Q & A

Aligning Energies

Muscle Testing - Reliability and Interpretation

"Muscle testing", otherwise known as "kinesiology" or "energy testing" is an important aspect of energy psychology and energy medicine. Here’s a general description of what I’m talking about: muscle strength as measured by a tester providing light pressure to an outstretched arm or leg provides an indication as to whether subtle energies are running strong or weak in the field of the subject and the tester. This set up can be used to get answers to a wide variety of energetic questions through the use of movement or touch to access specific points, fields or meridians. And it can also be used as a “general indicator” system for answering yes/no questions posed aloud by the tester or the testee.

How should a person use or interpret these results? There are many factors that affect the results, making reliability a real concern. For example, if either the tester or the testee is "energetically disorganized" or "reversed" the results will not be accurate. Fortunately, there are ways to test and correct this problem.

But it gets more complex. The assumptions and expectations of the participants can have a dramatic effect on the test results. Quite simply, if either thinks a strongly negative thought, the muscle will test weak, while a strongly positive thought is more likely to give a strong muscle response. The "power of positive thinking" is really quite directly observable in this way.


Muscle test results are commonly interpreted as reflecting the influence of the "thought field" produced by the tester and the testee. This thought field includes the conscious question in the mind of the tester and/or the testee and the body-based (otherwise unconscious) answer from the testee. However the test results can be influenced by unidentified unconscious thoughts in the field. Hidden agendas may be operating that are really quite powerful. These energetic influences may or may not have your client’s best interest in mind.

Plus, there are things called "energy toxins," such as heavy metal poisoning, that throw a wrench into the whole system, so to speak, further limiting muscle testing reliability.

So what to do?

Certainly, the knowledge, experience and skill of the practitioner using muscle testing is of critical importance in obtaining useful results. But even the most skillful and knowledgeable practitioners may get erroneous results on occasion.

The key, in my opinion, is in the interpretation and application. If muscle test results are used to decide on specific energy interventions or chose topics to address in treatment, there is generally little risk involved. There is not much chance that the person will suffer adverse consequences if they focus on one topic rather than another or receive a specific energy treatment or practice a particular energy exercise that perhaps they really don’t need.

On the other hand, when you get into substance testing where you are deciding to take or not take a risky substance, or if you think you might use a “general indicator” test to help you make a major life decision, the caution lights should go on.

As a general rule, when you are making an important decision with the potential for serious negative consequences, it is important to make an effort to gather relevant information from multiple sources. Consider the decision and the potential consequences from multiple perspectives including long and short time frames and the effects on others. Carefully weigh all the pros and cons. Rational, logical analysis combined with intuitive, emotional and energetic considerations will make for better decisions.

Just to put this into some perspective, medical test results are generally considered "objective" and "scientific" rather than "subjective." However, even such things as lab results and X-rays are not 100% reliable and are not useful until interpreted. Ultimately, you end up with a medical "opinion" and a recommended course of action based on that opinion. When faced with high-risk medical decisions you may want to repeat some tests or get a second opinion on their interpretation.

When using muscle testing, you are also gathering very real "evidence" with an obvious "objective" aspect since another person can observe the question and see or feel the strong or weak muscle response. However, as mentioned, there are many potential influences on the results. The interpretation of muscle tests, which would include consideration of these potential influences, is in the realm of "opinion." Be sure that you are working with a practitioner who is familiar with these influences and knows when and how to use muscle tests responsibly.

Read more about Muscle Testing and Inner Guidance in Aligning Energies

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