I first used this simple test with Dena Schwartz last year when we were trying to decide whether using yarrow essential oil as a topical application for Jasper’s sarcoids would be beneficial & I have subsequently used it when trying to find other potentially helpful oils to use on Jasper’s sarcoids. Interestingly Yarrow oil, no longer strengthens the resistance so I have stopped using it for the time being.

A simple applied kinesiology test can be quite useful in determining if a particular medication, in this case an essential oil would be useful to your horse. It allows you to tap into the body’s innate intelligence for guidance. Although obviously not a substitute for qualified expertise in the form of your veterinarian or qualified practioners.

Within certain parameters it can be a useful tool for owners trying to determine which remedies might help, in my case selecting an essential oil, although it can also be useful with Bach Flower remedies, homopathic remedies & indeed herbs, or even down to assertaining whether a new supplement or feed might cause an allergic reaction.

Muscle testing utilizes a muscles resistance to determine whether the substance strengthens or weakens the body’s resistance. It is not infallible, although you can test a second time after  a couple of hours with a different helper to give you a more accurate indication.

How to do this simple test:

Firstly you will need the assistance of a partner to act as a surrogate for your horse.

Test your assistants normal level of resistance first: Stand facing one another. Your partner raises their arm, straight out, to the side. The arm should be horizontal, at shoulder height, palm down. You place two fingers of one hand on top of the outstretched arm, just above the wrist.  The arm needs to be able to to resist the downward force. When your partner is ready, say “resist” and push down on their arm with your two fingers. You need to let them resist (tighten their arm) before you push down. It is not a competition of physical strength, do not overpower them. The idea is for you to test the relative strength of your partner’s arm.

Now you are ready to involve your horse. Assume the same position facing your assistant, but this time ask them to put their free hand on the horse & at the same time hold in the same hand, in contact with the horse, the substance you wish to test. If the substance is in a container it is best to remove the lid.

Ask your partner to hold out her other arm as you did above to test her normal resistance, and then repeating the above sequence, ask your partner to resist as you push down on their arm.

If the resistance in their arm is stronger with the substance they are holding then it is likely to be a good choice for your horse. Sometimes if more then one substances offers improved resistance it might be possible to discern which is even stronger then the others.

If the arm is less resistant holding the substance then it is likely to be a poor or ineffective substance for the horse.

A couple of useful tips:

It is better not to look your partner directly in the face because your facial expressions can effect the outcome. Also it is better is your assistant does not know what she is holding so that it gives a more accurate test, without any preconceptions.

I hope you found this useful, go & experiement for yourself it really is quite an interesting experience, even if you are just trying it out.