Applied kinesiology. Dr. Hawkins popularized this technique in his book Power vs. Force. Here's a brief overview:
What is Muscle Testing?
Muscle testing is a method used to assess the body's response to various stimuli. It involves applying light pressure to a muscle and observing its strength or weakness in response to different questions or substances. The idea is that the body can provide feedback about what is beneficial or harmful.
Dr. David R. Hawkins' Approach
Dr. Hawkins proposed that muscle testing could be used to discern truth from falsehood. He believed that the body has an innate ability to respond to truth positively (strong muscle response) and to falsehood negatively (weak muscle response). This method was presented as a tool for decision-making in various aspects of life, from health to personal and professional choices1(https://kinesiologycollege.edu.au/articles/kinesiology-the-search-for-truth/)2(https://herbroirichards.com/blog/muscle-testing-as-a-truth-seeking-tool-law-enforcement-and-healthcare/).
Practical Applications
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Health: Chiropractors and other health practitioners use muscle testing to diagnose issues and determine appropriate treatments.
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Decision-Making: According to Dr. Hawkins, muscle testing can help individuals make better decisions by revealing what aligns with their true needs and values2(https://herbroirichards.com/blog/muscle-testing-as-a-truth-seeking-tool-law-enforcement-and-healthcare/).
Controversy and Criticism
While some find muscle testing useful, it has also faced criticism for its lack of scientific validation and the subjective nature of the results. Dr. Hawkins himself acknowledged that accurate muscle testing requires a certain level of consciousness, which he described in his "Map of Consciousness"1(https://kinesiologycollege.edu.au/articles/kinesiology-the-search-for-truth/).
If you have any specific questions or need more details, feel free to ask!
References
[1] Kinesiology the Search for Truth - College of Kinesiology
[2] Muscle Testing as a Truth-Seeking Tool: Law Enforcement and Healthcare
Imported from rifaterdemsahin.com · 2026