Total Body Modification is a branch of applied kinesiology - a comprehensive alternative healing system that evaluates, rebalances and restores energy imbalances in the body's organs and functions. Developed in 1978 by Dr. Victor L. Frank, a chiropractor, naturopath and osteopath, TBM combines elements from various healing disciplines to create an integrated approach to wellness.
Unlike conventional treatments that often address symptoms directly, TBM works on the principle that true health comes from restoring the body's self-regulation capabilities. It identifies imbalances using muscle testing and corrects them by stimulating specific reflex points along the spine, effectively resetting the nervous system's communication pathways.
How does TBM work?
Your body operates like a sophisticated biological computer, with the brain controlling various components through the nervous system. When working optimally, sensory nerve fibres send messages to the brain, which interprets them before instructing associated body parts via motor fibres.
However, when a body part experiences stress, the corresponding neurons in the brain can become depolarised, disrupting this communication flow. As a result, the brain may receive messages but fail to send proper instructions back to the affected organ, leading to dysfunction. A TBM practitioner employs several techniques to address these issues:
However, when a body part experiences stress, the corresponding neurons in the brain can become depolarised, disrupting this communication flow. As a result, the brain may receive messages but fail to send proper instructions back to the affected organ, leading to dysfunction. A TBM practitioner employs several techniques to address these issues:
- Diagnostic muscle testing to identify imbalances and dysfunction in specific body systems
- Stimulation of reflex points along the spine corresponding to affected body parts
- Manual corrections using either hands or specialised instruments
- Chemical sensitivity testing using small vials to identify stressors or allergens
These techniques aim to repolarise the affected neurons in the brain, allowing it to regain control over body functions and guide the nervous system back to health. As Brighton Wellness Group explains, "TBM protocols are designed to uncover problematic patterns within the communication pathways that link the organs and systems to the biological computer (human brain) that controls all functions.
The science behind TBM
TBM operates on the principle of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. When specific points along the spine are stimulated in a precise pattern, it can help reset communication pathways between the brain and body.
The treatment works through the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and pupillary response. By balancing this system, TBM aims to restore optimal function to various organs and systems.
According to practitioners, TBM can detect functional issues when there's just a 1-2% loss of function in an affected organ—long before conventional tests might identify a problem. This early detection capability is considered by proponents to be valuable as a preventative approach to healthcare.
It's important to note that while TBM has been practiced for over 40 years, research into its effectiveness is still developing. The Australian Kinesiology Association recognizes that building evidence-based research is "an absolute priority" for the kinesiology industry, including specialized approaches like TBM. Several small-scale studies and case reports have been conducted, but larger clinical trials are still needed to fully validate specific claims about TBM's effectiveness for various conditions.
The treatment works through the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and pupillary response. By balancing this system, TBM aims to restore optimal function to various organs and systems.
According to practitioners, TBM can detect functional issues when there's just a 1-2% loss of function in an affected organ—long before conventional tests might identify a problem. This early detection capability is considered by proponents to be valuable as a preventative approach to healthcare.
It's important to note that while TBM has been practiced for over 40 years, research into its effectiveness is still developing. The Australian Kinesiology Association recognizes that building evidence-based research is "an absolute priority" for the kinesiology industry, including specialized approaches like TBM. Several small-scale studies and case reports have been conducted, but larger clinical trials are still needed to fully validate specific claims about TBM's effectiveness for various conditions.