What is Functional Kinesiology and how does it differ from other types of kinesiology?

Functional Kinesiology is a relatively new faculty (2018) of kinesiology founded by Claire Snowdon-Darling and Laura Knowles. They had both been on personal journeys to understand and support their health challenges and this led them to study kinesiology and other health modalities in different forms. They definitely experienced improvements in their health, but they felt the breakthrough that they were searching for had not yet been discovered. A holiday in Australia, supporting a friend in need, led Claire to an important realisation...she connected the dots of her training to realise that there is a direct interplay between the hormonal landscape of our blood sugars, stress and sex hormones.

When one or more of these areas are out of balance, it impacts our whole system leading to digestive and immune imbalances. This model, now coined the ‘Triangle of Hormonal Health’ provides the foundation to their work and teachings.

Functional Kinesiology offers a whole person approach, working biochemically, structurally, emotionally and electrically. It provides achievable and understandable tools to empower individuals to embrace their health wherever they are on their health journey. It provides real solutions for people who don’t know where to turn. Working with 6 Pillars of Health This hormone based approach led Claire and Laura to create a series of protocols focussed on pulling together the tried and tested techniques from different kinesiology training pathways combined with the latest research in nutritional science and functional medicine.

As such we focus on six main pillars:

1. Blood sugars and diet

Another key element that differentiates Functional Kinesiology from other therapies is the focus on diet and the ability to offer clients easy to implement diet plans that support where they are in their health journey.

2. Adrenals and Stress

Stressors are a huge factor of being on the planet right now. From work and relationship pressures to food intolerances and our minerally depleted food chain, our bodies are under constant attack and this can be a root cause of inflammation and illness. In Functional Kinesiology we look at what these stressors are and what we can do to rebalance them.

3. Hormones

Oestrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency are major causes of physical symptoms today. From the increased environmental pollutants to the toxic hormone disruptor chemicals in our toiletries, we are seeing evidence of oestrogen imbalances commonly. Learning how to rebalance these are essential for health.

4. Digestion

Digestive issues are one of the main reasons people seek help from an alternative health practitioner. The medical model has very little to offer people experiencing functional bowel conditions. However, until recently not much was really known about how important the gut microbiome is. The Gut-Brain-Axis wasn’t researched until 2012. And, as such many of the ways nutritionists and practitioners used to deal with digestive

issues didn’t tackle the root cause and overlooked the hormonal interplays that create “The Perfect Digestive Storm”. Digestion is often a “victim” of other hormonal imbalances. In Functional Kinesiology we have led the field in creating protocols based on the latest cutting edge research, even working closely with a leading gastroenterologist to ensure the most effective approach.

5. Immune

Immune function is another area that has, until recently not been well understood and worked with ineffectively, in Functional Kinesiology we see it as the second of the “victims” when the Triangle of Hormonal Health is imbalanced. The immune module in Functional Kinesiology really is a triumph. Demystifying this complex system and ensuring you feel confident supporting clients wherever they are on their health journey.

6. Emotional Transformation

Emotional blocks and anxiety are often a core part of supporting clients to get well and we call this the #emotionhealthconnection. Whilst other Kinesiology modalities offer emotional training, Functional Kinesiology goes further. As a result, Functional Kinesiology practitioners are able to “hold space” for clients so that they can really work through the blocks that are holding them back and process any deep trauma that maybe held in their system.

Working with Whole Health

With all these areas we work with research led protocols to make lasting change to a client’s health and one of the reasons Kinesiology is so successful is we look at all the areas where imbalances can occur, meaning no stone is left unturned in our investigation. We call these the “realms” or the “BEES”.

This stands for:

Bio-chemical. Here we look at diet, food intolerances and environmental toxicity, we also teach how to test for bespoke, targeted, technical supplementation based on cutting edge functional nutrition research. We also look at the health myths prevalent in our industry and what the new information available tells us.

Electrical. Here we use a variety of tools incorporating Chinese Five Element Theory including the use of meridians and acupuncture holding points to support the body’s electrical systems.

Emotional. Being able to support a client to break through the emotional blocks that are holding them back is an incredibly rewarding part of being a Functional kinesiologist.

Structural. Postural analysis and muscular adjustments are one of the key areas kinesiology is known for. As a Functional Kinesiologist, we also rebalance the ileo-cecal valve, the temporo-mandibular joint and many others. If this inspires you to start your journey to ‘unlock’ your health potential or to support others to ‘unlock’ theirs, do get in touch. I offer one-to-one kinesiology sessions and teach foundational training that provides the launch pad to your kinesiology career.