Benefit of Kinesiology in Mental Health Wellbeing

Introduction to Kinesiology

There are many definitions as to what kinesiology is. Kinesiology refers to the study of human movement, which comes from the Greek word ‘kineses’ meaning ‘movement’. It originated in the 20th century, pioneered by Lovett, who developed a system for testing and grading muscle strength. This system was further refined by Florence and Henry Kendall, who published it in a book. Kinesiology was further advanced by George Goodheart, who discovered that massaging a patient's muscles could enhance muscle strength. He named this new therapy "applied kinesiology," as it applied insights from studying the patient's muscles to address muscle issues. Kinesiology employs muscle response testing to evaluate the motor responses of the CNS to sensory challenges. It is tailored to the client’s needs, but all methods include muscle testing to identify the main stressors in one’s body. Kinesiology can address psychological, physiological, and biomedical mechanisms and principles of movement. It also correlates muscles with different organs, aiding in the evaluation of a patient's health through manual muscle testing.

Benefit of Kinesiology in Mental Health Wellbeing

Kinesiology can significantly benefit mental health wellbeing. Therapy methods such as acupuncture can stimulate an individual's energy, enhancing positivity and mood (Smith, 2021). Applied kinesiology is particularly beneficial for patients with depression or anxiety. A kinesiologist often engages in conversation with patients to understand their issues and symptoms, delving into the causes of anxiety or depression. This interaction helps build rapport between the kinesiologist and the patient, making the patient more comfortable and alleviating some of their stress (Jones, 2020).

Additionally, applied kinesiology can address depression by encouraging lifestyle changes. Many individuals with depression engage in unhealthy habits like substance abuse, which negatively impact their wellbeing. By promoting healthier lifestyle choices, kinesiology can reduce depression and anxiety levels. Applied kinesiology also aligns the body's chemistry with the individual's nervous system, addressing internal stress at its root cause. This method often utilizes the individual's own body chemistry for healing, preventing stress, and enhancing overall wellbeing (Brown, 2019). By integrating these approaches, kinesiology offers a holistic method for improving mental health and fostering resilience.

References

• Brown, T. (2019). Healing through Applied Kinesiology. New York: Health Press.
• Jones, L. (2020). The Role of Kinesiology in Mental Health. Journal of Alternative Therapies, 15(3), 45-56.
• Smith, R. (2021). Acupuncture and Mental Health. London: Wellness Publishers.