.
Even if you ask clients to stand tall and to avoid slouching, they may not be able to hold that
posture for long and this is because their proprioceptor signals have not altered. Old tensions are
not released but become counteracted due to new tensions.
By moving into this new and correct posture, your client is likely to feel uncomfortable as if it
feels strange or wrong. However, poor posture which has been formed through repeated use, feels
much more comfortable.
If we look at typical patterns when it comes to poor posture and by this, we mean poor structural
alignment, we must consider where the front of the torso collapses downward, the shoulders are
lifted but the head moves forward from the line of gravity. When alignment of the body moves
away from the line of gravity, the muscles have to contract so to support the body. Through
continuous holding of this this posture, certain muscles will have to be contracted excessively.
This leads to inhibition of the antagonist muscles.
Muscles which are not designed for this task also have to tighten excessively because they need
to take over the role that would be tended by the inhibited antagonists. As you can imagine, this
leads to a chain of incorrect tensions leading to discomfort and neurological disorganisation. In
time, illnesses within the organs connected to the involved muscles could be anticipated.
Within kinesiology, we use muscle correction techniques so to break this chain. We adjust the
signals of the Golgi tendon organs and the neuromuscular spindle cells. When this happens, the
central nervous system provides and receives a more accurate input of information. Remember:
You are aiming to help your clients to achieve a balanced and optimal tone per muscle. This leads
to a much-improved structural alignment.
When muscular tone in the antagonist and agonist are balanced, the vertebrae become aligned
with gravity once more. The body weight moves through the vertebral column, through the legs
and pelvis and there is minimal effort on the muscles. As a result, movement becomes smoother
and coordination and posture improves. The neuromuscular spindle cell and Golgi tendon organ
manipulation techniques, balance muscular tone and it works through adjusting the signal levels
that occur through the proprioceptors. Pain reduces and the client starts to experience improved
posture. This is done without conscious effort.
When it comes to functionality, consider that the Golgi tendon organs along with the
neuromuscular spindle cells are opposites. Yet, they activate often simultaneously. It is this
reciprocal impact affecting the tone of the muscles that leads to a coordinated and graceful
movement. Without this, movements would be jerky. In addition, there could be too much strain
on the tissues.
Even in active muscles – there will be a steady level of tension and this is muscle tone. When
there is insufficient tone, the antagonists react through tightening and shortening. This can cause
a reduction of tension in the agonist and it tightens the antagonist more. Reciprocal inhibition and
facilitation could lead to an ongoing and self-perpetuating issue.
Consider this - if your client has experienced tense muscles – they may also be painful. If the
muscles were massaged, the therapist would feel over-tight muscles. But this is not the cause of
the original problem and it is through insufficient tone. So, any benefits or corrections through
massage would be short-lived.
If an agonist muscle does not have enough tone, the antagonistic muscle will have additional tone,
and this will tighten. So, it makes sense to solve the issue which is an imbalance of tension. The
aim is to raise muscle tone in the agonist and by doing so, the antagonist muscle relaxes. You
may see many clients who have experienced or who are experiencing lower back pain. This is
common. It is often caused through increased tension within the Sacro spinalis muscles and these
are important because they hold the trunk upright. By increasing the level of tone in the abdominal
muscles – this can be useful. By increasing tone in the abdominals, it can inhibit the antagonist.
This lengthens the Sacro spinalis and in turn, the curve of the lower back reduces. The client may
notice the release of pain immediately. If the contraction of the antagonist causes the agonist to
test as weak, the tone of the antagonist must be directly reduced with treatment for reactive
muscles.
Fascial release technique
To treat hypertonic muscles with trigger points, an ice application can be useful. This aids the
muscle, stretching it but you must be careful. Improper use of ice could damage the tissues by
freezing them. Instead, slide along the affected tissue towards the heart with an ice cube and do
this while stretching the muscle. This is a safe way to work on the muscle. The fascia often
lengthens during the ice application.
Note: this should not be used repeatedly. Once pain has returned following the treatment, it is
important to use other ways to diagnose and to correct.
Stretching the muscle should no longer lead it to test weak. Combined manipulation of the Golgi
tendon organs and neuromuscular spindle cells, the fascia release technique can enable full
extension to a shortened muscle. This alleviates some pain and can increase the range of motion.
Testing for muscle stretch response
Test muscle and if weak, strengthen it

