George Goodheart, DC – Chiropractor and Founder of Applied Kinesiology

On March 5, 2008, George Goodheart, DC – founder of applied kinesiology – passed away at his home in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. He was the first chiropractor appointed to the US Olympic Sports Medicine Committee for the 1980 Lake Placid Games and received a Presidential Medal of Freedom nomination by members of Congress.

Early Life and Education

Goodheart was born on August 18, 1918 in Detroit, Michigan and spent his youth there before attending the University of Detroit and National College of Chiropractic.

He practiced chiropractic for over 50 years in Detroit and Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. In 1980 he became the first chiropractor to join the US Olympic Medical Committee and founded Applied Kinesiology – a system that utilizes manual muscle testing for diagnosis.

His work has been immensely beneficial to many, including athletes. He was renowned for his humility and wit. Additionally, he believed that his deceased father was always with him, often providing guidance on how to solve clinical problems.

Professional Career

George Goodheart pioneered Applied Kinesiology (AK), an integrative health system that assesses structural, chemical and mental aspects of health through manual muscle testing combined with other standard diagnostic methods.

AK has blossomed into an expansive movement within the healing arts. Its techniques and principles have been taught to a variety of healthcare professionals, such as naturopaths, allopathic physicians, dentists, physical therapists, massage therapists, nurses and more.

Goodheart introduced acupuncture meridian therapy into Acupuncture Kinesiology (AK). He connected Chapman neurolymphatic reflexes of specific muscles with meridians, which are interconnecting channels carrying both qi and blood that nourish our organs, glands, and tissues.

Achievements and Honors

Goodheart was a leader in the development of Applied Kinesiology. He authored numerous books on the topic and lectured widely around the globe.

He was the first chiropractor appointed to the U. S. Olympic medical team in 1980 and has remained dedicated to working with athletes of all ages throughout his lifetime.

He founded the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK), established to disseminate his research to health care professionals. Additionally, he served as chairman of its research committee for 32 years.

Personal Life

George Goodheart was a chiropractor renowned for his expertise in applied kinesiology. He also had the unique ability to diagnose and treat patients with compassion and thoughtfulness.

His system of diagnosis utilizes manual muscle testing in combination with other standard methods of diagnosis. It is a highly accurate and non-invasive way to assess structural, chemical and mental aspects of health.

Goodheart first discovered how muscles and nerves influence skeletal structure when he discovered how muscles could be controlled to alleviate pain and treat organic disease. Over time, other researchers have followed in his footsteps, developing techniques for manipulating these muscles in order to combat organic disease as well.

Net Worth

Goodheart, a Detroit-based chiropractor, pioneered an innovative approach to health care that would become known as Applied Kinesiology (AK) years ahead of its time. He had an acute sense of observation and was one of few individuals capable of synthesizing existing research in novel ways.

He was renowned for his upbeat outlook, which earned him the trust of many patients. From ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov to Broadway stars Carol Channing and Imogene Coco, George treated a wide range of celebrities – often providing free treatments. Estimates place his net worth at over $5 million dollars, making him one of the wealthiest chiropractors worldwide. Unfortunately, George passed away 15 years ago at age 56.