ICAK-USA Research

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Following is a Compilation of Applied Kinesiology Research Papers Published in the Collected Papers

of the International College of Applied Kinesiology for the year 1997-1998

 

-- Edited by Scott Cuthbert, D.C.

 

 

 

 

 

ALUMINUM TOXICITY: A CONSTELLATION OF EFFECTS

 

William Conder, D.C.

 

ABSTRACT

 

Objective: A case series report on treatment of patients with aluminum toxicity is presented.

 

Clinical Features: Evidence indicating the metabolic toxicity of aluminum is reviewed from the literature and its clinical consequences, signs and symptoms, are reviewed. The effects of aluminum upon the biochemical pathways of the body are given. 5 cases (4 females and one male, ranging in age from the early teens to the mid-80’s) are described whose diagnosis and treatment outcomes are reviewed.

 

Intervention and Outcome: AK evaluation showed several commonalities among the patients in this report. Hypoadrenia was present in all patients (demonstrating a positive Ragland’s sign, sartorius muscle weakness, positive adrenal NL reflexes); as well as hiatal hernia, aerobic deficiency, and electromagnetic field sensitivity (positive indicator muscle test upon placing a quartz wrist watch anywhere on the patients body). The author consistently found, using nutrient testing with a homeopathic test kit, the following: excess aluminum, deficient magnesium, B vitamin and calcium disturbances. This case series showed that the positive indication for aluminum toxicity resolves in 4 to 6 weeks under the best of circumstances, although the myalgia and other muscle related symptoms may take considerably longer to abate. The removal of aluminum by malic acid and correction of magnesium deficiency by supplementation corrected the relative imbalance in the other micronutrient deficiencies involved in cases of aluminum toxicity.

 

Conclusion: Evidence indicating the metabolic toxicity of aluminum is strong. In addition to correcting hiatal hernia, dysbiosis and encouraging the patient not to consume antacids, antibiotics, and use aluminum containing antiperspirants), supplementation with malic acid and magnesium hydroxide and recommending measures for stress reduction was successful in this case series report. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1997-1998;1:1-10)

 

Key Indexing Terms: Aluminum; Poisoning; Adverse Effects; Diagnosis; Biochemical Phenomena, Metabolism, and Nutrition; Case Management; Treatment; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied

 

 

 

 

 

 

A MUSCULAR IMBALANCE APPROACH TO CRANIAL FAULTS

 

David W. Leaf, D.C., D.I.B.A.K.

 

ABSTRACT

 

Objective: To present the concept that cranial faults occur due to imbalances in the major muscles that attach to the cranial bones.

 

Clinical Features: The forces exerted upon the cranium during normal chewing, movement, and response to gravity by the muscles that attach to the skull is hypothesized to be the motive force for the cranial faults seen in the clinical setting. Failure of inhibition in the upper trapezius during walking, or imbalances in the muscles that turn the head gives an idea of the consequences of chronic hyper or hypotonic muscles upon the cranium. A chronic dropping of the arch of the foot can lead to over contraction of the pterygoid muscles on the same side. Pelvic imbalances can relate to pterygoid hypertonicity also. The body is a closed kinematic chain and so correction of cranial faults requires an evaluation of the total structure to determine the cause of muscular imbalances affecting the cranium.

 

Intervention and Outcome: The specific muscular and cranial articular relationships found that produce cranial faults are described. The functional integration of cranial bone movement with the muscular system is demonstrated. A basic understanding of the muscular and fascial influences presented in this paper leads to the conclusion that the status of soft tissues that attach directly to the skull, and the rest of the body whose status greatly influences these tissues, can influence cranial function.

 

Conclusion: This paper attempts to expand insights into the underlying causes of cranial faults.  The muscles of the body act upon the cranial bones and the dural membranes via fascial continuity, changing the tension placed upon them and altering their functional motion potentials. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1997-1998;1:17-20)

 

Key Indexing Terms: Skull; Biomechanics; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Muscle, Skeletal; Treatment; Kinesiology, Applied

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPLIED KINESIOLOGY AND HOMEOPATHY: A MUSCLE/ORGAN/REMEDY CORRELATION

 

Timothy D. Francis, M.S., D.C., D.I.B.A.K., D.H.M.

 

ABSTRACT

 

Objective: To present the correlations between homeopathy and muscles/organs/glands in the body that may be verified by MMT.

 

Clinical Features: An exhaustive review of the basic concepts of homeopathic thinking, history, diagnosis and treatment is given. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann’s work (1755-1843), the originator of homeopathy, is described. Homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars where "like cures like". Diseases are treated by highly diluted substances that cause, in healthy persons, symptoms like those of the disease to be treated. The dilutions are repeated so many times that there is less than one molecule per dose and it is suggested that benefit is from the energetic life force of the original substance. The homeopathic physician seeks to match the symptom-pattern of the patient with that of a medicine. This necessitates a full symptomatic description of the patient’s ailment, including everything that can be seen with the eyes or perceived by the other senses. The patient is also questioned about his perceptions and sensations, since he can know information that is not accessible to the physician’s own observational powers. For the homeopathic physician, the number of diseases in the world is coextensive with the number of patients.

