“The body never lies; it gives us the answers if we know how to ask the questions.” — Dr. George Goodheart
In 1952, Dr. George Goodheart, chiropractic pioneer and founder of Applied Kinesiology, introduced a new approach to treating disc-related issues.
While observing herniated disc surgeries, Dr. Goodheart noted that the spinal ligaments appeared unusually flaccid. Upon questioning the surgeon, he learned that ligament laxity was indeed common among disc patients. Known for his groundbreaking insights, Goodheart recalled a condition in poultry called perosis or “slipped tendon disease” in which weakened ligaments slip out of place. Perosis renders chickens and other farmed birds unable to walk or support their own weight. This condition is potentially devastating to commercial farmers, as affected birds cannot access food or water, leading to malnutrition, decreased egg production, and even death.
The remedy for perosis is simple: add manganese to the birds’ feed. Manganese supports bone formation, cartilage health, and ligament strength. Similarly, Dr. Goodheart found that administering manganese to his disc patients could significantly reduce the need for surgery.
Glycine, Manganese, and Ligament Support
Under normal conditions, when a ligament stretches, nearby muscles contract to prevent sprains—a reflex known as reciprocal inhibition. This protective response depends on adequate levels of the neurotransmitter glycine. When glycine levels are low, however, the opposite can occur: as ligaments stretch, muscles relax instead of contracting, increasing the risk of sprains, herniations, and chronic joint pain.
Glycine production relies on sufficient manganese, so a deficiency in this mineral can reduce glycine levels, weakening the protective reflex and compromising the stability of ligaments, discs, and tendons.
Supplementing with Manganese
Manganese is abundant in foods like leafy greens, legumes, spices, nuts, and seeds. However, the demands and stresses of modern life often deplete manganese faster than it is replenished, making targeted supplementation essential for many.
Over the past 60 years, Applied Kinesiology techniques have evolved alongside the latest advancements in science and human physiology. Practitioners can rapidly pinpoint ligament laxity linked to deficiencies in essential nutrients like glycine and manganese. These advanced methods provide real-time diagnostics and insights that stand unrivaled in the healing arts.