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To have knowledge of a system that can help prevent illness and maintain good health for yourself and your family is a great thing. In Switzerland , one out of three families uses Touch For Health.
What is Touch For Health? It is a system that uses muscles as a biofeedback mechanism called muscle testing (monitoring) or Applied Kinesiology to derive specific information spiritually, mentally, emotionally, nutritionally, and structurally. It is a hands on method used to communicate with the body. As with language, muscle testing is a powerful tool. Touch For Health combines the theories of Chinese energy systems (meridians, acupuncture/ acupressure) with Western physiological systems. The use of muscle testing has existed for some time. As a diagnostic tool, it was used to identify where neurological nerve pressure originated and where it was damaged. In 1964, a chiropractor from Detroit , Michigan - Dr. George Goodheart, D.C. - came across a new use of muscle testing. Through his research, he found that there were distinct connections between muscles, organs and the Chinese meridians. He called his body of work Applied Kinesiology.
As Goodhert's research developed, one of his colleagues - Dr. John Thie, D.C. - noticed that much of Goodheart's work could be learned and applied by anyone, not just a chiropractor or doctor. Dr. Thie founded a system based on these principles and began to teach it to lay people in the early 1970's, with the philosophy that if used regularly, one could increase their feelings of health and well being, and avoid costly visits to the doctor. He named this system Touch For Health. His book by the same name has been translated in 22 languages, and has spawned a revolution in the field of the healing arts.
In Touch For Health, each muscle relates to specific Chinese meridian and body organ. Meridians are channels of energy that flows within the body. These flows each have specific points along their path that are the points used in Chinese Acupuncture. There are 12 bilateral meridians on each side of the body that are identical, plus 1 in front and 1 in back. In Western culture, we refer to them by their organ names, such as Lung Meridian. However these meridians are all connected, so it is really one large, constant energy flow.
Now, each meridian has at least one muscle associated with it, called the Indicator Muscle. Each indicator muscle has its own specific position for testing, and by placing the leg or arm in its correct testing position, and then applying light pressure, you can determine if the response is strong or weak. Weak muscles indicates some blockage or constriction in the energy meridian flow, and if not corrected may effect the organ. By using one of several strengthening techniques to balance that energy, it can correct the problem. The concept is that, if the energy is flowing freely throughout the meridian system, the body is able to heal itself and have more energy in order to function.
Another approach that utilizes muscle testing or monitoring to identify stress, is by using a single muscle. This scenario is global (rather than just one meridian as in the prior example). This single indicator muscle responds to any number of challengers in order to communicate whether that challenge is stressful or not. Whether spiritual, mental, emotional, nutritional or structural.
Assessing energy imbalances is only half the story though! Once identified, one must then find what method will help to balance the energy, allowing for healing to take place. When the body responds to a healing modality by reversing the indicator muscle's stress response, this is the body saying, "Yes! I like that!". Further application of that method will then begin the balancing process. It is possible that more than one modality may be necessary to bring about balance.
The overlying philosophy of Touch For Health, as well as many complementary and alternative healing art approaches, is that the body has an incredible ability to heal itself well, the body has another amazing ability - to compensate for problems in order to continue to function. While compensation is necessary, and is going on all the time in some form, it takes a lot of time and energy - time and energy that might otherwise go towards healing!
If we take the time to keep ourselves balanced and take care of our issues as they arise then the body has the opportunity to heal itself in a manner in which it is designed.
The underlying philosophy of Touch For Health is self-responsibility. We believe it is important to be involved in your own healing process. The combination of what one may learn from a Touch For Health session, or taking a series of classes can lead to an awareness and the ability to help yourself and others. This approach will even help to prevent getting sick to begin with!
See the calendar, page 29, for information on classes offered.
Jacqueline Helvitz, has completed her intensive training with Dr. John Thie, founder of the Touch For Health Foundation in Pasadena , CA in 1979, and received her Instructors Certification. She is qualified to teach all 4 levels of TFH and is a professional member of the Touch for Health Kinesiology Assoc. of New Carlisle OH, and the International Kinesiology College in Zurich , Switzerland . She has taught both in California and Arizona, ten years at Massasoit College in Brockton and Canton, MA, one year at Cape Cod Community College (most recent), six years at the Wellness Center in Hanover, MA and many other locations in Southeastern Massachusetts. Within her practice she also brings knowledge of herbs, as a Certified Herbalist since 1980. For more information, be it for a session or class, please call 781 934.8118.
