Kinesiology and the Muscle Meridian Matrix
In the 1960’s and early 1970’s chiropractors in America established a relationship between the acupuncture meridians and many of the muscles of the body. Through muscle testing a kinesiologist is able to establish whether there is too much energy in a meridian or too little. If the muscle being tested is under facilitated or weak on testing (i.e. when a moderate amount of pressure is applied to a muscle in contraction to force it in the opposite direction) then the associated meridian is said to be under energy. When a muscle is over facilitated or extremely strong on testing (i.e. there is little if any give in the muscle when tested in contraction) there is too much energy in the meridian associated with that muscle.
Movement Terms Explained
In order to move some muscles need to contract while at the same time others need to release. When we walk and step off on the right leg the right quadricep on that leg contracts and the hamstring muscles release. The complete opposite to this is required on the left leg. The right quadricep and the left hamstring muscles are said to be facilitated when in contraction. The right hamstring muscles and the left quadricep muscle are said to be inhibited. Muscles therefore can be over or under facilitated if they are tested in contraction or over or under inhibited if they are tested in extension.
Muscular Pain & Over Facilitation
Muscular pain states go with over facilitation or under inhibition. This effectively means that there is too much energy in the meridian associated with the muscle(s). When movement is attempted the over facilitated or under inhibited muscles will not release easily in response to the activation of their opposing muscles called antagonists. The muscle is wanting to fire even though it should be releasing or resting. The end result of these energetic imbalances can be injury even though there was no pain evident prior to the injury occurring. Over facilitation or under inhibition when combined with muscle weakness can cause joint and hip instability and lead to torn muscles, ligaments and tendons.
One Leg Shorter than the Other?
One of the most common complaints of people with hip, leg and low back pain is that one leg is shorter than the other. This is usually because on one side of the body the internal oblique and the quadratus lumborum muscles are over facilitated and on the opposite side of the body those muscles are under facilitated. One hemi-pelvis is then pulled higher than the other leaving the hips looking like they are on a slight slope. If you add to this mix tightness in the gluteus medius on the same side as the over facilitation is happening then you have twisted and uneven hips. This torque is transferred down the legs and up the spine. Neck, leg and feet problems can be the result as well as headaches.
Stretching as an aid to less pain
When over facilitation or under inhibition becomes the normal state for your body then the muscles shorten in response. Kinesiology is excellent for releasing the over energy and returning the muscles to a balanced state but this may not of itself correct the postural imbalances that have resulted from a long standing condition. Muscle stretching and in many cases remedial massage therapy can provide significant additional muscular release. In addition exercises to help strengthen muscles may be appropriate once the energetic weakness and the stress patterns causing same are identified and resolved. Yoga is good for both stretching and strengthening muscles.
Other Causes or Factors Contributing to Muscular Pain & Cramps
Nutrient deficiency can be a cause of muscle cramping, pain and twitching. Low iron levels may be associated with trigger points in muscles. Magnesium is required for proper muscle function and a deficiency state can cause cramping, muscle soreness and muscle spasms. Sodium and potassium imbalances can also cause muscle cramps.