What is Muscle Testing in The Body Code?
- Amy Honsberger
- Jul 14
- 5 min read
Muscle testing using the body code, a powerful technique, can be utilized to analyze the needs of the body and uncover the underlying causes of negative symptoms, including chronic back pain. By accessing the subconscious mind, muscle testing allows individuals to directly communicate with their body and receive answers regarding its requirements.
Muscle testing in chiropractic practice is also known as Applied Kinesiology. This technique was developed in 1964 by Dr. George Goodheart, chiropractor, in Michigan. My first experience with kinesiology was in a class on releasing emotions in 2003. I was taught the technique as a way to explore and confirm what emotional issues needed attention. I used this for myself and with friends and family. I found it to be productive and helpful. My second experience was with my chiropractor of 20 years. I had seen two others who started off with exrays. They never seemed to make lasting changes to my structure. It seemed like they always adjusted the same places wihtout making progress. I never got full relief from their treatments. Dr. W. used muscle testing during my sessions to help identify what adjustment needed to be made. He also tested what nutritional supplements could be helpful for me. His work was very different from other chiropractors I had seen. He helped me a great deal and was the only health care provider that I relied on for many years.
Grounded in the principles of biomagnetic energy, muscle testing acknowledges the profound influence of these energies on the subconscious mind, even if our conscious awareness is limited. The premise is that the subconscious has the ability to guide the body towards positive energy, encouraging favorable responses, and repel negative energy, prompting avoidance or resistance. It is through these responses that muscle testing becomes possible.
By posing "true/false" inquiries and observing the body's reactions, we can tap into the connection between the subconscious mind and energy. There are various methods to assess the body's response, with one common approach being the Arm Test. During this test, the subject extends one arm parallel to the floor, and the tester applies slight pressure to the subject's wrist while asking a question. If the subject's arm resists the pressure, it signifies a "strong response" and corresponds to a "yes" answer. Conversely, if the arm yields under pressure, indicating a "weak response," it signifies a "no" answer. This contrast between a strong and weak response forms the foundation of muscle testing, a valuable tool in addressing chronic back pain and other concerns.
During certfication as a body code practitioner Dr. Bradley Nelson and his team teach multiple methods that can be used to access the subconscious mind of a Body Code client to get direction on what energies need to be released for optimal functioning and healing.
Different Ways to Muscle Test Using the Body Code

The Ring-In-Ring Test: To perform the Ring-In-Ring test, create a closed ring or circle shape using the thumb and middle finger of one hand. Repeat the same gesture with the thumb and middle finger of the other hand. Connect these rings together, forming two links in a chain. This manual muscle testing technique can be utilized in two different ways:
Option 1: Designate one hand as the resistance ring and the other hand as the pressure ring. The pressure ring should be firmly closed, while the resistance ring will either break open for a "no" answer or remain closed for a "yes" answer.
Option 2: Alternatively, you can intend for both rings to stay securely locked together for a "yes" answer, signifying a positive response. Conversely, both rings should break open for a "no" answer, indicating a negative response.
The Sway Test:
The Sway Test is a simple and effective method of self-muscle testing. It is one of the primary techniques taught in The Emotion Code due to its accessibility and reliability with a little practice. Although it may take slightly longer to conduct, it serves as a valuable backup method to know.
The Sway Test operates on the principle that the body responds by swaying either forward or backward, revealing the answer. The idea behind this test is that your body naturally leans forward towards truth, positivity, and congruency, while it sways backward, distancing itself from negativity, falsehood, or incongruency. This phenomenon draws upon the wisdom of the subconscious mind, which discerns what is true and what is false.
Even in the plant world, we observe automatic growth towards light, soothing music, or positive energy, and a retreat from negative influences, such as harsh rock music. We believe that our bodies possess a similar inherent mechanism!
Before attempting the Sway Test, it is advisable to eliminate any distractions like music or television, as they can interfere with the testing process, particularly when you are first learning. Stand in a relaxed position with your feet shoulder width apart, and let your hands rest by your sides. Close your eyes and focus on the instructions provided.
Initially, you may notice a slight constant movement while standing, as the body maintains its upright posture through subtle swaying forward and backward, occasionally swaying to the side. This gentle oscillation is normal and represents the body's effort to sustain its balance.
Now, shift your thoughts to war. Hold that thought in your mind while maintaining your stance. As you contemplate the loss of lives, families torn apart, tragedies, suffering, and destruction associated with war, you should observe your body recoiling or swaying backward in response. This backward movement typically occurs within 3 to 10 seconds, or possibly sooner. It signifies your body's inclination to move away from the negative energy associated with the thought of war.
Once you have experienced this response, clear your mind and redirect your thoughts to love. Imagine yourself as a being of unconditional love, with your heart radiating boundless love. Visualize this beautiful energy flowing out from your heart, filling the vast expanse of space. Envision loving everyone unconditionally, regardless of who they are. Consider how it feels to receive unconditional love and acceptance from others in return. As you hold this thought of unconditional love in your mind, you will likely notice your body swaying forward, gravitating towards the positivity, congruency, and beauty of that loving sentiment. Again, this forward movement generally begins within 3 to 10 seconds, or potentially sooner.
Once you can consistently obtain clear and accurate responses for these exercises, you have established a reliable baseline test. This indicates that you are ready to proceed with using the Sway Test to ask additional questions or make statements. For instance, if you are using The Emotion Code, you might ask, "Do I have a Trapped Emotion?" The Sway Test can be employed for any queries you wish to pose to your subconscious mind.






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