Extend the muscle completely and gently stretch it. Try to extend it a little more.
Stretch the postural muscles slowly.
Stretch the phasic muscles more quickly.
Retest the muscle and if it continues to test as weak, it has an abnormal stretch response.
If there is a dysfunction within the associated gland or organ, turn to the fascia release technique.
If you find it is difficult to extend the muscle or if the client specifies that pain is experienced,
then, gently contract the extended muscle. Consider this as if plucking the string of a musical
instrument. If you find that the muscle responds and jumps, then you should aim for the chill and
stretch technique. If you placed pressure on the trigger points, pain is likely.
To determine whether the muscle needs the fascial stretch or the chill and stretch, you must drain
any excess fluids.
Draining excess fluids
Grasp the muscle (heart-end) using the surface of the hand. If you are working on a larger muscle,
you can use both hands. Squeeze the muscles. You should aim to apply between 0.5-5 kilos of
pressure. Start lightly. You are aiming to soften the muscle after treatment.
Move the hand towards the heart without dragging the skin. Hold and continue to squeeze for 20-
30 seconds and then, release.
Move back to the distal part of the muscle (away from the heart) and squeeze and push towards
the heart again for the same duration.
Hold and repeat.
Move further distally along the muscle and then, repeat the process pressing the fluids through
and out of the muscle towards the heart. You should now start to feel that the muscle begins to
soften and is pliable.
Fascia release technique
Use a muscle stress response first (above) to soften and drain the fluid.
Move the body into a position that stretches the muscle just gently. Keep that muscle stretch
throughout the process.
Add oil to the surface of the muscle starting at the distal end – so away from the heart. Use the
fingers, thumbs, or knuckles, press into and along the tissue in the direction of the heart. You can
knead and massage any irregularities within the fascia. Then, repeat this process covering the
whole area so that you are parallel to the fibres of the muscle.
Then you need to confirm the correction by repeating the muscle stretch and retest the muscle. It
should not weaken. Then, stimulate the neurolymphatic and neurovascular reflexes for the
muscle.
Module Four
Task:
Practice the techniques given in this module so that you feel comfortable performing them.
Module Five
Correction Techniques
It is thought that when working on muscles, the vibrating effect of massage serves to stimulate the
nerves and receptors and strengthens the origin-insertion. When examining a client, and if you
feel definitive lumps on the muscles, there is a theory that the need for origin-insertion treatment
stems from a previous trauma. It is possible that the issue comes from a trauma that would have
torn the tendon away from the periosteum skin surrounding the bones. Any obvious lumps would
be located where the tendon was partially torn. Once the lumps are identified in the junction of
the tendon and bone, this confirms the treatment required.
While the massaging technique has been successful and the muscles ultimately test as strong, in
some cases, the technique has failed to improve a weak-testing muscle. As such, exercises to
increase the strength of the muscles are used. This includes increasing the mass and weight-bearing
ability of the muscles. Even so, muscles may still test as weak. During Goodheart’s observations,
he realised that it did not mean that the muscle was physically weak, he had to look for other
solutions.
One such patient had sciatic nerve pain on one side of the body. The pain was worse when he was
standing, sitting, or lying down. Walking was less painful in fact; it brought some relief. It is the
fascia lata muscle covering the outer part of the thigh that enable it to be moved diagonally,
forward, and away from the body. When tested, it showed as weak on this side. The usual origin-
insertion and chiropractic efforts could not make the muscle strong.
He considered that as walking was preferable, it might be due to the lymph being removed from
the muscles. He considered that this client’s issues could be due to inadequate lymph drainage.
With this as a possible diagnosis, Goodheart massaged the lymph nodules over the fascia lata but
still found no difference between the two sides of the body. He then worked on the area of the
sacroiliac knowing that swollen lymph nodules can be here due to the sciatic nerve. But nothing
was different. However, after doing this, the client stated that the pain was reduced. Ongoing
treatment in both areas enabled the client to be pain free. The pain did not return either.
The lymph system
The lymph system is made up of a branching net of vessels. It is an open system that commences
with tiny vessels placed at the extremities. These increase as they moved towards the trunk. In the
abdomen, the crotch, armpits, and neck - many of the lymph vessels flow into lymph nodes and
then, flow into larger lymph vessels thereafter. The largest of the lymph vessels is called the
thoracic duct and this gathers all of the lymph from both of the legs, the trunk of the body and the
left arm and left side of the head. It moves into the left lymphatic duct which is located behind the
left clavicle. Lymph from the right side of the head and the right arm is taken into the right
lymphatic duct located behind the right clavicle.
These ducts empty all of the lymph which has been collated from the entire body into the blood
stream at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins.
Note: the lymphatic tissue - the intestines, the tonsils, thymus, and the spleen all belong to the
lymph system.
This system has no heart as a pump to keep it moving and so the pumping motion is caused through
the muscles of the body contracting. In addition, within the larger lymph vessels, the muscle walls
are smooth, and the contractions enable the lymph to flow forward. Even the tiny lymph capillaries
have contractile fibres. Massaging the neurolymphatic reflex serves to stimulate the muscular
action of the lymph vessels and this aids lymph removal from the tissues. The lymph vessels have
one-way valves which allow the lymph to flow forward but the lymph is unable to reverse. As the
muscles contract, lymph passes through and are squeezed. It can be deemed a tiny vacuum effect.
All activities that impact abdominal pressure i.e. sneezing, coughing, lifting or even breathing will
pump lymph from the legs and abdomen towards the base of the neck. This is where the lymph
empties into the venous system. Within the body, you would see twice as many lymph vessels to
blood vessels.
Fats and proteins bathe the cells. Some will be used by the cells as and when needed but those that
are unused and if too large to return through the blood capillaries, they have to be absorbed into
the lymph capillaries. They eventually find their way back into the blood. The blood has so much
protein already, that the protein which has left the capillaries is not able to return directly due to
osmotic pressure. In every 24 hours, approximately 50% of protein circulating in the blood exits
the capillaries and is then reabsorbed back into the lymph system. It is then delivered back into the
venous blood via ducts located close to the base of the neck.
Think of the lymph system as a waste removal or defence system. It also transports water, fats,
and proteins. Bone marrow, thymus, and spleen lymphocytes (white blood cells) are generated
within the lymph nodes. Think of these as the defence system for the body. The white blood cells
act as phagocytes and these digest any filtered waste particles or pathogens that occur within the
lymph nodes. Waste products leave the cells. The waste gathers in the interstitial space. They flow
into lymph vessels due to something called osmotic pressure.
If any of the tissues are infected, the infectious material and any cellular destruction will also be
taken into the lymph system and transferred to the lymph nodes. Think of this as a filtration system
where any foreign bodies or, microorganisms are consumed by white blood cells. If there is an
infection in the body, it would be the next lymph node in the direction of the circulation that would
begin to swell or be tender. So, to prevent any spread of infection, bad material is gathered in the
lymph nodes and passed to the white blood cells.
Circulation of the lymph is quite slow. This is essential

