Applied Physiology

Applied Physiology (AP) is an advanced Kinesiology system and a powerful system of stress management developed in the United States by Richard Utt. It is based on the science and art of muscle/fascial monitoring to learn about the states of stress in the body. The body’s own “bio-computer” directs the course of therapy.

Stress management techniques

AP’s comprehensive acupressure techniques are based on the Five Elements Theory of Chinese acupuncture. Stress correction occurs at many levels, from the cell to the organ to the emotions, including the whole being. Often, one or more acupuncture points will be stimulated with an instrument called a “tei shin”. Or, two points will be held until simultaneous pulses can be felt, thus balancing a circuit. No acupuncture needles are used in Applied Physiology, only non-invasive acupressure techniques.

What type of conditions respond to AP techniques:

Since over 50 percent of all illnesses are said to be stress-related, a powerful system capable of relieving these “stress” conditions can significantly effect our health and general wellbeing. Heart disease, high blood pressure, colitis, asthma, kidney disease, peptic ulcer, depression, obesity, arthritis and cancer are some of the conditions for “stress” has been implicated as a significant factor. Resolution of stress can thus go a long way to improving these conditions that impact so negatively on our lives.

When stress imbalances are relieved, remarkable transformations can take place in body chemistry, organ and brain function. Even long-standing stress, such as depression, can be effectively resolved. By balancing stress, skin conditions and stresses caused by food and the environment have been relieved. Common complaints of hay fever, and muscular aches and pains including back pain, can often be quickly eliminated, or greatly improved. The after effects of accidents and other traumas can be diffused rapidly and effectively. Even clients with intractable conditions such as muscular dystrophy and polio have experienced increased use and co-ordination of muscles.

How does Applied Physiology work?

The AP system uses biofeedback from the muscles to detect “stress” in any system in the body and guide the types of corrections to be applied. Muscle biofeedback is used because muscles are related to various organs and energy systems within the body, as they relate to the Five Element Theory of Chinese Medicine. By monitoring a muscle associated with these energy systems, it is possible to get a “read-out” of the states of stress in any organ or system in the body.

In Applied Physiology, biofeedback from and “indicator muscle” provides a “Clear circuit” into the bio-computer which co-ordinates our physical function, largely subconscious. Indeed, the activities that run our bodies normally take place outside our conscious awareness. For example, most of us are not aware of how we digest our food or regulate the oxygen and sugar levels in the blood. Nevertheless, using an indicator muscle, we can communicate directly with the body’s own innate intelligence.

An indicator muscle is simply one that is in balance or homeostasis – neither “under-stressed” nor “over-stressed”. There is clear communication between the muscle and the brain. A clear indicator muscle is like a perfectly working electrical circuit in a house. We can check out a lamp by plugging it into the working circuit. If the lamp fails to light, it indicates an electrical problem within the lamp itself. We would then check out each circuit within the lamp separately to find and fix the problem. Similarly, in AP we “plug in” a variety of points on the body while monitoring a clear indicator muscle. Changes in the indicator from locked to unlocked and visa versa tell us about the state of stress in the muscles, tissues, organs, meridians and emotions related to these points. Once stress imbalances have been located, the Applied Physiologist works with the person to relieve stress and return the body to balance and health.