National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Practice Exam

Kinesiology, particularly in its application as applied kinesiology, is a recognized method used for intuitive assessment in complementary medicine. This practice involves assessing muscle strength and coordination to discern imbalances or dysfunctions within the body. Practitioners believe that changes in muscle tone can indicate various physical or emotional stressors, thereby facilitating a holistic understanding of a patient’s state of health.

The foundational concept of kinesiology is that the body communicates its needs and stressors through physical responses. By testing specific muscle groups, practitioners can intuitively determine underlying issues that may not be immediately visible through conventional assessment methods. This approach aligns well with the principles of complementary medicine, where the focus is often on the synergy between body, mind, and spirit.

Other methods mentioned, such as massage therapy, chiropractic adjustment, and acupressure, while effective for treatment and certain assessments, do not primarily emphasize intuitive assessment or direct feedback from the body in the manner that kinesiology does. Massage and chiropractic care primarily focus on physical manipulation for relief and correction, while acupressure targets specific points based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, rather than utilizing muscle response as a communicative tool. This distinction highlights why kinesiology is particularly noted for intuitive assessments within the realm of complementary medicine