Naturopathic Kinesiology
Overview
How Muscle Testing Works
Core Principles
Naturopathic Kinesiology is a holistic assessment approach that blends traditional Naturopathic principles with muscle response testing as a functional neurological feedback tool. It views the body as an interconnected system, where structure, biochemistry, emotions, and energy are constantly communicating through the nervous system.
Core Principles
How Muscle Testing Works
Core Principles
At its heart, Naturopathic Kinesiology honours the six core principles of Naturopathy:
- The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae) – Trust in the body’s inherent ability to heal itself and support this natural process.
- Identify and Treat the Root Cause (Tolle Causam) – Focus on uncovering the underlying causes of illness rather tha
At its heart, Naturopathic Kinesiology honours the six core principles of Naturopathy:
- The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae) – Trust in the body’s inherent ability to heal itself and support this natural process.
- Identify and Treat the Root Cause (Tolle Causam) – Focus on uncovering the underlying causes of illness rather than simply addressing symptoms.
- First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere) – Use safe, gentle, and non-invasive treatments that minimise the risk of harm.
- Doctor as Teacher (Docere) – Educate and empower clients to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
- Treat the Whole-Person – Consider the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the individual, recognising the interconnection of body systems.
- Prevention – Promote healthy lifestyle choices and interventions to prevent illness and maintain long-term wellness.
These principles form the foundation of Naturopathic practice, guiding practitioners to support clients in a holistic, compassionate, and effective way.
Muscle response testing is used not as a diagnostic shortcut, but as a way of observing how the nervous system is adapting to stressors in real time.
How Muscle Testing Works
How Muscle Testing Works
How Muscle Testing Works
During a session, gentle, sustained pressure is applied to a muscle while the Kinesiologist observes the quality of the response:
- A clear, stable response reflects organised neurological signalling.
- A temporary inhibition may indicate the nervous system perceives stress, whether structural, biochemical, emotional, or energetic.
In this way
During a session, gentle, sustained pressure is applied to a muscle while the Kinesiologist observes the quality of the response:
- A clear, stable response reflects organised neurological signalling.
- A temporary inhibition may indicate the nervous system perceives stress, whether structural, biochemical, emotional, or energetic.
In this way, the muscle becomes a communication channel, offering insight into the body’s priorities and areas needing support.
Integrative Foundations
Identifying Underlying Stressors
How Muscle Testing Works
Naturopathic Kinesiology draws from multiple traditions, including:
- Applied Kinesiology and Systematic kinesiology techniques
- Five Element Theory and meridian relationships from Chinese Medicine
- Ayurvedic principles of doshic balance and constitutional understanding
- Naturopathic Nutrition
- Nervous system regulation and mind–body awareness
The
Naturopathic Kinesiology draws from multiple traditions, including:
- Applied Kinesiology and Systematic kinesiology techniques
- Five Element Theory and meridian relationships from Chinese Medicine
- Ayurvedic principles of doshic balance and constitutional understanding
- Naturopathic Nutrition
- Nervous system regulation and mind–body awareness
The inclusion of Five Element Theory and meridian pathways provides a deeper energetic and physiological perspective. Muscles are often related to specific meridians and organ systems, offering insights into patterns such as digestive strain, blood sugar regulation, stress adaptation, or emotional holding patterns.
Constitutional Awareness
Identifying Underlying Stressors
Identifying Underlying Stressors
Understanding a client’s prakruti (constitutional baseline) and vikruti (current imbalance) allows interpretation of findings in context:
- Vata-aggravated patterns may indicate nervous system depletion and instability
- Kapha-dominant patterns may reflect stagnation and dampness
These constitutional patterns help prioritise interventions and tailor support strategies.
Identifying Underlying Stressors
Identifying Underlying Stressors
Identifying Underlying Stressors
Rather than focusing on symptom suppression, Naturopathic Kinesiology seeks to uncover underlying stressors, such as:
- Blood sugar instability
- Hydration deficits
- Digestive compromise and impaired oestrogen clearance
- Adrenal dysregulation
- Emotional overload
- Post-surgical or hormonal transitions
- Inflammatory burden
Integrating Findings Into Care
A Collaborative and Educational Approach
A Collaborative and Educational Approach
Information gathered through testing is always combined with a detailed case history, clinical observation, and professional judgement. This guides supportive strategies, which may include:
- Dietary adjustments
- Lifestyle changes
- Nervous system regulation techniques
- Gentle detoxification principles
Reliability of muscle testing depends on fac
Information gathered through testing is always combined with a detailed case history, clinical observation, and professional judgement. This guides supportive strategies, which may include:
- Dietary adjustments
- Lifestyle changes
- Nervous system regulation techniques
- Gentle detoxification principles
Reliability of muscle testing depends on factors such as practitioner neutrality, client hydration, stable blood sugar, reduced anxiety, and correct positioning.
