myths about kinesiology

What is kinesiology? And what kinesiology is not?

When I first started writing about kinesiology years ago, my goal was to help people understand this powerful (but often misunderstood) therapy. I’ve posted a lot about what kinesiology is, but today I’d like to flip the lens — and clear up a few common misconceptions about what kinesiology isn’t.

If you’re curious about kinesiology and wondering if it’s for you, this might help clarify expectations — and maybe even surprise you.

KINESIOLOGY IS NOT A MASSAGE

It’s true — many people feel deeply relaxed after a kinesiology session. So it’s easy to see why some confuse it with massage. But while massage uses pressure and movement to work on muscles, kinesiology works in a different way. There’s no kneading, rubbing, or oil. (Sorry, massage lovers.)

Instead, we use subtle energetic techniques to release stress patterns in the body. And unlike massage, kinesiology is usually goal-based. That goal might be stress relief, but we’re looking at why the stress is there in the first place — emotional tension, postural habits, hormonal imbalances, or even old patterns stored in the nervous system.

The result? Deep relaxation from the inside out.

KINESIOLOGY IS NOT A REIKI

Reiki draws from the idea of universal energy that can be channelled through the hands. Kinesiology, meanwhile, uses muscle monitoring as a kind of “biofeedback compass” to locate stress in the body, then applies tailored techniques to rebalance it.

Think of it like this: Reiki is tuning into a radio signal from the cosmos. Kinesiology is asking your body, “Hey, where’s the static?” and then helping it find a better frequency.

KINESIOLOGY IS NOT AN ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate energy flow through meridians, based on the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Kinesiology also works with these same meridians — but no needles involved.

Instead, we use gentle techniques like tapping, holding points, sound, or flower essences to balance energy flow. And thanks to muscle monitoring, we’re able to tailor the process very precisely to what your body needs in that moment.

So yes, we love chi — but we leave the needles to the acupuncturists.

KINESIOLOGY IS NOT A COUNSELLING SESSION

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Kinesiology isn’t about talking your way through things — though verbalising feelings is often part of a session. The real work happens on a deeper, neuro-emotional level.

Have you ever noticed how your thinking changes depending on your mood, the time of day, or even what you’ve eaten? That’s the realm we’re working in. Kinesiology helps identify and release the patterns that affect how your nervous system processes experience — including emotional and mental patterns.

It’s less about “telling your story” and more about shifting the stress behind the story. Many kinsiologists use Brain Integration techniques that work with neurological pathways of thinking and feeling. For an overview of Brain Integration click here.

KINESIOLOGY IS NOT DIAGNOSTIC TOOL

Let’s talk muscle testing. Some people use it to “test” whether a supplement is right for them or which brand of toothpaste to buy. Personally, I don’t recommend relying on muscle monitoring for decisions like that — it’s not a crystal ball.

Muscle testing doesn’t give you a diagnosis. It reveals stress in the body — and that stress needs interpretation in context. For example, if your muscle shows stress with a magnesium supplement, that could mean a dozen different things. Too much? Not enough? Wrong form? Poor absorption?

That’s why in kinesiology, we go deeper. We work with the underlying energetic patterns — not just the yes/no signal.

MUSCLE MONITORING IS NOT KINESIOLOGY 

Muscle monitoring is a tool, not the whole toolbox.

Saying kinesiology is muscle testing is like saying painting is just “waving a brush around.” There’s a method, a craft, and a deeper purpose behind it.

A trained kinesiologist brings together knowledge of anatomy, physiology, energetic systems (like the meridians), counselling skills, and more — all woven together by the art of muscle monitoring. What matters is not just the signal, but how we work with it to support transformation.

KINESIOLOGY IS NOT THE SAME AS PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapy is brilliant for rehabilitation, recovery, and physical retraining. It’s structured, often exercise-based, and grounded in biomechanics.

Kinesiology also uses knowledge of anatomy and nervous system function — but brings in the energetic and emotional layers too. We might look at why a shoulder keeps tightening up even when physically there’s nothing wrong — because sometimes, pain isn’t just physical.

Interesting side note: research is beginning to show that combining emotional support with physical therapy enhances outcomes. Kinesiology has been doing that all along.

KINESIOLOGY IS NOT A MIRACLE ON TAP

Look, I’d love to wave a wand and make problems disappear. (I’d also like a self-cleaning kitchen. Still waiting.)

While many clients feel better right after a session, lasting change usually takes time — just like building strength, learning a language, or healing a relationship. Kinesiology is powerful, but it’s not a quick fix.

That said, something unusual can happen during a session. People often shift long-held patterns — not because I’ve done something magical, but because their system is ready, and kinesiology helps unlock it.

KINESIOLOGY IS NOT A PSYCHIC READING

This one comes up a lot. Kinesiology can definitely uncover subconscious patterns — and yes, sometimes it feels like we’ve stumbled onto a personal truth you didn’t even know you were carrying.

But it’s not about “finding answers” to big questions like “Is this the right job for me?” or “Should I move to Portugal?” (Though hey, if Portugal’s calling, who am I to argue?)

Instead, kinesiology helps you access the deeper parts of yourself — the places where limiting beliefs, emotional stress, and unconscious habits live — and supports you in transforming them. It’s a tool for personal evolution, not prediction.

SO WHAT IS KINESIOLOGY?

Well, for starters...

• It’s not acupuncture, but it works with your energy system.

• It’s not massage, but it can leave you feeling light, calm, and deeply rested.

• It’s not physiotherapy, but you may move more freely after a session.

• It’s not a miracle, but it can spark profound change.

• It’s not psychic, but it can reconnect you with parts of yourself that have been waiting to be heard.

Kinesiology helps you shift — from tension to flow, from stuckness to clarity, from reaction to response. It’s a partnership between you and your body’s inner intelligence.

And if you’re curious, I’d love to tell you more.

Natalia Gavrilova – your local kinesiologist in Fremantle (Perth, WA)

This article was written by Natalia Gavrilova, a kinesiologist based in Fremantle and working with clients from across Perth, Western Australia. I specialise in the emotional and energetic aspects of kinesiology and write to help people understand how this gentle, holistic therapy can support real change.

💬 You’re welcome to get in touch here.

🌱 If you’re new to kinesiology and curious about how it works, visit my introductory page.

👩‍⚕️ Want to know more about me and my background? Here’s my story.

Кинезиология — это мягкий, целостный метод, который помогает восстановить внутренний баланс, освободиться от стресса и глубже понять свои потребности.

Меня зовут Наталья Гаврилова, я кинезиолог из Фримантла (Перт, Западная Австралия). На этой странице я рассказываю, как проходят мои сеансы, с чем я могу помочь и почему кинезиология становится всё более популярной в работе с эмоциональными, физическими и энергетическими трудностями.