Autonomic Response Testing (ART)
History
To begin to understand ART one must first understand the basic function of the body's Central Nervous System (CNS). Our bodies are constantly sensing the world around us and responding to its stimuli. Furthermore, our bodies as a whole are regulated internally to ensure its correct functioning. These tasks are carried out by our CNS, some parts of this system are within our conscious control and others are largely beyond our conscious control. The Autonomic Nervous System is that part of our central nervous system that is generally beyond our control and deals with all our bodies functions to allow us the freedom to live our lives without having to consciously perform hundreds of vital tasks. Imagine if we had to consciously remember to breath, digest our food, beat our heart, grow our hair, control our immune system, regulate our temperature, balance our hormones etc. etc. These tasks, and many others, are the responsibility of our Autonomic Nervous System which regulates millions of signals and responses within our bodies every hour.
Autonomic Response Testing ART is exactly what it says, it tests the responses of our Autonomic Nervous System, ANS. So why would you need to have your ANS tested? And what if you did, what happens then?
ART was developed by Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, Ph.D and Lousia Williams, DC, ND. Dr. Klinghardt is a German trained physician who also has a Ph.D in neurology. Homeopathy has concerned itself with studying the responses of the ANS to the treatment and remedies offered to patients, and ART is heavily aligned with the work of Homeopathic practice today.
The Theory Behind Autonomic Response Testing
Without going into reams of complex explanation of how ART is applied and the exact areas of investigation I will attempt to give you a basic overview. If you wish to pursue your knowledge further then there are many more detailed sources available on the internet and elsewhere.
If a person is in the very best of health, both physically and mentally,
then their ANS will be working “normally” within that individual.
If there exists some form of “stress” on a person’s
organism then their ANS will be producing an appropriate response to
that which threatens their state of ‘homeostasis’, or balance.
Therefore the focus of ART testing is to determine ANS imbalances in
very specific ways.
ART tests are designed to create responses from the ANS to determine
its correct function or otherwise. ART uses Applied Kinesiology, Electro
acupuncture (EAV), O-Ring testing, Nogier pulse, Chinese pulse, heart
rate variability and other techniques to assess the health or dysfunction
of the autonomic nervous system. All these procedures are totally non-evasive
to the patient. If a person’s ANS is being compromised then the
results of ART testing will show such changes that are in effect from
whatever might be causing an imbalance. There are numerous possible reasons
for a persons ANS becoming out of balance. A persons system may be reacting
to toxicity from heavy metals, dental disorders, post operative scars,
electromagnetic disturbances, chemicals, foodstuffs, garments, jewelry
or even from a particular unconscious mental state emanating from a past
forgotten event in their lives. There is an extensive list of things
that can and do effect the ANS. Pathogens of viral or bacterial origin
are the obvious ones we think of but ART will test for others we might
never imagine.
The basic premise behind ART is to identify accurately that which
is causing a stress on a persons system. This is its first mode of application.
Thereafter it is also possible to use ART to monitor the effects and
changes to the ANS from any prescribed treatment to the findings of the
ART diagnosis. This provides and accurate and reliable double edge sword
of both diagnostic and treatment therapy.
What Happens if I am Treated?
Obviously anyone can find a therapist and request a test using ART. I suggest that this may prove useful to not only ailing individuals but also to those wishing to maintain a state of good health too. Much depends on the results of testing and only after a full and complete test will you have the details of your own personal state of health as far as your ANS is concerned. Treatment may involve de-toxification, dietary changes, conventional medical treatment, psychological interventions, a course of herbal medication, supplementation of minerals or vitamins etc.etc. It all depends upon the results of the ART test with each individual client.
ART is Good for What?
As I have said, our ANS is constantly regulating our inner well-being
and therefore any disruption of our system will show a response in
the functioning of our ANS. Therefore I suggest that ART is an excellent ‘tool’ to
delve into any feelings of an imbalance within an individuals functioning.
So no matter what you might believe ails you, or simply just to maintain
your state of well-being, ART is a very useful ‘tool’ to
employ.
Find a qualified ART tester and make an appointment to discuss
your concerns. This is the very best way to determine for yourself
if you think ART can help you. You may find this a very valuable diagnostic
tool especially if you have failed to find answers through the usual
course of visits to healthcare professionals.