Because muscle testing reflects neurological adaptation, the quality of the nervous system state directly influences results.
A Collaborative and Educational Approach
A Collaborative and Educational Approach
A Collaborative and Educational Approach
Naturopathic Kinesiology is collaborative and educational. It empowers clients to understand how their body responds to stress and actively participate in restoring balance. This approach supports a variety of challenges, including:
- Menopause transitions
- Digestive concerns
- Autoimmune presentations
- Stress-related fatigue
All interventions rem
Naturopathic Kinesiology is collaborative and educational. It empowers clients to understand how their body responds to stress and actively participate in restoring balance. This approach supports a variety of challenges, including:
- Menopause transitions
- Digestive concerns
- Autoimmune presentations
- Stress-related fatigue
All interventions remain personalised, grounded, and aligned with the body’s innate intelligence.
Bridging Tradition and Neurophysiology
A Collaborative and Educational Approach
Bridging Tradition and Neurophysiology
Ultimately, Naturopathic Kinesiology bridges traditional wisdom with modern understanding of neurophysiology.
It provides a compassionate, whole-person framework that honours both the measurable and the subtle, always returning to the Naturopathic aim to:
- Restore balance
- Strengthen vitality
- Support the body’s natural capacity to heal
Ready To Explore
Train In Naturopathic Kinesiology
Bridging Tradition and Neurophysiology
We have two online events running in the Spring:
- A 1-hour free Muscle Testing taster (various dates - first one 25 February)
- A 5-hour Naturopathic Kinesiology Beginners course on 4 June
Follow action button to book.
Train In Naturopathic Kinesiology
Train In Naturopathic Kinesiology
Train In Naturopathic Kinesiology
We will soon be introducing a three-level training pathway for those wishing to qualify as a Professional Naturopathic Kinesiologist. Each level builds progressively on the last, providing a clear and structured route into practice.
Every level is made up of three to four standalone courses, allowing flexibility for students to tailor thei
We will soon be introducing a three-level training pathway for those wishing to qualify as a Professional Naturopathic Kinesiologist. Each level builds progressively on the last, providing a clear and structured route into practice.
Every level is made up of three to four standalone courses, allowing flexibility for students to tailor their learning according to their previous experience, whether they are completely new to the field or bringing prior training in Naturopathy, Kinesiology, or related disciplines.
Full details of the programme structure, course content, and enrolment dates will be available shortly.
About Your Trainer
Train In Naturopathic Kinesiology
Train In Naturopathic Kinesiology
Laura Shipp ND is a highly trained Naturopath, Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist, and Kinesiologist whose work blends traditional Naturopathic principles with an understanding of the nervous system. Drawing on her extensive training in Naturopathy, Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy, Kinesiology, Eden Energy Medicine, Metapsychology, Hypno
Laura Shipp ND is a highly trained Naturopath, Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist, and Kinesiologist whose work blends traditional Naturopathic principles with an understanding of the nervous system. Drawing on her extensive training in Naturopathy, Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy, Kinesiology, Eden Energy Medicine, Metapsychology, Hypnotherapy, and NLP, she supports clients in restoring balance, resilience, and vitality.
Through gentle muscle testing, detailed case history, and constitutional assessment, she observes how the body responds to structural, biochemical, emotional, and energetic stressors, creating personalised strategies that address root causes and honour the body’s natural capacity to heal.
Her clinical work spans women’s health, digestive and gut concerns, chronic and autoimmune conditions, stress-related fatigue, and emotional regulation. Laura takes a collaborative, educational approach, helping clients understand how their bodies respond to stress and empowering them to actively participate in their own wellbeing.
In addition to her practice, Laura teaches as a Naturopathy Clinical Teacher for the School of Health, guiding students in the application of Naturopathic principles and Kinesiology techniques. She focuses on helping aspiring practitioners integrate traditional wisdom with a compassionate, evidence-informed approach, emphasising the interconnectedness of body, mind, and energy systems.
Laura is also a Registrant Board Member of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).