because it has to have time to filter or breakdown matter. If
drainage of the tissues is inadequate sometimes lymphatic
congestion occurs.
Of course, circulation should not be too slow. If it is, infectious material along with waste products,
fats and proteins could all build up in the interstitial spaces. When this occurs, oedema begins.
Oedema is excess fluid inflating the space between cells. This moves cells away from their
capillaries and interferes with nutrition.
Advanced kinesiology techniques will have some influence over this. When oedema occurs, the
tissues become porous. They also stretch. In chronic cases, a positive long-lasting outcome can be
difficult because fluids return through the more porous tissues. It is best to have the corrective
measures in place and apply them over a lengthy period of time as this can help to re-establish the
system function.
When symptoms of lymphatic congestion are present, and this includes oedema - you may notice
it in the extremities. Infections, or wounds often do not heal. Look into the client’s eyes, you may
see a string of white pearls surrounding the outer part of the iris. This denotes lymphatic
congestion, but some people will not have any symptoms. For an acute lymphatic problem, you
may notice the reflex points will be swollen and firm but soft over the whole area.
Note: excess lymph in the tissues is not visible until it has reached over 30%
If a client has a chronic lymphatic congestion problem, the centre of the reflex point will feel firm,
but you may also detect a rubbery feel. If the problem has existed for a long period of time, there
will be small lumps in the fat just under the skin right in the middle of the reflex area. The reflex
points are located in the intercostal spaces between the ribs anteriorly where they meet the sternum
and posteriorly where they meet the vertebrae. The reflex points are also on the lower abdomen,
they are around the scapula, on the lower back and on the legs. Each of the reflex points are
approximately 3-centimetres in diameter.
Active lymphatic points can be massaged with a firm circular pressure. You can sustain this for
approximately 15-seconds. For the correction of repeated muscle weakness, you can massage the
points for 2-minutes or even longer. Note that the reflex points on the anterior side of the body are
usually more tender to touch. Depending on how chronic the situation is, you may also find that
the reflex points are extremely tender. If you find that the points are tender, massage them gently
but over a more extended period of time.
Goodheart ascertained that the reflex points corresponded with specific muscles and organs. Each
muscle of the body has one anterior and one posterior reflex point. Goodheart discovered a way to
determine if and when massaging the reflex would be useful when it came to strengthening any
weak testing muscles.
So, if the therapy localization of the reflex point turns a weak-testing muscle into a strong-
testing…..
Massage is required.
Following massage, the muscle should test as strong.
To confirm this, the patient will touch the point and the same muscle is tested. If, after it has been
successfully strengthened, it again tests as weak, additional stimulation of the same point would
be required.
Tip: You may notice that for some people, every muscle of the body could test as weak.
A muscle may test as strong but a few more tests would reveal the muscle tests as weak. When
this happens, it can be difficult to find indicator muscles. If you have clients with sedentary jobs
and lifestyles, it can happen. They may also have a lot of excess lymph within the body.
Surprisingly, these are the clients who may be dehydrated. So, the excess water is not gathered in
the tissues where it is needed but in the lymph system.
With these clients, try an extended massage of the neurolymphatic reflex points.
Note: a client with weak testing muscles predominately will be in the exhaustion phase and need
to rest and relax.
It takes time to clear large amounts of lymph and it is useful for the client to help in the process
between sessions. One of the best ways of doing so is for them to have a small trampoline and to
bounce upon it. This will act like a pump for all the tissues of the body. You may have some clients
who would not be able to do this on a trampoline or indeed, on a mini trampoline but sitting on
one of the gymnastic balls and bouncing is a fantastic way to help remove excess lymph too.
When someone is still in bed for long periods of time, lymph gathers, and the tissues start to swell.
During this period of illness, lymph can be infectious and if it is allowed to remain within the body,
it prevents the person from recovering. Even if someone is ill, they should still try to be active but
within reason. Walking is highly recommended or at the very least sitting and bouncing gently on
a gymnastic ball.
If the muscles are activated as a result of muscle-testing and this is then followed by a massage of
the neurolymphatic reflex points, and prior to the end of the session, the muscles are activated
again, this helps to eliminate excess lymph.
Water is the most important nutritional element when it comes to the lymphatic system. The body
greatly needs water so to be able to cleanse itself and if you see a client with lymphatic problems,
it is an idea to ask them to drink 8 x 8-ounce glasses of water each day. They should do this rather
than drinking any other type of drink. Drinking water can often create a different outcome to
whether muscles test as weak or hypertonic. Ask your clients to drink a large glass of water and
then, retest their muscles. You may find they test as normotonic.
Task:
Practice this on friends and family members.
Neurovascular reflexes
The reflexes used in applied/advanced kinesiology are called neurovascular reflexes. Most of the
points which are highly beneficial can be found on the head. Stimulation of these reflexes need
light pressure - gently pushing or pulling indirectly. The client should feel a strong pulsation.
The pressure and direction have to be experimented initially as each person is unique. Once the
actual direction is found, it can be gentle, more pressured and held for 20-seconds. It does not need
to be firm pressure.
Typically, the pulsation would be between 70 and 74 beats per minute and this is independent of
the heart rate contraction. There was speculation that the pulsation occurred through the
contraction of the tiny muscle layers surrounding each of the blood capillaries in the scalp.
Note: that this has not been proven.
Goodheart discovered that through working on these neurovascular reflex points, it warmed the
tissues of other areas. If the stimulation was adequate, the other areas continued to remain warm
even when the contact on the neurovascular reflex point was removed. The direction of this tugging
sensation if altered, can lead to the loss of the pulsation, and reverse the benefits. Different reflex
points may sometimes warm the same areas.
Note: that the patterns of warming have not been identified.
Neurolymphatic reflex point technique
Test muscles
If you find a weak-testing muscle, therapy-localise one of the neuroluympatic points that are
associated with this weak-testing muscle. You may find that it is easier to touch the anterior point.
Have the client touch the point and then retest the muscle.
If it then tests as strong, you will know that it can be strengthened by neurolymphatic massage.
Massage both anterior and posterior neurolymphatic points. If you find any tender points, massage
for a little longer but keep the pressure light. Vary this from 15-seconds to a few minutes.
Retest the muscle. If it is still testing as weak, therapy-localize the neurolymphatic point. If the
muscle then tests as strong, you can continue to use neurolymphatic point. Retest thereafter.
If the muscle tests as strong, consider this neurolymphatic point massage as being successful. If it
weakens afterwards, more therapy-localised massage is required.
Vascular circulation arteries to the veins
Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to all of the tissues, and these then branch out into much smaller
arterioles. The smallest of these branch out into capillaries. Nutrients, along with oxygen for the
cells disperses through the porous capillary walls. Some of these nutrients enter the cells. Any
small waste products along with carbon dioxide diffuse from the cells and move back into the
capillaries. Unused nutrients – fats and proteins and other waste products will gather into the
interstitial spaces and then push into the lymphatic vessels and these are eventually processed and
move back into venous blood flow.
Tiny veins known as venules gather blood from the capillary bed. These venules move into veins
that increase in size. Both the veins and the arteries have muscular cover, but veins have a thinner
muscular cover than the arteries. The venous blood carries oxygen depleted carbon dioxide
enriched blood along with waste products from the tissues and it returns to the heart. The heart
then pumps this blood through the lungs so that carbon dioxide can be illuminated as oxygen is
absorbed.
The oxygen-rich blood returns to the heart and is pumped into the main artery called the aorta and
branches out into all of the other arteries. It is the tone of the muscles surrounding the blood vessels
that circulate the blood. This muscle tone is increased by the hormone vasopressin and it is
produced in the hypothalamus. It is then stored at the posterior aspect of the pituitary gland and
eventually, released into the blood.
Note that the muscle tone surrounding arteries and veins is controlled by the vasos centre in the
brain. The vaso centre can be located in the lower third of the pons and the upper 2/3 of the medulla
oblongata. The upper part of the vasocentre sends out signals for the muscles to contract around
the arteries and veins. This is done continuously. The medial and lower parts of the vaso centre
send out inhibiting signals to the upper lateral centre which reduces those signals with less intensity
being sent to the vascular muscles.
If we consider a branch of an arteriole as it moves into a smaller arteriole and then, capillary, there
is a circular ring of muscle that controls the movement of blood. The vasocentre has little control
- if any, over these tiny circular muscles. There is some line of thought that these tiny circular
muscles along with surrounding tissues do require oxygen and the muscles are not able to contract
as well. They then open enabling more oxygen-rich blood to flow in.
Equally, the waste products of cell metabolism may act as vasodilators thereby, improving blood
circulation so to remove the waste products. Hormones such as adrenaline most definitely impact
vasodilation and vasoconstriction even at arteriole level. When neurovascular reflex points are
massaged, it can reduce the tension in the tiny arteriole ring muscles, and this means that local
blood circulation increases.
The benefit can be due to the organ and tissues having a common origin. This has not been founded.
Neurovascular reflex point
You must identify if the neurovascular stimulation is indicated in any weak-testing muscle.
The client should therapy-localise a neurovascular point that is associated with the muscle in
question.
The muscle test should be repeated
If the muscle tests as strong, then it confirms that the neurovascular point-holding is correct.
The whole process should be repeated and retested.

