Applied Kinesiology

Applied Kinesiology + Naturopathy with Valora Barlow

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a transformative, holistic approach to wellness that taps into your body’s innate wisdom. By using gentle, non-invasive manual or remote muscle testing, AK practitioners assess your body’s unique needs, identifying imbalances in physical, emotional, or nutritional health. This personalized process empowers you to unlock optimal well-being as tailored recommendations—such as targeted detoxing and nutrition plans, stress-relief techniques, or supportive therapies—are crafted to restore harmony. Embrace AK’s integrative method to feel revitalized, balanced, and in tune with your body’s natural rhythms, guiding you toward a vibrant, healthier you.

The science and art of Naturopathy is a dynamic approach to health that harmonizes evidence-based natural therapies with the body’s innate healing wisdom. Naturopathy integrates cutting-edge nutritional science, botanical medicine, and lifestyle optimization to address the root causes of health imbalances, while its art lies in crafting personalized wellness plans that honor your unique needs. By blending rigorous research with holistic principles, naturopathic care empowers you to restore balance, enhance vitality, and prevent illness, guiding you toward a vibrant, thriving life through nature’s profound healing potential. Read more below.

  • Biofeedback & Naturopathy

    BCTN, Board Certified Traditional Naturopath. Valora has spent over 30 years working with natural, effective, personalized treatments. She performs an energetic physical & non- physical scan of each participant to help them zero in on the ways to support their bodies natural and harmonic functions. Valora founded and operated a health and detoxing clinic in Cedar City, Utah for many years, until moving to do research in New Mexico. She now resides in Mexico. She is humble, caring, direct, kind and excellent at pointing us to the very specific kinds of healing we need as unique individuals.

What is Applied Kinesiology?

Applied Kinesiology is a system that uses manual muscle testing as a tool to evaluate the body’s physical, chemical, and emotional health. Developed in the 1960s by Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor, AK is based on the idea that the body’s muscles are connected to its organs, systems, and energy pathways (like meridians in traditional Chinese medicine). By testing muscle strength, practitioners gain insights into how well the body is functioning and where support might be needed. The beauty of AK lies in its ability to “listen” to the body’s innate wisdom, offering a personalized approach to wellness that respects the individual’s unique needs.

How Does Applied Kinesiology Work?

1. Muscle Testing as a Biofeedback Tool

   At the heart of AK is muscle testing, where a practitioner gently applies pressure to a specific muscle (often the arm or leg) while the patient resists. The muscle’s response—whether strong or weak—serves as a window into the body’s health.  

   - A **strong muscle** typically indicates balance in the associated system or organ.  

   - A **weak muscle** may suggest an imbalance, such as a nutritional deficiency, stress, structural misalignment, or disrupted energy flow.  

   This process is empowering because it allows the practitioner to communicate with the body directly, uncovering areas that may need attention before they manifest as symptoms.

2. Holistic Assessment of the Triad of Health

   AK views health as a balance of three interconnected pillars: **structural** (bones, muscles, joints), **chemical** (nutrition, hormones, toxins), and **mental/emotional** (stress, mindset). By evaluating all three, AK provides a comprehensive picture of well-being.  

   - For example, a weak muscle might indicate a misaligned spine (structural), a lack of vitamin D (chemical), or unresolved emotional stress (mental).  

   This integrative approach celebrates the body’s interconnectedness and encourages solutions that address the whole person.

3. Personalized Solutions

   Once imbalances are identified, AK practitioners use their findings to recommend tailored interventions, which might include:  

   - **Chiropractic adjustments** to correct structural issues.  

   - **Nutritional support**, such as specific supplements or dietary changes, to address deficiencies.  

   - **Lifestyle adjustments**, like stress management techniques or exercise, to enhance emotional and physical health.  

   - **Energy balancing**, drawing from acupuncture principles to restore flow in the body’s meridians.  

   These recommendations are uplifting because they empower individuals to take an active role in their health journey, often with natural and non-invasive methods.

4. Empowering the Body’s Innate Healing

   AK is grounded in the belief that the body has an incredible capacity to heal itself when given the right support. By identifying and addressing subtle imbalances early, AK helps prevent bigger issues down the road, promoting vitality and resilience. It’s like giving the body a gentle nudge to find its natural balance.