Kinesiology is a complementary therapy that uses muscle monitoring to identify imbalances across the physical, emotional, mental and energetic dimensions of wellbeing. It’s approved by the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) and is one of the most widely practised complementary therapies globally. Practitioners who have completed recognised training can join IICT for professional membership and access professional indemnity and public liability insurance through IICT’s member insurance program.

What is kinesiology?

Kinesiology is a mind-body therapy that draws on principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chiropractic and Western anatomy and physiology. It was developed in the 1960s by American chiropractor George Goodheart, who found that muscle tone could be read as a form of biofeedback, a way of listening to the body’s internal state that conventional assessment alone can miss.

From that foundation, a wide family of kinesiology modalities grew, including Applied Kinesiology, Touch for Health, Brain Gym, Educational Kinesiology and Specialised Kinesiology. Each one draws on the same core muscle-monitoring principle while applying it to a different therapeutic purpose.

In complementary therapy, kinesiology rests on an old and gentle idea: the body carries an innate capacity to regulate and heal itself, and muscle monitoring can show where that capacity has become blocked. Stress, trauma, nutritional imbalance, structural misalignment and long-held emotional patterns can all show up in the body’s energetic and neurological responses. A practitioner uses muscle monitoring to find where these patterns are sitting, then applies gentle correction techniques to support the body in releasing them and finding its way back to balance.

What does a kinesiology session involve?

A typical kinesiology session runs for 60 to 90 minutes and begins with an unhurried conversation about your health history. The practitioner then uses muscle monitoring. You hold a position while they apply gentle pressure, and the way the muscle responds offers feedback about what’s happening in the body.

From there, correction techniques may include acupressure, emotional stress release, nutritional support, structural correction and affirmations. You stay fully clothed throughout, and nothing about the session is invasive. Many people describe it as deeply settling, a rare hour of being listened to on more than one level.

Who seeks kinesiology?

People come to kinesiology for stress and anxiety, learning difficulties, chronic pain, emotional blocks and personal growth, and general wellness maintenance. Some arrive with something specific they want to shift. Others simply feel a little stuck, or out of step with themselves, and want to come back home to their body.

Kinesiology is used as a complementary approach alongside conventional medical care. It’s not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.

Training to become a kinesiologist

Kinesiology is taught at diploma level through specialist kinesiology schools and registered training organisations. Training covers the theoretical foundations of TCM, Western anatomy, practical muscle-monitoring technique, correction techniques, client assessment, professional ethics and business practice. Most programs include supervised clinical hours, so graduates step into practice having already sat with real clients under guidance.

IICT-Approved Kinesiology Training Providers

• College of Complementary Medicine
• Create Your Reality College of Kinesiology
• PEMA MIND AND MOTION
• The Nidana Collective
• Your Body has The Answer

Professional membership for kinesiology practitioners

Globally, professional recognition rests with the practitioner and the body they choose to stand alongside, which is where IICT comes in.

IICT membership gives kinesiologists formal recognition of their qualifications, use of IICT professional credentials and logos, a listing in the well-r practitioner directory and access to professional indemnity and public liability insurance at member-exclusive rates.

IICT recognition details

Ready to join?

• Kinesiology practitioner? Join IICT here.
• Browse all IICT-approved modalities here. 
• Learn about insurance for IICT members here.

Frequently asked questions

Is kinesiology regulated in Australia?

No. Complementary therapy kinesiology is not regulated by AHPRA. Recognition comes through professional bodies such as IICT, which assess a practitioner’s training against published standards. 

Is kinesiology safe?

Kinesiology is non-invasive and gentle. Sessions are conducted fully clothed and involve light pressure rather than any physical manipulation. It’s used as a complement to conventional medical care, not as a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment.

Do kinesiologists need insurance to practise?

Insurance isn’t legally mandated, but most clinics and venues expect practitioners to hold professional indemnity and public liability cover before they’ll work with them. IICT membership provides access to both at member-exclusive rates.

Are you a Kinesiology practitioner? Join IICT here.
Browse all IICT-approved modalities here.
Learn about insurance for IICT members here.

Article written by: Kate Holland, IICT

About the Author:

Kate is the Content Writer for IICT and has been a prominent voice in the wellness industry for over a decade. As the long-term editor of WellBeing magazine, Australia's leading natural health publication, Kate brings deep editorial expertise to the natural health and complementary therapy space. She is also the founder of Radar Consultancy, an AI authority and editorial systems studio based in Byron Bay, NSW. When she's not working, you'll find Kate treasuring moments with her family, surfing one of Byron Bay's beautiful breaks or spending time in nature.