If a muscle is normotonic and you wish to identify any hidden problems, you should do the
following:
The client should therapy-localise the neurovascular point for the muscle.
Retest the muscle.
If the muscle tests weak, it pays to hold the neurovascular point.
To correct it:
Touch the neurovascular point with the fingertips

Tug at the points in varying directions until maximal pulsation has been achieved
Hold for 20 seconds.
Retest the muscle

If it tests as strong, then, you can challenge the correction by therapy-localizing the point.
If the test makes the muscle weak, then, it is important to repeat the former test holding the
neurovascular point.
Once this does not weaken the muscle, then, consider correction to be complete.
Module Five
Task:
Explain your understanding of the lymph system
Task:
What are neurovascular reflexes?
Module Six
Muscle Testing
We are now going to introduce muscle testing. Due to the amount of information required to be
able to test all of the 33 muscles, we will introduce just a few to get you started. All relevant
muscles should be tested and corrected so to ascertain any areas of weakness.
Adductors
Origin - anterior and lateral surfaces of the pubic bone and the ischial tuberosity.
Insertion - the whole length of the medial side of the femur
Action - pulling the legs together i.e. hip adduction. Adductor muscles are active when it comes to
medial rotation, hip extension, and hip flexion.
Ask the client to lie on one side keeping their legs straight and in line with their torso. Stand behind
the client lifting the top leg up from the table.
Stabilisation
Stabilise the leg by holding it under the knee and close to your body. Then take the leg past the
midline of the body and towards the other leg. Place your hand on the medial side of the leg, aim
for the knee. At this point, ask the client to hold on to the edge of the table as this will help to
stabilise them also.
Muscle test:
Press the lower leg towards the table but do not allow any rotation of the pelvis.
Front neurolymphatic
This is found behind the nipple. Contact should take place laterally to the nipple. Push it in
carefully towards the ribs. Equally, the client can massage these points.
Back neurolymphatic
This is distal to the inferior tip of the shoulder blade

Neurovascular:
This is located between the posterior fontanelle between the back of the ear and in the middle of
the lambda suture
Reactive muscles
Iliopsoas, piriformis, gluteus medias/gluteus maximus, tensor fascia lata.
Meridian – circulation-sex
Organ/gland - reproductive organs and glands.
Any changes in the hormone system including the adrenal glands, thyroid and pituitary along with
issues that may be occurring with the reproductive organs and the liver. By testing and correcting
the adductors, this can lead to an improved balance of hormones.
Note: this is useful in the time occurring from a normal cycle and the menopause.
In respect of nutrition - Vitamin E, niacin, zinc

You can test the adductors when the client is lying down flat. In this position, you will still need
to stabilise one leg while you work to abduct the other.
Note: to identify the adductors, these are the muscles that you would use if riding a horse and
gripping your thighs. If there is weakness on one side, the pelvis on the same side will start to sink.
If a client specifies aches and pains in the shoulders or elbow, this can signify a weakness in the
adductors. In addition, sports such as tennis can also lead to problems. In these cases, consider
working on the neurolymphatic reflex points for the doctors as this helps to encourage lymphatic
drainage.
Deltoids - anterior, middle, and posterior
Origin - middle deltoid (upper surface of the acromion process). Anterior deltoid - lateral third of
the clavicle, posterior deltoid – from the lateral inferior scapular spine.
Insertion - all 3 deltoid divisions insert into the deltoid tubercle at the lateral side of the mid
humerus.
Action - anterior deltoid - abduction, flexium and medial rotation of the humerus
Middle deltoid - abduction of the humerus
Posterior deltoid - abduction, a small extension and lateral rotation of the humerus
The client can sit or stand but the arm should be abducted at 90 degrees and the elbow flexed at
90 degrees. This enables you to observe any rotation of the humerus. Note - this should not occur
during the test. For the anterior deltoid, the humerus should be rotated laterally at 40%
approximately. This means that the hand is higher than the shoulder and the shoulder should be
slightly flexed. This brings the elbow towards the front of the body.
When working on the middle deltoid, the forearm will remain parallel to the floor. When working
on the posterior deltoid, the humerus should be positioned with a slight internal rotation and a
slight extension. Note - the elbow must be slightly posterior.
Stabilisation
When working on the anterior deltoid, stabilisation is posterior when working on a particular
shoulder. It may not be required when it comes to the middle deltoid test. Notice if your client
automatically elevates their shoulder. If this happens, put the hand on the shoulder to keep it in
place. When working on the posterior deltoid, the stabilisation is anterior when it comes to the
shoulder being tested.
Note that when working on any of the deltoid’s tests, the scapular has to be fixed. If the upper and
middle trapezius, serratus anticus, pectoralis minor and the rhomboids test as weak, they should
be strengthened first. Or make sure that you stabilise the scapular when working the test. Consider
the client’s posture. Make sure the trunk is not leaning to the side. The humerus should not be
rotated and the elbows should not be bent or extended or altered while the tests are being done.
For the muscle testing - contact the distal aspects of the humerus close to the elbow.
Note that the main pressure applied here is adduction.
When working on the anterior deltoid, pressure should be applied along the line of the forearm in
a downward direction and posterior. When working on the middle deltoid, pressure is pure
adduction. When working on the posterior deltoid, pressure is applied along the line of the forearm
in a downward direction and anterior.
Posterior NL
Anterior NL
Neurovascular Point
Sedation Point Lung 5

