What is Autonomic Response Testing (ART)?

Autonomic Response Testing (ART) is an advanced form of Applied Kinesiology developed by Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD, and Dr. Luisa Williams, ND, DC. It builds upon the foundational work of Dr. George Goodhart Jr., DC, the originator of Applied Kinesiology—a diagnostic method that uses manual muscle testing to detect imbalances in the body.

Unlike standard strength testing, Applied Kinesiology identifies how the body’s neuromuscular system responds to various physical, chemical, or emotional stressors. Subtle changes in muscle tone help pinpoint dysfunction, stress, or weakness in specific organs, systems, or energy pathways.

ART refines this approach by incorporating principles of biofield medicine, neurophysiology, and electromagnetic resonance to enhance diagnostic sensitivity. It evaluates the body's autonomic nervous system responses—those that regulate unconscious functions like digestion, hormone balance, and immunity—making it a highly sensitive method to detect hidden infections, toxic loads, structural misalignments, and energetic disturbances.

At Comprehensive Medical Center, our practitioners are extensively trained in ART and use it as a core diagnostic tool to uncover root causes of illness and guide personalized treatment strategies. ART allows for the identification of the most beneficial therapies—whether nutritional, energetic, structural, or emotional—to help restore optimal balance and function to the body.