 

Intervention and Outcome: The homeopathic indications via MMT are presented. An extensive list of homeopathic remedies is correlated with muscles in the body. Indications from the patient’s symptom complex are correlated with the muscles that are inhibited on MMT; muscles that facilitate with the ingestion of the appropriate homeopathic remedy. Because there are over 3,000 homeopathic remedies, this presentation is not all-inclusive. A clinical algorithm is presented so that this complex treatment protocol can be better understood.

 

Conclusion: This comprehensive paper includes 171 references, and suggests that one of the great systems of health care can be verified and made clinically useful with AK methods. Clinical trials using these two methods of therapy together should be undertaken. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1997-1998;1:33-94)

 

Key Indexing Terms: Homeopathy; Review [Publication Type]; Historical Article [Publication Type]; Biochemical Phenomena, Metabolism, and Nutrition; Diagnosis;  Treatment; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEUROLOGICAL RESPONSES OF INFRASONIC QI-GONG

 

Douglas N. Hibbard, D.C.

 

ABSTRACT

 

Objective: 10 subjects were exposed to Infrasonic Qi-Gong to assess its influence on common AK indicators related to the pyramidal distribution of weakness.

 

Clinical Features: The discipline of Qi-Gong has been used for millennia in China to treat sickness. The technological discovery of Qi-Gong came when an acoustics researcher, Dr. Lu Yan Fang, tested a Qi-Gong master for sonic emissions from his hands. She found him to emit a strong signal 100 times the emission of a normal person. Dr. Lu constructed a device that reproduces this emission in order to test its potential physiological effects. Many positive neurological states have been registered with EEG measurements using the Qi-Gong device.

 

Intervention and Outcome: 10 volunteers were recruited for this study. Parameters tested were: passive internal thigh rotation range of motion; body length indicators (out stretched arm length); and standard testing of muscles related to the pyramidal distribution of weakness. An infrasonic Qi-Gong therapeutic massage device set on the low position was directed towards the cranium of the volunteer from a distance of 5 inches while the parameters were evaluated. Muscle strength was improved in 67% of the subjects; passive internal thigh rotation became equal in 71%; outstretched arms equalized in 75%.

 

Conclusion: The infrasonic Qi-Gong massager appeared to have immediate neurological influences upon the subjects tested. Future studies to assess the scope of applications within natural health care for this instrument are necessary. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1997-1998;1:95-98)

 

Key Indexing Terms: Complementary Therapies; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Outcome Assessment (Health Care);Kinesiology, Applied; Chiropractic

 

 

 

 

 

 

GV-21 - A SCREENING POINT FOR CENTERING THE SPINE

 

Walter H. Schmitt, Jr., D.C., D.I.B.A.K., D.A.B.C.N.

 

ABSTRACT

 

Objective: To present the hypothesis that the acupuncture point GV-21, when it has positive TL, will correlate with the author’s centering the spine (CTS) patterns of MMT.

 

Clinical Features: Acupuncture point GV-21, located at the bregma, is suggested to be the location for a point which will TL or respond to several taps by the doctor when the patient will also respond to one of seven patterns: the 6 CTS patterns, and visually focusing on a point. The 6 CTS patterns are right gait, left gain, spinal extension, spinal flexion, spinal lateral flexion left, spinal lateral flexion right, and focusing the eyes on a point. Each of these CTS patterns has a purportedly specific structural and neurotransmitter significance. The effect of each of the CTS challenges, in the author’s experience, is paralleled by a specific neurotransmitter.

 

Intervention and Outcome: A review of the author’s CTS hypothesis is offered, and a review of this structural finding’s relationship to the neurotransmitter status of the patient is given. Nutritional precursors for the neurotransmitters are presented. The pattern associated with the GV-21 finding provides the doctor with a guide to treatment procedures that will correct both the CTS challenge and the GV-21 TL.

 

Conclusion: The application of the concepts of CTS is argued to be of value in identifying structural and chemical patterns that affect patients. Clinical trials with concurrent biochemical testing are now warranted to validate or refute the correlations offered by the author. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1997-1998;1:125-130)

 

Key Indexing Terms: Neurotransmitter Agents; Acupuncture Points; Diagnosis; Treatment; Muscle Weakness; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS IT SYMPATHETIC OR PARASYMPATHETIC?

 

Walter H. Schmitt, Jr., D.C., D.I.B.A.K., D.A.B.C.N.

 

ABSTRACT

 

Objective: A method of evaluation for the functional status of the autonomic sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is presented.

 

Clinical Features: When an AK MMT reveals a weak muscle, there must be an inhibited central integrative state (CIS) at the alpha-motoneurons (alpha-MNs) that are the origin of the nerve to that muscle. The afferent inputs to alpha-MNs include collaterals from the intermediolateral (IML) column motoneurons which are the primary autonomic MNs. Autonomic function which originates at the hypothalamus is transmitted to the reticular formation and this information descends to the spinal cord via reticulospinal tracts which affect both IML MNs and alpha-MNs. Therefore, changes in autonomic function will affect, in a predictable, specific fashion, the CIS of alpha-MNs and hence, muscle strength and weakness patterns during MMT. The neurological consequences of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity are reviewed.

