Touch for Health Kinesiology
Touch for Health (TFH) is a powerful tool that combines modern science with ancient healing practices to balance the body’s energy and restore well-being. This approach is rooted in the discoveries and innovations of Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor who pioneered the use of muscle testing (kinesiology) in clinical practice.
The Origins of Touch for Health
In the 1960s, Dr. George Goodheart discovered that muscle imbalances, such as tension and muscle spasms, could be treated by strengthening opposing weak muscles. He introduced the concept of using manual muscle testing as a form of biofeedback to identify muscles that "switch off" and to develop techniques to restore their function, balance the body, and stimulate the healing process.
In 1964, John Thie, a chiropractor and one of Goodheart’s protégés, was introduced to Applied Kinesiology and the manual muscle testing technique. John realized that this biofeedback tool could be used to improve posture quickly and effectively. Building on Goodheart’s work, John published the first Touch for Health book in 1973, which presented an accessible and comprehensive guide to kinesiology.
The Core Concepts of Touch for Health
Touch for Health integrates principles from chiropractic, naturopathy, osteopathy, and ancient Chinese acupuncture. It uses "pre" and "post" muscle testing to assess the state of the body’s energy system. The process involves testing a muscle, applying a gentle touch to certain areas of the body, and then re-checking the muscle strength. By observing changes in muscle strength and overall posture, practitioners can identify and address imbalances in the body’s energy system. These changes affect not only the body’s physical state but also the person’s mental and emotional well-being.
As Dr. Bruce A.J. Dewe, MD, explains:
"Touch for Health works with the subtle body energies that are just beginning to be explained by quantum physics. It is a tool for working with the connection between the mind and body, using the electromagnetic energy system known as 'meridians,' which interface the physical and subtle energy bodies."
Today, Touch for Health is practiced in over 100 countries and available in many languages, continuing to gain recognition for its holistic approach to health.
The Goals of the Touch for Health Program
The TFH program focuses on empowering individuals to achieve optimal health and well-being. The key goals include:
Increasing vitality and overall energy levels
Discovering your purpose and reason for being
Achieving optimal performance in personal and professional life
Enhancing healing and recovery from illness or injury
Developing your natural healing abilities
Augmenting self-care practices or professional health care services
Finding a new level of health control and personal empowerment
The Science of Kinesiology
Kinesiology, as practiced in TFH, is a science that uses muscle testing as a biofeedback mechanism to monitor and enhance muscle function. Dr. John Thie, the founder of TFH, emphasizes that the techniques used in kinesiology have been consistently shown to be effective in improving posture, energy, and function. These methods have been tested and refined over time, providing reliable results that can be applied across various health disciplines.
“We have developed a science of Kinesiology: a specialized body of knowledge of muscle-testing and methods of facilitating or inhibiting muscle function. Our techniques affect changes in posture, energy, and function that are not known in other disciplines." – Dr. John Thie
Matthew Thie, M.Ed, adds that Touch for Health is now being integrated into various professional healthcare and wellness practices, from traditional biomedicine and acupuncture to personal coaching, psychology, and even dance and yoga instruction. This shows that TFH is versatile and valuable across different therapeutic and health settings.
What is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is defined by the International Kinesiology College as “a method for personal evolution using precision muscle testing as an instrument of biofeedback.” TFH Kinesiology offers a wellness-centered approach, combining holistic principles from traditional Chinese medicine and chiropractic Vitalism. In this view, the body is seen as a system driven by vital energy. When this energy is balanced, it promotes health; when imbalances or blockages occur, discomfort and illness may follow.
Unlike biomedical approaches that focus on diagnosing specific diseases, TFH emphasizes balancing the body’s energy and systems. It offers non-diagnostic tools for balancing posture and energy, making it accessible to individuals without a medical background. Practitioners encourage self-responsibility and awareness of subtle symptoms that could affect the entire system.
How Touch for Health Works
In TFH, certain muscles are linked to specific organ systems and acupuncture meridians. By monitoring muscle responses, practitioners can restore energy flow and balance throughout the body. This approach has profound effects on various aspects of health, including:
Blood flow and circulation
Organ function and vitality
Mood and emotional well-being
Posture and physical alignment
Mental attitude and emotional resilience
This interconnectedness reflects the holistic nature of the body and the importance of balance in maintaining overall health.
Touch for Health Kinesiology is a transformative practice that offers practical tools for achieving better health, vitality, and emotional well-being. Whether used as a standalone therapy or integrated into other healthcare practices, it provides an accessible and non-invasive way to improve quality of life by balancing the body's energy systems.
By embracing the wisdom of kinesiology and the insights of modern science, Touch for Health helps individuals unlock their natural healing potential and take an active role in their health journey.