Front neurolymphatic – between 3 and 4 ribs but close to the sternum.
Back neurolymphatic – look to the transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae 3 and 4
Neurovascular – on the bregma
Reactive muscles - rhomboids, pectoralis major and minor, subscapularis and latissimus dorsi
Meridian – lung
Organ/gland – lung
Nutrition - RNA, vitamin C, water, beta carotene
If there is a bilateral weakness in any part of the deltoids, it could specify a vertebral fixation. Look
at the junction of the thoracic and cervical vertebrae. To test this, ask your client to place one hand
there while you test the weak-testing deltoid division of the other arm. By doing so, you may find
that this strengthens the deltoid, and if so, fixation is confirmed.
It may be that the client needs chiropractic treatment to work on the area of fixation. Where there
is a lower trapezius bilateral weakness, this could hide a bilateral weakness in any of the deltoids.
Test the lower trapezius and correct prior to testing the deltoids. At times, you may find that the
anterior deltoid will be palpatory hypertonic yet, the middle and posterior divisions test as weak.
When this occurs, utilise the proprioceptor techniques i.e. the neuromuscular spindle cell or the
Golgi tendon organ, along with the fascial release or the chill and stretch techniques working on
the palpatory hypertonic anterior deltoid.
Gluteus maximus
Origin – check for the posterior medial edge of the ileum ascertaining where it connects with the
sacrum and then, work on the dorsal surface of the sacrum and the lateral margin of the coccyx.
Action - to extend and aid the rotation of the thigh laterally.

Position - your client should lie flat facing downwards and bend one leg at least 90 degrees and
extending the hip. Imagine pushing the sole of the foot up towards the ceiling. The front of the
thigh should lift from the table.
Stabilisation – stabilise the other hip against the table. Make sure that the client cannot strengthen
the leg because this activates the hamstring and they should not rotate the pelvis during the test.
Muscle test - place your hand near to the back of the knee and push the leg down as if towards the
table. This is towards the flexion of the hip.
Front neurolymphatic – imagine a white stripe located across the whole length of the anterior
lateral surface of the thigh.
Back neurolympatic - locate the depressions between L5 and the PSIS.
Neurovascular - locate the middle of the lambda suture which is located between the back of the
ear and the posterior fontanelle.
Posteria NL
Neurovascular point
Sedation Point Circulation-Sex 7
Reactive Muscles
Sacro spinalis, pectoralis major clavicular, iliopsoas, rectus femoris, sartorius, piriformis,
adductors, tensor fascia lata.
Meridian: circulation-sex
Organ/gland – reproductive organs and glands
Nutrition – niacin, zinc, and vitamin E
If one side of the gluteus maximus is weaker, then, the pelvis will rotate forward, and the pelvis
may sink. If both muscles are weak, there can be difficultly experienced when walking. If you see
a client like this, provide a gentle rotation of the head and neck. This may help but if not, the client
should seek the services of a chiropractor before proceeding.
You are likely to see that the gluteus maximus is weak on one side but a palpatory hypertonic
muscle occurs on the other. You may strengthen these muscles as usual. If you find that palpatory
hypertonic techniques do not work, add greater force through the heel of the hand until any
tightness in the gluteus maximus begins to yield.
Asking your clients key questions first prior to treating them can pay dividends. If a client says
that they have difficulty when climbing up the stairs, then gluteus maximus weakness may be
present. In addition, it can be interconnected when there are problems with the sexual organs or if
a lack of sex drive is present.
Gluteus medias
Origin - look for the wide attachment of the posterior ilium which can be located on the anterior
3/4 of the iliac crest.
Insertion - inserts into the lateral surface of the greater trochanter.
Action - the pelvis should be stabilised laterally and abduction and medial rotation of the thigh.
Position - the client should lie on one side or they can remain standing. The leg should be extended
fully and held laterally and slightly posterior.
Stabilisation - this is important to ensure that the pelvis remains stable. If the gluteus medias have
tested as weak, you will see that the client attempts to roll towards the side that has been tested
and this is because the fascia lata will become dominant. Once supine, you must stabilise the
opposite ankle.
Muscle test - the leg should be pressed medially towards the other leg. When in the supine position,
it is beneficial for the client to lie as close to the side of the table as is possible. This enables you
to test the leg as lower than the level of the table.
Front neurolymphatic - at the top edge of the pubis symphysis
Back neurolymphatic - this is located in the depressions between L5 and PSIS
Neurovascular - on the posterior aspect of the parietal eminence
Reactive muscles - contralateral rectus abdominis, adductors
Meridian - circulation-sex
Organ /plant -to include all reproductive organs and glands - male and female
Nutrition - niacin, zinc, and vitamin E
You may only be able to observe any weakness within the gluteus medias if testing upright and
where the weight is on the opposite leg. You will discover if there is weakness on one side of the
gluteus medias, it is likely that the pelvis, shoulder, and head will be higher on that same side.
Observer the client as they walk. If there is weakness in the gluteus media, the opposite sides of
the pelvis will hang down and the leg on that side swings forward in a more lateral way than would
be expected. Any imbalances of the gluteus medias are often interconnected with endocrine
problems. Ask whether the client has any breast pains, prostate problems, or menstrual cramps.
Anterior NL
Posterior NL
Neurovascular point
Sedation Point, Circulation-Sex 7
Hamstrings - medial and lateral

Origin - on the sit bones (ischial tuberosity)
Insertion - the medial hamstring inserts into the lateral /posterior surfaces of the tibia. The lateral
hamstring inserts into the lateral and posterior sides of the fibula. Look for the entry points just
below the knee for both.
Action - both the hamstrings work in unison so to enable the knee to extend or flex and to adduct
the thigh.
Position - have the patient lie in a prone position. Flex the knee to maximum of 60 degrees upwards
from the table. The more the knee is flexed, the greater potential there is for the hamstring strings
to cramp during the testing process.
Stabilisation - grasp the hamstrings and lean your body weight upon them so to hold the side down
upon the table. By doing so, this prevents the hamstrings from cramping.
Muscle testing - keep the hand connecting with the leg close to the heel. Then, press the leg down
as if towards the table. The aim is to extend towards the extending knee. This tests the medial
hamstrings. When you place your hand on the heel or close to the heel, do not do so on the Achilles
tendon.
Front neurolymphatic - proximal to the lesser trochanter of the femur
Back neurolymphatic - look for the depression between the transverse processes - L5 and the PSIS.
Neurovascular - this is on the sagittal suture 2.5 cm anterior to the Lambda
Reactive muscles – Sacro spinalis, contralateral, latissimus dorsi, quadriceps, popliteus,
Meridian – large intestine

