- Early life: George J. Goodheart was born in 1918 in Detroit, Michigan. He studied at Palmer College of Chiropractic and received a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1941.
- Chiropractic practice: After graduation, Goodheart began his chiropractic practice in Detroit, where he developed a keen interest in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal misalignments.
- Applied Kinesiology: In the 1960s, Goodheart developed Applied Kinesiology, a diagnostic and treatment system that combines conventional chiropractic techniques with muscle testing.
Applied Kinesiology is based on the idea that the body's muscles can indicate underlying imbalances or dysfunctions in the body. By manually testing the strength or weakness of specific muscles, practitioners of Applied Kinesiology aim to identify and correct structural, chemical, and emotional stressors.
- Muscle Testing: The core of Applied Kinesiology involves muscle testing, where the practitioner applies gentle pressure to a patient's muscle and assesses its resistance or weakness. This muscle response is interpreted as an indicator of the body's overall health and vitality.
- Treatment: Based on the muscle testing findings, the practitioner uses various techniques to address the identified imbalances. These techniques may include spinal adjustments, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, and other holistic therapies.
Applied Kinesiology has faced criticism and skepticism within the scientific and medical communities. Critics argue that muscle testing is not a reliable diagnostic tool and that the technique lacks sufficient scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.
Despite the controversies, Applied Kinesiology has gained a following among certain alternative health practitioners and patients seeking holistic approaches to their health concerns.
- Education and mentorship: Goodheart actively taught and promoted Applied Kinesiology, founding the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) and the Goodheart Institute. He also published several books and articles on his technique.
- Awards and recognition: Goodheart received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to chiropractic and alternative medicine.
- Death: George J. Goodheart passed away in 2008 at the age of 89.
Goodheart's legacy lies in his development of Applied Kinesiology and his influence on the field of alternative medicine. While his technique remains controversial, it has resonated with some practitioners and individuals seeking alternative approaches to health and wellness.