Applied Kinesiology & Fairies

The SCAM diagnostic test, Applied Kinesiology, is when the quack pushes on your arm while a substance is held near you. If the arm is weak, then that item is causing your illness. It is used by naturopaths, chiropractors, herbalists and others who practice health fraud. Some even have their assistant hold your hand and then push on the assistant"s arm to test YOUR health.



One supporter of this diagnostic test was saying that it was being unreasonable to declare this as quackery without taking the time to test it myself. Not trying it myself was "unscientific". She also reminded me that I could not prove that Applied Kinesiology does not work.



I responded to the challenge by asking her to prove that fairies don"t exist, reminding her to do this herself and to check under every toadstool to avoid missing the one where they live. It is almost impossible to prove a negative.



With a BBQ coming up soon, I may test Applied Kinesiology with some friends. If nothing else, it will be good for a laugh. What"s not so funny, is that quacks use this test and then charge for a corresponding bogus cure to unsuspecting people with illnesses.



More on Applied Kinesiology can be found at http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Tests/ak.html



To join the fight against health fraud, or just become better educated to avoid being a victim, check www.ncafh.com or in Australia www.acahf.org.au .