WHAT IS APPLIED KINESIOLOGY?

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a specialized, hands-on approach to health care that combines principles from chiropractic, muscle therapy, nutrition, stimulation of acupuncture points, and other natural healing methods. It uses a technique called manual muscle testing to assess how the body’s muscles, nervous system, and other systems are working together. This helps the doctor identify imbalances or stress in the body before they become more serious problems.

In a muscle test, the patient holds a position while the doctor gently applies pressure. Muscles that test “strong” or “weak” may reflect how well the nervous system is communicating with that part of the body. These patterns of strength and weakness can reveal how things like joint function, chemical stress (such as poor nutrition), or emotional tension may be affecting overall health.

A key concept in AK is the Triad of Health — which includes structural, chemical, and emotional balance. If one side of this triangle is out of balance, it can affect the others. Applied Kinesiology helps the practitioner evaluate each of these areas and guide treatment where it's needed most. Sometimes this includes referring to other specialists if additional support is necessary.

AK is especially useful for addressing what’s called functional illness — health issues that don’t always show up on standard lab tests but still cause symptoms like pain, fatigue, or digestive problems. AK helps identify and treat these subtle imbalances to restore proper function before things get worse.

In addition to muscle testing, AK practitioners also evaluate posture, movement, joint mobility, and touch points on the body. These tests don’t replace standard exams or lab work — instead, they add another layer of understanding, helping create a more complete picture of what’s going on inside the body.

Applied Kinesiology also examines how the nervous system is working — including the brain, spinal cord, and sensory receptors (like touch, pressure, or movement). When a weak muscle is found, the doctor may stimulate certain areas of the body with gentle pressure, tapping, or massage. If the nervous system responds well, the muscle may immediately strengthen, showing a positive change in how that part of the body is functioning.

At Spectrum Applied Kinesiology and Chiropractic, we use AK to:

Assess your functional health in real time, using hands-on testing instead of machines.
Help restore proper neurological control of movement and balance.
Support systems like the immune, hormonal, and digestive systems by improving nerve function and chemistry.
Catch problems early — before they progress into more serious health conditions.

Dr. Belli is highly trained in Professional Applied Kinesiology and uses it as part of a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan to help you heal and thrive.