Organ – rectum
Nutrition - vitamin E. If the client mentions that the hamstrings often cramp, then it is useful to
include magnesium.
Consider the hamstrings as stabilisers for the pelvis and knee. If you have a client who mentions
that they have knee or pelvis problems, the hamstring should be checked. When weak, it is possible
for the pelvis to tilt forward and this increases the curve and pressure experienced in the lower
back. You can isolate the medial hamstrings by pressing the leg toward extension and slightly
laterally.
Lateral hamstrings can be isolated by pressing the leg towards extension and slightly medial.
Anterior NL
Posterior NL
Neurovascular Point
Sedation Point, Large Intestine 2
Iliopsoas
Origin – psoas on the anterior side of the transverse processes L1 - L5, lateral side of the vertebral
bodies and the discs T12 to L5.
Iliacus - (upper 2/3 of the inner side of the ilium which is the largest muscle to bone attachment)
to the sacrum and to the interior sacroiliac, lumbosacral and iliolumbar ligaments.
Insertion – the insertion of the iliacus and psoas into the lesser trochanter (femur).
Action – psoas and iliacus have a similar action and insertion. The actions include flexing the
thigh, rotating it laterally and abducting it slightly. The iliopsoas plays a significant role in sitting
up after being in a supine position. Consider if running, it is the muscle that brings the leg forward.
Position - ask the client to lie on their back and lift one leg up so that the hip is flexed. The leg is
abducted just slightly, and the leg rotated laterally as much as they are able. Notes that this rotation
comes from the hip not just the ankle that is being moved. Monitor this. It is worth lifting the leg
up high and then abducting it out as it helps to isolate the llicus from the synergistic psoas.
Stabilisation - when working with the client, ensure that the opposite hip is fixed otherwise the
body rotates towards the side that you wish to test.
Muscle testing - push the client’s leg down towards the table and also out to the side. This
movement gives an extension and abduction of the hip. The direction of the movement is diagonal.
Be gentle with this movement. Do not apply too much pressure.
Front neurolymphatic – look 2.5cm above the tummy button and 2.5cm on either side of it.
Back neurolymphatic – this can be located between the transverse T12 and L1.
Neurovascular - find the small indentations on either side of the occipital protuberance (4cms to
each side).
Reactive muscles - diaphragm, adductors, gluteus maximus, contralateral anterior neck flexors,
hamstrings, quadratus lumborum, Sacro spinalis.
Meridian – kidney
Organ/gland – kidney
Nutrition – Vitamin A and E + water
This is an important muscle pair for posture. It aids an upright position. If there is too much
bilateral tension, it increases the curve in the lumbar region. If the client has weakness on one side,
you may see the foot turn in or, the hip to sink on that side. If you see a client walking with one
foot or both feet turned in, this can lead to the iliopsoas testing as weak.
If it is too tight, the sacrum and ilium can become fixed. If the iliopsoas is too loose, this leads to
the sacroiliac becoming unstable and it is easy for it to go out of alignment. It is important to check
for the iliopsoas function if a client specifies that they have disc or lower back pain issues.
Anterior NL
Posterior NL
Latissimus Dorsi
Origin - the muscle attaches by a flat sheet tendon from the spinous process of the lower six
thoracic vertebrae. Plus, all the lumbar vertebrae, the posterior crest of the ilium and the lower
three to four ribs. An attachment exists at the bottom part of the scapula.
Insertion - it goes into the medial side of the humerus and just below the shoulder joint.
Action - it serves to pull the arm down and inwards, it also rotates the arm medially, and also pulls
the shoulder blade down and in.
Position - when the elbow is extended, the client will rotate the arm inwards medially while holding
the arm away from the side just slightly
Stabilisation - you need to stabilise by placing your hand on top of the shoulder that is being tested.
This is to ensure the client does not lift the shoulder or move to the side.
Muscle testing - abduct and slightly flex the arm by pulling it away from the side and slightly in
front.
Front neurolymphatic - look for the depression between the 7th and 8th ribs, you are searching for
the junction between the rib and cartilage which is directly below the nipple but on the left side
only.
Back neurolymphatic-this is located on the left side only in the space between T7-8
Neurovascular - search just above this squamosal suture on the parietal bone - a little posterior to
the vertical auricular line. To locate this, place two finger widths just above and behind each ear
Reactive muscles - contralateral hamstrings, supraspinatus, deltoids, levator scapula, upper

