Applied kinesiology looks at balance within your body's triad of health - chemical, mental and structural factors - to understand and correct health problems. The triad is represented by an equilateral triangle with structural health as its base, and the upright sides representing chemical and mental health. Neurology forms the backbone of the triad, bringing it to life in 3 dimensions. When a person experiences pain, dysfunction, or poor health, it is due to a problem in one or more of these areas affecting the others. For example, low blood sugar may make someone cranky or a pinched nerve may cause muscle pain. Applied kinesiology helps the doctor evaluate the triad and direct therapy toward the imbalanced side or sides. An applied kinesiologist looks at the individual parts of the triad and the relationship among them to better understand why a health problem exists, how and where it began, and what the best way is to correct its causes instead of just covering up its symptoms. The triad of health is interactive and all sides must be evaluated for the underlying cause(s) of a problem.

Applied kinesiology uses muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person's body is functioning. In general, the applied kinesiologist finds a muscle that tests weak and then attempts to determine why that muscle is not functioning properly. In some cases, the examiner may test for environmental or food sensitivities by using a previously strong muscle to find what weakens it. At the hands of a skillful doctor, AK diagnosis can determine the best forms of treatment for the specific patient at that time. This is important because we are dynamic, living, growing creatures. Just as your needs may be different from someone else with similar symptoms, you may also have different needs at different times as your health changes. These therapies may include specific joint adjustments, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian therapy, clinical nutrition, dietary management and various reflex procedures. Since AK draws together the core elements of many complementary therapies and provides an interdisciplinary approach to health care, it is not surprising that around the world chiropractors, osteopaths, medical doctors, dentists, and in some places, acupuncturists and naturopaths are trained in and use Applied Kinesiology.