If you’ve heard of kinesiology but aren’t sure what it is, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I’m asked. In plain English, kinesiology is a gentle, hands-on approach that uses muscle monitoring to find where stress is affecting you, then uses balancing techniques to help your body and mind settle.
This guide explains what kinesiology is, what happens in a session, and who it can help.
What is kinesiology, in simple terms?
Kinesiology looks at how stress shows up in your body, mind and energy. Rather than focusing on one symptom, it looks at the bigger picture: what’s draining you, what patterns keep repeating, and what would help you feel more balanced.
The kind of kinesiology I practise is sometimes called energetic or professional kinesiology. It’s different from the exercise science taught at university, which shares the name.
What is muscle monitoring?
Muscle monitoring is the main tool in a session. I gently apply light pressure to a muscle, usually in your arm, while you hold it in position. Changes in how the muscle responds guide where we focus. It’s gentle, it doesn’t hurt, and you stay fully clothed.
What happens in a kinesiology session?
- Talk: we start by talking about what’s going on and what you’d like to change.
- Assess: I use muscle monitoring to find where stress is sitting and what’s behind it.
- Balance: I use techniques such as gentle touch, acupressure points, breathing and movement to help release that stress.
- Plan: we agree what to work on next, and you leave with something simple to practise at home.
Most sessions run for 40 or 55 minutes. Many people find the session itself calming.
What is kinesiology used for, and who can it help?
People come to see me for many reasons. The most common are:
- Stress and burnout
- Anxiety and worry
- ADHD and focus
- Learning and focus in children
- Pain and recovery
What is kinesiology not?
Kinesiology doesn’t diagnose or cure medical conditions, and it doesn’t replace care from your GP, psychologist or other health professionals. It works best alongside them, as gentle support for the stress that so often comes with health, work and life challenges.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different, but most clients come for around 10 weekly sessions. After that, many choose a monthly maintenance session to stay on track. We’ll agree a plan together at your first session.
Related reading:
- What is applied kinesiology? How it has evolved
- How to restore balance and vitality with kinesiology
- Mental Health Month: 5 small daily habits that ease stress
Ready to try kinesiology? Book your first assessment, or call 0421 055 680 to book your assessment in Sydney City, Surry Hills or Hornsby.
Your action right now
If you’re curious, write down the one thing you’d most like to feel differently about. That’s a great place to start your first session.
This article is general information only and isn’t medical advice.
About the author
Sharrda Mani is a Sydney kinesiologist, coach and qualified educator, and the founder of Kinesiology for Performance. She discovered kinesiology in 2004 after three years of part-time study in somatic psychotherapy, trained with the International College of Professional Kinesiology Practice (ICPKP) and has taught Touch for Health. She holds an Honours degree in Mathematics Education and spent years as a business analyst and project manager, so she knows the pressure of work and study first-hand. She is writing a practical guide to ADHD in everyday life.