Autonomic Response Testing (A.R.T.)
Autonomic Response Testing is a complementary approach that may be able to detect hidden factors such as: chronic infections (e.g., Lyme-related stressors, long COVID, dental infections), food sensitivities, heavy metal toxicity, emotional trauma patterns, organ stress or dysfunction and nutrient deficiencies. These are considered “hidden” because standard lab tests may appear normal, symptoms may be vague (fatigue, brain fog, pain, anxiety) and multiple overlapping issues may exist. A.R.T. is unique from other forms of manual muscle testing in that it is used to identify which of these factors are priorities for the individual.
Autonomic Response Testing (ART)
Autonomic Response Testing (ART) is an advanced form of applied kinesiology developed by Dietrich Klinghardt, a German-trained physician known for integrative and biological medicine approaches.
ART is a manual biofeedback assessment system that evaluates how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) responds to specific stimuli. The practitioner uses muscle testing—often via an intermediary “indicator muscle” (commonly the deltoid)—to detect changes in neurological tone when the patient is exposed to:
Physical substances (supplements, toxins, microbes, allergens)
Emotional stressors
Electromagnetic influences
Dental materials or hidden infections
Organ stress via reflex points
The central premise is:
The autonomic nervous system instantly shifts muscle tone when exposed to stressors or therapeutic agents.
These subtle neurological shifts can be detected through trained manual testing.
How ART Works (Neurologically)
ART is based on several physiological principles:
1. The Autonomic Nervous System Reacts in Milliseconds
The ANS continuously scans internal and external environments for threat or compatibility. When a stressor is perceived:
Sympathetic tone increases
Micro-changes in muscle tone occur
These changes can be detected through skilled manual testing
2. Neuromuscular Coupling
Muscle strength reflects central nervous system integration. When the body is stressed:
Cortical inhibition increases
Muscle output temporarily weakens
This is measurable in real time
3. Resonance & Biofield Interactions
Klinghardt proposed that biological systems communicate through subtle electromagnetic signaling. When a harmful or incompatible substance is introduced into the field:
ANS dysregulation occurs
Muscle testing reflects this disturbance
Why Practitioners Consider ART Valid
From an integrative medicine perspective, ART is considered valid for several reasons:
1. Reproducibility in Trained Hands
Practitioners report:
Consistent findings across sessions
Correlation with lab findings (e.g., heavy metals, infections)
Confirmation during treatment response
2. Clinical Correlation
Many ART findings have reportedly aligned with:
Chronic infections (e.g., Lyme co-infections)
Hidden dental cavitations
Heavy metal burden
Environmental toxin sensitivity
3. Immediate Biofeedback
Unlike lab tests that take days:
ART gives instant nervous system feedback
Allows real-time prioritization of treatments
Helps tailor dosing and sequencing
4. Pattern Recognition in Complex Chronic Illness
Klinghardt emphasized ART for:
Chronic Lyme
Mold illness
Neuroinflammation
Autoimmune disease
Autism spectrum conditions
COVID and spike protein disease
In complex multi-factorial illness, ART is used to determine:
What is stressing the system most?
What intervention restores neurological stability?
How ART Differs From Standard Applied Kinesiology
While rooted in applied kinesiology, Klinghardt refined it:
Standard AK ARTDirect muscle testingUses surrogate or indicator muscle Often symptom-based Systems-based hierarchy testing Limited toxin testing Emphasis on stealth infections & heavy metals Variable practitioner skill Highly structured training system
Scientific Controversy
It’s important to note:
Conventional medicine considers muscle testing techniques unproven and lacking robust blinded validation studies.
Research on applied kinesiology has produced mixed or negative results in controlled trials.
ART is not the same as other applied kinesiology and remains largely supported by clinical experience rather than mainstream randomized trials.
That said, within biological and functional medicine communities, ART is regarded as:
A neurological assessment tool
A systems prioritization method
A biofeedback instrument rather than a diagnostic lab test
What ART Is Not
It is not a conventional lab test.
It is not a replacement for imaging or bloodwork.
It is not magic or energy healing in the mystical sense.
It does not diagnose disease in a regulatory/legal framework.
What ART IsIt is a clinical decision-support tool used by trained practitioners.
The Theoretical Foundation in Integrative Medicine
ART aligns with:
Neuroplasticity principles
Psychoneuroimmunology
Systems biology
Bioelectromagnetic signaling research
Klinghardt's broader framework integrates:
Detoxification pathways
Emotional trauma resolution
Microbial ecology
Dental medicine
Environmental medicine