 

Intervention and Outcome: Since autonomic functions implicate somatic motor pathways, changes in muscle function will accompany changes in autonomic status. To evaluate autonomic functions in the body, the author describes a number of specific sensory receptor challenges. To determine whether an organ has decreased sympathetic or parasympathetic activity, pinching or rubbing over the organ’s visceral referred pain area is used as sensory challenges (pinching increases nociception and activates sympathetic activity; whereas rubbing blocks nociception by activating mechanoreceptors). A number of the author’s previous papers are reviewed showing how several other autonomic challenges to the nervous system are employed.

 

Conclusion: Sensory receptor based diagnostic challenges, including nociceptors, mechanoreceptors, visual and gustatory receptors may be used to evaluate the functional status of the autonomic nervous system in patients via the IML and alpha-MN connection. Controlled clinical trials of these procedures are called for. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1997-1998;1:131-140)

 

Key Indexing Terms: Autonomic Nervous System; Neural Pathways; Nervous System Physiology; Muscle Weakness; Diagnosis; Treatment; Muscle Weakness; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCING INTERNAL ACOUSTICS

 

Dale Schusterman, D.C., D.I.B.A.K.

 

ABSTRACT

 

Objective: To discuss the function of ear dominance and how it impacts the nervous system.

 

Clinical Features: The work of the French ear surgeon Alfred Tomatis, M.D., provides the basis for this paper. Hearing is the first sense to develop in utero at 6 months and is therefore the first and most important link with the outer environment. Later, with the development of language, a neurological dominance is created in the nervous system as a result of the neural tracts involved. Much of Dr. Tomatis’ research involves how language and hearing develop and function through the nervous system. The dominance correlates with left-brain and right ear function. Under this hypothesis, all functions in the human body must be properly aligned under the guidance of the right ear in order for there to be balance. Any pattern not amenable to right ear control is potentially invisible to the physician using AK or any other therapist.

 

Intervention and Outcome: Right ear dominance is related to the recurrent laryngeal nerve that comes off the vagus nerve and proceeds to the larynx. The pathway of this nerve is shorter on the right side of the body than the left. Tomatis’ postulates that the reason most people are right handed is due to the development of the language centers in the left hemisphere of the brain. The right ear connections to the left-brain and the shorter right laryngeal nerve that crosses over into the left hemisphere become the pathway of choice for auditory/vocal development. A sequence of cranial challenges and corrections is described which moves patients who are left ear dominant into a right ear dominant mode.

 

Conclusion: The need for right ear dominance gives the therapist a place to start in balancing the nervous system. Clinical trials for the hypotheses and methods of treatment presented in this paper are warranted. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1997-1998;1:149-161)

 

Key Indexing Terms: Dominance, Cerebral; Ear; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve; Diagnosis; Treatment; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VERTIGO, MENIERE’S, AND OTHER PROBLEMS OF THE VESTIBULAR SYSTEM: A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE PROCEDURE

 

Samuel F. Yanuck, D.C., F.I.A.C.A.

 

ABSTRACT

 

Objective: Two cases successfully treated for vestibular dysfunction are described.

 

Clinical Features: A variety of problems arising from the vestibular apparatus of the ear produce the symptoms of dizziness or vertigo. Reestablishing normal function of either the vestibular apparatus itself or the brain stem nuclei responsible for the integration of vestibular signals produces favorable clinical outcomes by reducing the symptoms of vestibular problems in the author’s experience.

 

Intervention and Outcome: The patient should be neurologically organized before this method is employed. The patient TLs the right TW-23 acupuncture point (located in the depression at the lateral corner of the eyebrow) while simultaneously touching the right sartorius NL reflex. If only the simultaneous contact creates a weakening effect, correct by tapping over TW-23 while maintaining the TL to the sartorius NL. Add taste receptor stimulation with a source of caffeine. At this point, two-hand TL should have no effect with or without caffeine. While the patient maintains two-handed TL, the patient rotates the head briskly to the right. Immediately test a strong indicator muscle. If weakness is produced, have the patient repeat the maneuver, and perform Injury Recall Technique by tugging lightly on the right foot caudalward. Check for the same finding to the left. Patients with vestibular problems can generally be improved by reducing both adrenal stress and digestive dysfunction. Two patient case histories are given (a 49 year old female with Meniere’s disease, and a 60 year old female with vertigo), that were effectively relieved of their symptoms in one treatment.

 

Conclusion: Functional problems with the vestibular mechanism are reported to be successfully treated using AK methods, and the above procedures provided significant relief for the two patients described. (Collected Papers International College of Applied Kinesiology, 1997-1998;1:183-186)

 

Key Indexing Terms: Meniere's Disease; Vertigo; Dizziness; Diagnosis; Treatment; Chiropractic; Kinesiology, Applied