Introduction to Applied Kinesiology
About PAK
Applied Kinesiology (AK) is the source of the modern kinesiology system. It was founded by Dr. George Goodheart, an American chiropractor, in 1964.
01 · Definition and Core Characteristics
What is Applied Kinesiology?
Distinct from kinesiology (the study of body movement), Applied Kinesiology is a health discipline that integrates Western physiology (nervous, muscular, lymphatic and vascular systems) with Eastern energy medicine (meridians and acupoint theory).
Its most core feature is the use of manual muscle testing as a biofeedback mechanism. Unlike 'muscle strength testing', manual muscle testing evaluates the nervous system's real-time control over muscles. By observing muscle response (locking or loosening), it obtains physiological and energetic imbalance information beyond conscious awareness, thereby guiding diagnosis, evaluating efficacy.
Certification System Timeline
PAK Years of Development
1964
Dr. Goodheart founded Applied Kinesiology
1974
ICAK International College of Applied Kinesiology was established
1976
The first AK standardized syllabus is released
1992
Dr. Hans Garten is certified by DIBAK
2000+
AK entered China, and many training institutions carried out Chinese teaching
2026
Active and Balanced Physiotherapy Academy introduces Hans Garten's official Chinese course
AK Core Theory
Golden Triangle of Health
PAK cross-examines the root cause of physical imbalance from the three dimensions of structure, chemistry and psychology through manual muscle testing. This is not three independent systems, but an intertwined whole - the imbalance of any dimension will cause a chain reaction in other dimensions.
Structure Structural
The physical basis of body function
The structural integrity of bones, muscles, joints and nerves. Evaluate neuromuscular function through manual muscle testing, and identify fascial tension, joint misalignment, and neuromuscular compensation mode.
- Fascia tension assessment
- Joint misalignment examination
- Neuromuscular compensation identification
- Spinal function test
Chemical Chemical
The chemical basis of body function
The chemical balance of nutrition, toxins, metabolism and endocrine. Detect nutritional deficiency, food sensitivity, toxin load and metabolic function status.
- Nutritional deficiency detection
- Food sensitivity screening
- Toxin load assessment
- Metabolic function analysis
Mental Mental
The psychological foundation of good health
The psychological balance of emotions, stress, beliefs and mental state. Analyze the deep impact of emotional stress, traumatic memory and belief patterns on the body.
- Release of emotional pressure
- Trauma memory processing
- Analysis of belief pattern
- Integration and harmony of body and mind
03 · Pioneering Origin and Theoretical Cornerstone
From a clinical breakthrough to a complete system
The creation of Applied Kinesiology originated from a clinical breakthrough. When treating a patient with intractable scapula instability, Dr. Goodheart found that his serratus anterior muscle was dysfunctional. In the absence of existing methods, he accidentally restored muscle function and reset the scapula by pressing the tendon attachment point of the muscle.
From this starting point Goodheart and many other ICAK Diplomates integrated methods which stem from the vast body of knowledge of Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Functional Medicine, Acupuncture, Orthomolecular (Nutritional) Medicine and many others to create a unique holistic health care system. It is the only truly holistic health care system known.
04 · Key Figures
The founder and promoter of AK
George J. Goodheart Jr.
AK Founder | 1918–2008
In 1964, Applied Kinesiology was founded and the association between muscle testing and body function was discovered. In 1980, he became the first chiropractor in the U.S. Olympic medical team and was known as the discoverer of "the best kept secret in the health care industry".
Hans Garten
AK Instructor | DÄGAK Founder | DIBAK Certification
The founder of DÄGAK (German Society of Applied Kinesiology) and has DIBAK (International Diploma in Applied Kinesiology) certification. The founder of the applied-kinesiology.org training website, who has been teaching around the world for more than 30 years, is the core instructor of the Chinese AK course. He is the author of the most recent and comprehensive textbooks on Applied Kinesiology (Elsevier publishers).
ICAK International College of Applied Kinesiology
International College of Applied Kinesiology | Founded in 1974
Founded in 1974, the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) has 14 national Chapters and is the authoritative institution for the formulation and certification of AK technical standards. ICAK is committed to promoting AK's scientific research, education and training and professional certification.
05 · Efficacy and Scope of Application
Significant clinical efficacy
Remove musculoskeletal dysfunction
It has good reliability and effectiveness in relieving muscle and bone problems such as neck, shoulder, waist and leg pain, and can accurately locate and treat muscles with limited function. It is reliable to find the patient's key lesion to make the treatment sustainable and predictable. It serves as a reliable diagnostic tool for parietal and visceral as well as craniosacral osteopathy.
Relieve stress and regulate body and mind
One of the core functions of Applied Kinesiology is to relieve physical, psychological and emotional stress. Through the harmony procedure, various problems caused by stress can be improved.
Improve metabolic disorders
Improve metabolic disorders (external and internal toxicities, hormonal imbalances, energy building disorders like chronic fatigue).
Improve the level of physical and mental health
Promote overall health and resolve anxiety by restoring the body's energy balance and structural function.
06 · Concept Discrimination
PAK (Applied Kinesiology) and derived Methods
Applied Kinesiology is only taught to Health Care Professionals because it requires good knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry.
The title of a PAK practitioner can be used after completion of PAK education and specific examination.
Touch for Health and Brain Gym are examples of methods which are taught to and used by lay people and which to some extent use some kind of muscle testing.
07 · Curriculum System
DÄGAK Certified Curriculum System - 6 Modules · 240 Hours
The full series of PAK certification courses has a total of 6 modules, with a total of 240 hours (including online preview, offline practice, retraining and homework). Each module is taught face-to-face for 3 days, and the teaching topic is arranged by DÄGAK certified instructors.
The course is open to medical practitioners: clinical workers in the direction of medicine, dentistry, rehabilitation, physical therapy, functional medicine, etc. can apply.
Module 1–2
Currently open
Module 3–4
Follow-up opening
Module 5–6
Follow-up opening
All courses support single-module, double-module and four-module combination registration. For specific details, please fill in the course consultation form for details.
Modules 1–2 are open for registration, and modules 3–6 will be opened one after another. Complete all 6 modules, that is, complete the study of the PAK certification curriculum system.