Nutritional Kinesiology

Nutrition Response Testing (NRT) vs. Applied Kinesiology (A.K.) Muscle Testing

by Dr. Barry Lieberman, D.C.  310-282-8882  The term "muscle testing" is broadly used to describe a type of body analysis using muscles as a guide. However, not all muscle testing is the same; not even close.

The type of analysis that we do in our office in Beverly Hills has significant differences than the common "muscle testing" methods generally practiced by other kinesiology doctors. In a manner of speaking, what we do isn't even in the same category as "muscle testing." That's why your previous mediocre, or minimal success with another nutritional kinesiology doctor has no bearing on predicting your success in my office. Even if you've "been there done that" with muscle testing before, my testing method is different, and now, your results can be remarkable.

Our goal for you at my Beverly Hills office is not to test a muscle at all, but instead to comfortably test a neurological reflex, through your muscles. Our specific testing method is more accurately called a reflex test, not "muscle testing." Ever wonder why a blood test (drawing blood through a vein) is not called a "vein test?" That's because the blood is what matters there; not the vein. Likewise, for my method, it's your reflex timing that matters, not your muscle strength. The following will clarify what makes us unique in Beverly Hills and greater Los Angeles, and how it is so different than what others call "muscle testing."

Some Similarities, Some Differences

Like in Applied Kinesiology, the starting point of our testing system called "Nutrition Response Testing" (NRT) is to first measure your body's ability to respond correctly. With standard kinesiology muscle testing, the response is measured by strength, but with my method, the response we measure is related to normal timing of your reflexes. In other words, we're measuring reaction time. When your reflex is normal your muscle reaction is immediate. Can you hold your limb still against a minimally increasing directional force? 80% of people with chronic fatigue, or chronic pain can't even do this!

Other Doctors Try Muscle Testing For Strength. We Measure Reflex Speed

Even though Applied Kinesiology muscle testing and our nutritional kinesiology with nutrition response testing may look similar (because the doctor may use the arm muscles in both methods), the tests are different. With my method we are not trying to assess the relative strength of any particular muscle. This is key. Trying to measure relative "strength," is fraught with inaccuracy; like trying to determine the relative weight of some produce at the supermarket. So instead, we analyze your muscle reflex reaction speed; a neurological reflex. It's a response we observe to see if you have optimum, uninhibited function of the nerve pathways between your brain and your body (very important). Delayed reflexes indicate underlying dysfunction.

Whole Body Approach

Contrary to Applied Kinesiology, we're not muscle testing for a localized problem with any one muscle. Instead we're testing for delayed reflexes that will be evident throughout your whole body, regardless of which muscle group we use. This is a whole body approach to your optimal wellness and health. Done correctly, this type of reflex muscle testing can give us key information about your whole body that can even be more important than your blood tests. Our nutritional kinesiology method is a powerful tool, and necessary part of any high performance wellness program. I am proud to be known as one of the very few in Los Angeles, and California that has mastered this testing method. I welcome you to call for your appointment.