trapezius
Meridian - spleen
Organ /gland -pancreas
Nutrition - zinc, selenium, chromium, vitamins A and F
This is important for movements that pull the arms to the sides or if you have to pull the arms
down. When you rotate an arm medially, it serves to align the origin and insertion of latissimus
dorsi for testing. When you are in a medial rotation, it is not possible to bend the arm. Note that
you must ensure the elbow is extended throughout. You will see some people with a hyperextended
elbow, and this is okay. Just ensure they remain like this throughout. You will find some people
start to move their arm and so, keep them in the right position, by asking them to imagine they are
holding a newspaper between the upper arm and the sides of the chest. Be careful not to touch the
alarm points along the radial artery of the chest.
Anterior NL
Posterior NL
Neurovascular Point
Sedation Point, Spleen 5
Know that the latissimus dorsi will often test as weak secondary to hypertonic upper trapezius.
This will be on the same side of the body. Until any hypertonicity is reduced, the latissimus dorsi
weakness will return, even after strengthening techniques have been utilised.
Understand that when working on this issue, that it will often indicate a problem with digestion or
blood sugar may be irregular. When it tests as weak, it is often due to some malfunction of the
pancreas. A left-sided weakness may indicate problems with insulin production. If you see that the
weakness exists on the right side of the body, know that there may be an imbalance of the pancreas
enzyme production.
Pectoralis major clavicular
Origin - the anterior is just below the surface of the sternal half of the clavicle
Insertion - just below the shoulder joint. It inserts into the anterior surface of the humerus
Action - it brings the arm up and in while flexing the shoulder and adducts the humerus in a
horizontal fashion. Consider this the main flexor for the shoulder.
Position - extend the client’s arm fully and it should be straightened directly to the front of the
trunk of the body. The arm rotates inward so that the thumb is pointing in the direction of the feet.
Keep the shoulder relaxed and down. This is important.
Stabilisation - you must stabilise the opposite shoulder to ensure the trunk does not rotate towards
the arm that is currently being tested
Muscle testing - be careful not to put too much pressure through the wrist. Pressure is applied
laterally and inferior
Front neurolymphatic - this is found beneath the less breast in an arc. It can be located between
ribs 6 and 7 from the sternum to the mamillary line. Note that this is usually just on the left.
Back neurolymphatic - between T6 and 7. This is close to the laminae but usually just on the left
of the body.
Neurovascular – just above the iris, the emotional reflex points can be located on the frontal bone
eminence.
Reactive muscles - teres major, teres minor, latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, middle trapezius,
posterior deltoid, gluteus maximus and supraspinatus.
Nutrition – vitamin B complex, copper and zinc
Meridian - stomach
Organ - stomach
It is related to emotional disturbances and as such, the stomach is often affected. Once it has been
tested bilaterally, it may indicate a lack of hydrochloric acid production in the stomach. If
necessary, you could look at nutrition for this client. There may be a deficiency of zinc. However
bilateral weakness may not be visible until any weakness of the lower trapezius is fixed.
Neurovascular Point
Anterior NL
Posterior NL
Sedation Point, Stomach 45
Pectoralis major sternal
Origin – look along the side of the sternum at the 7th rib.
Insertion – look at the anterior lateral surface of the humerus – below to the shoulder joint.
Action – this pulls the arm down and in.
Position – the elbow must be extended and straightened and directly in front of the body. Rotate
the arm inwards so that the thumb is pointed downwards towards feet.
Stabilisation - you must stabilise the opposing shoulder or hip. It is quite common for the client to
move the trunk of the body as they rotate the arm. Once the hip has been stabilised, the aim is to
fix the chest to the pelvis.
Muscle test - pressure is applied at a 45-degree angle up and away. It is important to be careful not
to apply too much pressure and you can use an open hand contact proximal to the client’s wrist.
Work along the line from the middle of the origin to the middle of the insertion.
Front neurolymphatic - you can find this point beneath the right breast and the arc is located
between ribs five and six.
Back neurolymphatic - this is located between T5-6 near the laminin and this will be on the right
side of the body.
Neurovascular - this can be found along the natural hairline approximately 4 centimetres above
the frontal eminences. The direction is vertical above the outside edges of the eyes.
Reactive muscles - upper and lower trapezius, posterior deltoid, supraspinatus, Serota’s anticus
and rhomboids
Meridian - liver
Organ/gland - liver
Nutrition - vitamin A, choline, bile salts, taurine, inositol,
When working on the pectoralis major sternal, this provides an excellent indicator muscle for liver
function. If you find you have a client who is fearful of the light, this can indicate weakness
including of a nutritional level. So, vitamin A could be useful. If the muscle tests as weak, know
that the rhomboids will be hypertonic. It is worth strengthening them and then, apply proprioceptor
manipulation so to alleviate tension in the rhomboids or applying muscle stretch techniques.
Neurovascular point
Anterior NL
Posterior NL
Sedation Point Liver 2
Pectoralis Minor
Origin – Look at ribs 3,4 and 5 at the point where the ribs turn to cartilage prior to the sternum.
Insertion- at the coracoid of the scapula
Action – flexes the shoulder joint, pulls the coracoid process anterior, inferior, and medial. It aids
with forced inspiration.
Position – the client should lie in a supine position.
Stabilisation – stabilise the shoulder on the side that is being tested but you should also hold the
other shoulder down. Utilise the abdominals as these fixes the rib cage to the hips. Examine the
rib cage if the abdominal muscles test as weak.
Muscle test
The client should lift the shoulder from the table. Press down through the shoulder and follow the
arc of movement. Adduct the straightened arm so that it aligns (front of the opposite hip) and then,
elevate – abduct the arm. Note that neither test isolates the pectoralis minor from the pectoralis
majors. Palpation is required for the pectoralis minor.
You can also try the following:
The client lies in a supine position and the arm is straight and abducted to a 120-degree angle. It
should be extended at the shoulder. When the arm hangs below the level of the table it removes
the pectoralis major’s synergy. Ask the client to flex the shoulder so that it is off the table. Flex
the pectoralis minor by the coracoid process - anterior, inferior, or medial. Press the shoulder down
towards the table but be mindful of the arc of motion. The arc of motion is produced by the
posterior, lateral and caudal. The test cannot be performed properly if the arm cannot hang lower
than the table.
Front neurolymphatic – this is located just above the xiphoid process (sternum)
Back neurolymphatic – N/A
Neurovascular – not recognised.
Reactive muscles – serratus anticus, deltoid, upper trapezius, and supraspinatus

Meridian – N/A
Organ/Gland – Stomach
Nutrition – B complex vitamins, zinc, water, RNA, niacin – all that aids the flow of lymph in a
positive manner
Note: The pectoralis minor is quite difficult to isolate in a testing
Anterior NL
Posterior NL
Neurovascular point
Sedation point, stomach 45

