The connection between movement, energy systems, and emotional well-being is a central theme in integrative bodywork. Kinesiology views the body as an intelligent feedback system that can reveal energetic imbalances through targeted muscle testing. When combined with the chakra system from Eastern philosophy, this creates a comprehensive approach to identifying and correcting both physical and emotional blockages.
What Is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is an alternative health modality that integrates physiological, psychological, and energetic components of the human system. At its core is the muscle test, a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to detect stressors and imbalances within the body. The basic assumption is that the body’s muscular response can reflect hidden disruptions in the energetic or neurological system.
The method incorporates principles from neurophysiology, acupuncture, chiropractic, and movement science. It is used in learning therapy, coaching, pain management, and increasingly in functional movement practices.
The Chakras – Energy Centers with Movement Expression
The chakra system originates from Ayurvedic and yogic traditions and describes seven main energy centers aligned along the spine. Each chakra is associated with specific organs, psychological states, and life themes—but also with distinct movement patterns. From a bodywork perspective, blockages in these energy centers can manifest as restrictions in mobility, postural imbalance, or altered motor control.
While chakras are not part of conventional Western medicine, many holistic approaches use them to describe the energetic dynamics that underlie physical and emotional symptoms.
NASM’s Approach: Functional Movement, Posture, and Nervous System Regulation
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) does not explicitly reference chakras or energy centers, but it does provide a scientifically validated framework for analyzing and correcting movement dysfunctions. Its Corrective Exercise Continuum (CEC) and Optimum Performance Training™ Model (OPT™) are designed to identify muscular imbalances, joint instability, and compensatory movement patterns.
From NASM’s perspective:
- Emotional and psychological stress can contribute to muscular tension—especially in the hip flexors, diaphragm, and upper trapezius.
- Limited mobility (e.g., in the thoracic spine or hips) often correlates with altered breathing mechanics and autonomic nervous system imbalance.
- Corrective movement, conscious breathing, and core stabilization are effective tools for improving postural alignment and restoring movement efficiency.
Although NASM doesn’t speak in terms of energy centers, many of its functional principles align with what holistic practitioners observe through the chakra lens—especially regarding body awareness, breath, and alignment.
The Seven Chakras of Movement – A Biomechanical Interpretation
| Chakra | Anatomical Region | Movement Theme | NASM-Relevant Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root (Muladhara) | Pelvic floor, legs | Stability, grounding, balance | Foot/ankle alignment, core bracing, neuromuscular control |
| Sacral (Svadhisthana) | Hips, lower abdomen | Mobility, flow, flexibility | Hip mobility, pelvic rhythm, lumbar spine movement |
| Solar Plexus (Manipura) | Abdomen, lumbar spine | Core strength, self-expression | Trunk stabilization, core activation, posture |
| Heart (Anahata) | Thoracic spine, chest | Openness, expansion, connection | Thoracic mobility, scapular control, breathing function |
| Throat (Vishuddha) | Neck, jaw, shoulders | Expression, head position | Cervical alignment, breathing patterns, TMJ tension |
| Third Eye (Ajna) | Forehead, eyes | Focus, coordination | Oculomotor skills, vestibular integration |
| Crown (Sahasrara) | Skull, spine axis | Alignment, upward extension | Postural balance, central axis stabilization |
Holistic Movement Assessment
A movement session that incorporates both kinesiology and chakra-based awareness can provide valuable insight into the root causes of physical or emotional imbalances. Muscle testing may be used to identify which areas of the body (or energy system) are under stress, while corrective strategies (e.g., breathwork, stretching, acupressure, or visualization) can support a return to balance.
Rather than treating isolated symptoms, this approach acknowledges that movement, emotion, and energy are deeply intertwined.
Conclusion
Kinesiology and chakra-informed movement offer a multidimensional way to understand and support the human body. While NASM provides a scientifically grounded structure for addressing dysfunctions in movement, the chakra model adds depth by acknowledging the energetic and emotional patterns behind physical issues.
When movement flows freely through the body’s structure and energy centers, both posture and perception shift.
A conscious integration of structural alignment, breath, and inner awareness can open new pathways for healing—physically, mentally, and energetically.
