What Is Kinesiology? And What Actually Happens During a Session?

So, you've heard about kinesiology. Maybe someone recommended it, or you've been down a Google rabbit hole trying to figure out what it actually is.

And now you're wondering...

Is it a massage? Is it like counselling? Am I going to have to do weird exercises? What's the deal with the arm testing?

Fair questions. Because unless you've experienced kinesiology before, it's not exactly the easiest thing to picture.

So, let me walk you through it.

First things first, what is kinesiology?

Ever feel like your brain, body and emotions are all having completely different conversations?

That's where the whole-person approach comes in.

Holistic kinesiology is a complementary therapy that considers the physical, mental, emotional and lifestyle aspects of your wellbeing.

Because you're not just a digestive system, a stressed-out brain or a collection of symptoms. You're a whole human, and there's usually a lot going on.

Kinesiology brings together different approaches, including concepts from traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure, movement and other complementary techniques.

One of the main tools we use is called muscle monitoring.

And no, it's not about how strong you are.

Okay, but what's muscle monitoring?

You'll hear kinesiology practitioners talk about "asking the body questions."

Sounds a little strange when you first hear it, doesn't it?

Here's what we're actually doing.

I'll apply gentle pressure to a muscle, usually in your arm, while you hold it in position. I'm observing how that muscle responds.

Within kinesiology, we use these responses to guide which techniques to explore during the session.

It's part of the kinesiology framework, not a medical test.

And don't worry, there's no passing or failing. You don't need to be strong, flexible or particularly coordinated.

What can you come to kinesiology for?

Here's something people don't always realise: kinesiology isn't just about emotions.

We can explore what's happening in different areas of your wellbeing, whether that's physical, mental, emotional or a combination of everything.

Some of the things people might bring to a session include:

• Brain fog and poor concentration: When your brain feels like it has approximately 47 tabs open, and you're not sure where the music is coming from.

• Stress and anxious feelings: When relaxing sounds lovely in theory, but your brain didn't get the memo.

• Feeling stuck: Maybe you know what you want to do, but something keeps getting in the way.

• Physical wellbeing: Fatigue, muscle tension, physical discomfort or feeling out of sorts in your body.

• General health concerns: Things like digestive discomfort, sleep difficulties, hormonal changes or other physical concerns you'd like to explore in the context of your overall wellbeing.

You don't have to fit into a particular category.

And you certainly don't need to arrive with a perfectly organised explanation of everything that's going on.

Just come as you are.

Kinesiology is a complementary wellbeing practice, so while we can explore your experiences and goals, it doesn't replace medical care or diagnose or treat health conditions.

So, what actually happens during a session with me?

This is the part I think most people really want to know.

Because walking into someone's home clinic to try something you've never done before can feel a little... mysterious.

Here's how it works.

1. Come in, get comfortable, let's chat.

When you arrive at my home clinic, we'll head into the treatment room and you'll get comfortable on the massage table.

Yes, straight onto the table. We're not doing a formal interview across a desk.

I'll ask what brings you in and what you'd like to work on.

Maybe you've got something very specific in mind. Maybe you've been feeling off for a while and can't quite put your finger on why.

Both are fine.

You can share as much or as little as you're comfortable with. This isn't an interrogation, and I don't need your entire life story.

We'll also talk about what you'd actually like to be different.

How would you like to feel? What would you like everyday life to look like? What are we working towards?

Together, we'll set a goal for the session.

2. Then we get into the muscle monitoring.

Once we've established our goal, I'll start muscle monitoring.

I'll gently apply pressure to your arm at different points throughout the session.

Sometimes I'll ask questions out loud. Sometimes I'll work quietly.

And yes, you'll probably see me flicking through books and notes beside me.

Before you wonder whether I'm secretly Googling what to do next, they're my practitioner resources, containing the procedures and techniques I've trained in. 😂

I use them alongside muscle monitoring to guide the session.

As for you?

There's really not much you need to do.

You don't have to figure out the answers, try to make your arm respond a certain way or understand every technique I'm using.

You can just lie there and get comfortable.

3. We work through different techniques.

No two sessions are exactly alike.

Depending on what we're exploring, I might use a combination of techniques, including:

• Acupressure: Gently holding or touching specific points on the body.

• Tuning forks: Using sound and vibration as part of the session.

• Eye movements: Guiding you through particular eye movement patterns.

• Affirmations: Working with specific words or statements related to your goal.

• Flower essences: Sometimes incorporated as part of the complementary approach.

• Gentle movements: Occasionally asking you to move an arm, leg or another part of your body.

Some techniques involve your participation. Others involve simply lying comfortably while I work.

You might hear me asking questions, reading something aloud or working in silence.

I'll also check in occasionally to see whether something we've discussed resonates with you.

And if it doesn't? That's completely fine too.

You don't have to agree with everything or make something fit when it doesn't.

4. What should you expect to feel?

This is probably the question with the least exciting answer.

There's no particular way you're supposed to feel.

Some people enjoy chatting throughout their sessions. Others prefer to relax quietly.

You might find certain parts interesting, have a few moments of reflection or simply enjoy having some time to yourself.

You don't need to have a big emotional breakthrough, cry on the table or suddenly remember something from your childhood.

We're not chasing a dramatic moment.

And there's certainly no prize for the biggest emotional release.

The session is guided by your goal, your comfort and the techniques we explore together.

Do you need to believe in kinesiology?

Nope.

You can be curious, sceptical or somewhere in between.

I don't expect you to arrive knowing anything about meridians, acupressure or muscle monitoring.

My work isn't about diagnosing you or replacing the care you receive from your doctor or other health professionals.

It's about offering a complementary space to explore your wellbeing, reflect on what's happening and work towards a goal that's meaningful to you.

Still curious?

Hopefully, kinesiology feels a little less mysterious now.

And if you're still wondering what all this looks like in person, you're welcome to come and experience a session for yourself.

I offer one-on-one kinesiology sessions from my home clinic in Hammond Park, Perth.

[Explore My Kinesiology Sessions]

Or, if you have a few more questions before taking the leap, have a look at my [FAQs]. I've answered some of the things people commonly want to know before booking.