What are Neurovascular Points?
Some of the AK neurovascular points
Neurovascular points, are points that are usually on the face and scalp that are used for diagnosing and treating weak muscles in Applied Kinesiology, or AK. They were originally discovered by Dr. Terence Bennett, a chiropractor, in the 1930s who found out that stimulating certain points would increase blood flow to specific organs in the body. As a result, the increased blood flow would have a positive affect on those organ’s funtions. Bennett was able to observe his findings by touching the various points and seeing the reaction it caused under x-ray fluoroscope and spent countless hours recording his points and findings. Unfortunately for Bennett, his research took his life when he passed away from radiation poisoning.
Dr. George Goodheart, the founder of AK, took Bennett’s work and noticed that touching these various points could turn weak muscles on again. Since it was found that Bennett’s neurovascular points were correlated with different organs in the body, it was easy for Goodheart to correlate these points with specific muscles. Today, almost every muscle has its own neurovascular point. While these points can overlap with other muscles, they are a useful tool to help fix an individual’s neurology.
What are Neurolymphatic Reflexes?
Neurolymphatic reflexes, or “neurolymphatics” as referred to in AK, is a location on the body that is believed to affect a specific muscle and organ. As mentioned above, it is used in Applied Kinesiology for diagnosing the relationship between weak muscles and dysfunction with that muscle or its corresponding organ or gland/tissue.
Neurolymphatic reflexes were discovered by Dr. Frank Chapman, an osteopath in the 1930s. Through palpation, Chapman found tender areas in the body, which he believed to be the result of an increase and even congestion in lymph. Subsequent massage to that area would increase lymphatic drainage and lead to positive effects of the individual’s health, especially to corresponding bodily organs, areas, and glands.
Dr. George Goodheart, the founder of AK, liked Chapman’s work and through experimentation discovered that he could turn previously weak muscles on by touching and massaging these points. Chapman’s work neurolymphatic points were all associated with specific organs and glands as Goodheart’s muscle testings were. The first correlation that Goodheart found was that Chapman’s neurolymphatic point linked with the stomach was helped to turn on the pectoralis clavicular muscle, also linked to the stomach. From there, Goodheart was able to correlate all of the other muscles he discovered and now every muscle has its own neurolymphatic point.