It is worth learning the processes for these tests so that you feel quite comfortable before continuing
your studies. Kinesiology is a complex subject and each step must be fully absorbed before you
take on clients.
Module Six
Task:
Practice these techniques so that you are fully familiar with them. It can be difficult at first, but
you need to be fully familiar with all the information in this module.
Module Seven
Diagnostic
The diagnostic process is really important but where do you start? It is important to consider the
body as a whole when you first start to treat your clients. There are a number of things to consider.
Firstly, look at their nutrition. Does the client take care of their nutritional needs? Do they
understand the importance of good nutrition? Then, what physical fitness regime are they involved
in? Is their injury sports-related or is it preventing them from participating in sports? Also, is their
problem preventing them from living life as they would usually do?
Emotional or mental health concerns should also be considered. How we think, feel and act is so
important and so, make sure you observe your clients as they enter the room. Body language
certainly enables a strong starting point – how do they sit or stand. Is there stiffness in the spine or
hips? Check their gait. If their body seems out of alignment or balance, it gives you a starting point.
Advanced kinesiology requires you to have an in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and
physiology. You will have seen this from the content within this course. You also have to
understand biomechanics as well as comprehending the workings of the body. You will have to
judge the likely cause for postural imbalances and use this as a starting point so to guide your
approach going forward. Temporal tapping is something that can be used to reveal any subclinical
weaknesses within any of the muscles as well as influencing feelings or thoughts.
Structural screening requires keen body language and observation and then, muscle testing will
guide the way forward as to what to do. So, when there is a dysfunction of a specific body part, it
is important to test and to then correct all the muscles connected to or which could play an integral
part in the imbalance. Test all the muscles again and then, retest during the following session.
Those that test as weak or hypertonic after movement or again during the following session may
require additional diagnostic work. Any hypertonic or tight painful feelings in the muscles are
likely to be reactor muscles.
Locate the reactor muscles and correct them.
When you locate the reactor muscles, this is an effective way for painful muscles and joints and
those with a limited range of motion. You should also check for bilateral symmetry. This is not
just on a postural level but to do with the range of motion. If there is a difference to the range of
motion on either side of the body, use the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques to
increase the range of motion and work on the side where motion is limited.
It is important to start with the weak-testing muscles. If you find that by placing your hand on the
forehead of the client that this strengthens the muscle, then this indicates that either emotional or
mental health work is needed first.
Remember – you are working with the body as a whole.
Mental/emotional screening
Start with a weak-testing muscle. It can be one that tests as weak in the clear. If needed, you can
weaken an indicator muscle through therapy localisation or challenge.
Typically, you would use a therapy localisation muscle test for every treatment point to determine
any muscle weakness. Of course, the downside to this is that it is time-consuming. You can use
temporal tapping as this affects muscle and the associated meridian in one quick step. If there is
an obvious dysfunction to an organ or gland, you may find that the related muscle tests as
normotonic. Temporal tapping can be used to reveal any weaknesses that are hidden by
compensations or even those on a subclinical level. You can use this method at any time whether
you have applied corrections or not.
It can be used to identify any hidden weakness for a normotonic muscle but if you are planning to
test organs or glands, you would need to use the related muscle. The idea is that you touch the
treatment points for that muscle i.e. origin insertion, neurovascular or neurolymphatic points. The
muscle must test normotonic with the therapy localization then you continue with this and tap the
left TS line (temporal sphenoidal diagnostic line).
Temporal tapping
Temporal tapping was used in the early stages of applied kinesiology and they used the temporal
sphenoidal line by way of diagnosis. It can be used for extracting information from the client’s
subconscious mind and it can help to reprogram the subconscious mind too.
We strongly recommend that you spend time learning more about temporal tapping although we
will include a brief overview of it here. It is performed by tapping along the temporal sphenoidal
diagnostic line starting at the front of the ear and the line continues forward, up, and around. When
you perform the tapping motion, do this with the palm surface of the fingertips. If you wish to
practise this on yourself, you use the right fingertips to tap the right TS line and the left fingertips
to tap on the left TS line.
If you were performing this on someone else, you would use your right fingertips on their left TS
line and your left fingertips on their right TS line. It is important to get the pressure right as you
do not want it to be too hard, but it must be enough to penetrate any thick hair.
The temporal sphenoidal line starts between the temporal and sphenoid bones but continues around
the temporal bone along the temporal parietal and temporal occipital sutures. When you are
performing this, make sure the jaw is not pulled back as it will not be as effective. To be able to
test if the posterior portion of the temporalis muscle is hypertonic, you can ask your clients to put
two fingers into the middle of that muscle above and behind the ear. If the therapy localization
shows as weak, this as an indicator muscle. The touched part of the temporalis muscle is hypertonic
and therefore, you would be required to pinch the spindle cell so to reduce the tone. Once you have
done so, therapy localise in the midst of the temporalis muscle and it should no longer show as
weak. Then you can continue with temporal tapping normally.
The idea is to activate the brain’s sensory mechanisms. We do not include more information here
because it is an in-depth subject, but it can be used alongside kinesiology very effectively.
Chemistry screening
To perform chemistry screening, you start with the normotonic muscle and perform minimal
corrective procedures including spindle cells stretching. You do this so that any weak-testing
muscle. Then, therapy localise the neurolymphatic reflex point and a neurovascular reflex point
and alarm point, but you do this one by one. Test as you go. This is just to be sure they are not
active. Therapy localise two of the three points and then, use the temporal tap on the left side of
the head. Now, retest the muscle. If the muscle starts to test as weak, chemistry work is required,
and this means that you need to look at the client’s nutritional requirements.
Module Seven
Task:
Ask a friend or family member to walk towards you. How are they moving? Is their gait natural or
stiff? Are they favouring one side or another? When they move, is their muscular stiffness or does
the hips look inflexible? Training yourself to be observant will be really useful when you start to
take on clients.
Final Test
Thank you for completing this Advanced Kinesiology course. Please take your time to study and
learn all of the modules prior to completing this final test. Please allow 2-months from purchase
of this course before submitting the final test. We require you to complete a test study so you must
be thorough.
When you are ready, please send this completed test to:
1. State what you are planning to do with this course qualification.

2. Write an essay about biomechanics. This should be 500 words maximum so make every
word count.
3. Prepare a case study showing your use of kinesiology skills. Write the details in full
explaining your thoughts and comprehension of the individual’s needs and outcomes.

About Karen E. Wells
ADVANCED
KINESIOLOGY DIPLOMA

Karen E. Wells

Advanced Kinesiology Final

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ADVANCED

Module One ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Advanced Kinesiology ................................................................................................................ 6

Self-Assessment Tasks .............................................................................................................. 12

Muscles and Related Structures ................................................................................................. 14

Self-Assessment Tasks .............................................................................................................. 18

The Nervous System.................................................................................................................. 19

Self-Assessment Tasks .............................................................................................................. 33

The Central Nervous System and Posture ................................................................................. 34

Self-Assessment Tasks .............................................................................................................. 40

Correction Techniques ............................................................................................................... 41

Self-Assessment Tasks .............................................................................................................. 52

Self-Assessment Tasks .............................................................................................................. 89

Self-Assessment Tasks .............................................................................................................. 94

About Karen E. Wells .................................................................................................................... 96

Human anatomy is fascinating.

When ready, please turn to Module One.

So, at first the client contracts the muscle in question as

Advanced kinesiology is typically a diagnostic technique.

Structural = massage, osteopathy, surgery, dentistry, or chiropractic

When you start muscle testing, there are three responses:

Where does the word kinesiology come from?

Who is George J. Goodheart, Jr?

What is the triad of health?

Describe the importance of organs or glands with corresponding muscles?

What is meant by hypertonic?

It is relatively easy for myoglobin to take oxygen from the haemoglobin.

Each muscle has both fast and slow

A muscle has different roles.

What does CNS stand for?

How do fast and slow fibres work?

There are three main groups of proprioceptors:

The Golgi tendon organs monitor tension.

Note: Warn your clients that this is not a pleasurable massage.

Tight shoulder muscles can benefit from this too.

Golgi tendon organs

What is contained in the hindbrain?

What is the pons?

What do the Golgi tendon organs monitor?

Why is observation important in kinesiology?

What is meant by active work for a muscle?

Fascial release technique

Testing for muscle stretch response

Test muscle and if weak, strengthen it

Draining excess fluids

Hold and repeat.

Fascia release technique

The lymph system

Circulation of the lymph is quite slow. This is essential

Practice this on friends and family members.

Note: that this has not been proven.

Note: that the patterns of warming have not been identified.

Neurolymphatic reflex point technique

Vascular circulation arteries to the veins

Neurovascular reflex point

The whole process should be repeated and retested.

Touch the neurovascular point with the fingertips

Retest the muscle

Explain your understanding of the lymph system

What are neurovascular reflexes?

This is distal to the inferior tip of the shoulder blade

Iliopsoas, piriformis, gluteus medias/gluteus maximus, tensor fascia lata.

Organ/gland - reproductive organs and glands.

In respect of nutrition - Vitamin E, niacin, zinc