K
kahuna A Hawaiian witch doctor. The term was
coined in 1886; its basic philosophy involves “the
three selves”—high, or superconscious (aumaka);
middle; conscious (uhane); and low; subconscious
(unihipili)—and “the three invisible subtle bodies”
(kino-aka)of each self. The high self is the least
dense; its center is above the crown chakra; and it is
rooted in the heart chakra. The middle self is more
dense and is centered in the brow chakra. The low
self is the most dense; its center lies within the solar
plexus chakra. In addition, kahunasbelieve in the
harmonious interaction of “the three voltages” (lev-
els of life energy or psychic energy) (mana/prana):
the Low self controls the supply and use of mana
and converts it to a higher voltage (mana-mana)for
use by the middle self. The low self uses manato
maintain the physical body. The middle self uses
manato think and feel. The two together must sup-
ply manato high self. The high self converts manato
mana-loa, which in turn becomes a potent healing,
or “miracle-making” force.
See also FAITH HEALING; SANGOMA; VOODOO.
kapha One of the doshas, or three main body
types, in Ayurvedic medicine. Kaphaalso refers to
the moon force, the opposite of the sun force, both
of which are considered to be basic life forces or
elements.
See also AYURVEDA.
ki The Japanese equivalent of QI, or ch’i.
kinesiology Commonly known as applied kinesi-
ology (AK), a noninvasive system centered on test-
ing the muscular range of motion, strength, and
capacity of individuals with muscle injury or dis-
ease. Muscle testing helps the practitioner evaluate
neuromuscular function as it relates to the struc-
tural, chemical, and mental physiologic regulatory
mechanisms. From the Greek kinesis, meaning
“motion,” kinesiology is the study of movement
and a blend of Western technology and the theories
of energy flow throughout the body along the
meridians, or invisible energy pathways mapped
out by practitioners of acupuncture and traditional
Chinese and Asian medicine. Focused on deter-
mining “subclinical” problems (predisposition to
disease, or subtle indications of potential prob-
lems), kinesiologists offer diagnosis and treatment
of aches and pains, joint stiffness, headaches, food
sensitivities, digestive problems, and phobias.
Members of the International College of Applied
Kinesiology, founded and developed by the chiro-
practor Dr. George Goodheart, Jr., have made con-
siderable advances in the field. AK is used as a
diagnostic tool to determine what is wrong and
what to do for a patient. An applied kinesiology
examination depends upon knowledge of func-
tional neurology, anatomy, physiology, biomechan-
ics, and biochemistry and is combined with
standard physical examination procedures, labora-
tory findings, X rays, and the patient’s personal and
medical history. The various procedures developed
by Goodheart and others in the International Col-
lege of Applied Kinesiology are derived from many
disciplines, including chiropractic, osteopathy,
medicine, dentistry, acupuncture, and biochem-
istry, and are currently being used by doctors of
chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, dentistry,
and medicine.
Applied kinesiology has two major components:
one is an aid to diagnosis. Muscle testing helps
diagnose what is functioning abnormally—the ner-
vous system, lymphatic drainage, vascular supply71