In each chapter section entitled Other Indications of Dysfunction, the author cites one or more muscles to be tested.

Through clinical findings done by a few hundred Applied Kinesiologists over the past twenty years it has been demonstrated that there are correlations between specific muscle weaknesses and organ dysfunction.  For example, in most cases of liver dysfunction one of the rhomboid muscles or pectoralis major sternal division will test weak.  The muscles are tested both right and left sides.  It cannot be said that every time one of those muscles tests weak, the liver is malfunctioning.  A minor strain, nerve pressure, etc., can cause the muscle to test weak even if the liver is normal.  Occasionally the liver isn't working right but the muscles are strong.  It is just another piece of the puzzle to study along with the history, symptoms, lifestyle, etc., to arrive at a logical diagnosis.

Pictures of the positioning to perform these tests properly appear in each section.  For those of you not familiar with muscle testing, it is an art that must skillfully be developed over time.  Some people with a minimal understanding of the system have abused it and caused much skepticism.  When performed properly it is an extremely valuable tool.

Rules to perform muscle testing properly:

1) Make sure the body is positioned as exactly as possible to perform an accurate test.

2) The tester's arm not performing the test is used to stabilize the patient to help make the test more accurate and prevent unnecessary movement and recruitment of other muscles.

3) When testing, don't use enough pressure to overpower even a strong muscle, and don't use so little that even a weak muscle will test strong.  The sensitivity to test properly will come only with much time, patience, and practice.

4) During the test make sure the person doesn't "cheat" by shifting positions, bending their limb, etc.  This brings other muscles into the test and makes it inaccurate.

5) Be objective.  If you think beforehand that the muscle will test weak, you may unconsciously change your pressure or direction and make it test weak even if it is strong.  This will not benefit anyone.  If you are periodically surprised by the results you get testing, this is a fairly good indication that you are being objective.

6) Your results should be able to be reproduced by others skilled in manual muscle testing.

7) Your results are limited by your skills.  A class given in Touch for Health is often a good introduction to muscle testing and should be pursued.  Professionals may wish to study Applied Kinesiology.