["Applied kinesiology" in medicine and dentistry--a critical review]

The "Applied Kinesiology" evolved in the USA is increasingly being used in Central Europe. In this review the development of the method and its practical application in medicine and in dentistry are elucidated. Furthermore the propagation of the method by the International College of Applied Kinesiology (= ICAK) and the "Touch for Health" (=TFH) is described. School medicine's criticism of "Applied Kinesiology" as well as the methodological replies from "Applied Kinesiologists" are outlined. It is important to realise that there is to date a lack of evidence for the effectiveness, validity and reliability of "Applied Kinesiology". The following requirements are thus vital: "Applied Kinesiologists" must develop clear criteria for single subgroups of "Applied Kinesiology", prove the effectiveness of their methods, and explain their findings in agreement with current medical knowledge.