In kinesiology each meridian is associated with one or more muscles. For example, the central meridian is associated with the supraspinatus. The spleen meridian is associated with five muscles: latissimus dorsi, lower trapezius, middle trapezius, opponens pollicis longus and triceps. Each of the basic fourteen muscles used in specialized kinesiology is related to a meridian, so in testing the muscle you are also accessing information about that meridian:
| Basic Fourteen Muscles | Meridian |
| Supraspinatus | CV (Conception Vessel – Ren Mai) |
| Teres Major | GV (Governing Vessel – Du Mai) |
| Pectoralis Major – Clavicular head | ST (Stomach Channel – Zu Yang Ming) |
| Latissimus Dorsi | SP (Spleen Channel – Zu Tai Yin) |
| Subscapularis | HT (Heart Channel – Shou Shao Yin) |
| Quadriceps | SI (Small Intestine Channel – Shou Tai Yang) |
| Peroneus Tertius | BL (Bladder Channel – Zu Tai Yang) |
| Psoas Major | KI (Kidney Channel – Zu Shao Yin) |
| Gluteus Medius | PC (Pericardium Channel – Shou Jue Yin) |
| Teres Minor | TH (Triple Heater Channel – Shou Shao Yang) |
| Deltoid – Anterior part | GB (Gallbladder Meridian – Zu Shao Yang) |
| Pectoralis Major – Sternal Head | LR (Liver Channel – Zu Jue Yin) |
| Anterior Serratus | LU (Lung Channel – Shou Tai Yin) |
| Tensor fasciae latae – Fascia lata | LI (Large Intestine Channel – Shou Yang Ming) |
Acupuncturists feel pulses to establish which meridians are out of balance, whereas kinesiologists use muscle testing, working with the meridian-muscle connection to establish which meridians need attention. So, for example, if the psoas muscle unlocks when muscle tested, it means (among other things) that there is likely to be an imbalance in the kidney meridian.
Testing all the 14 muscles (bilaterally) gives a good “picture” of what is going on in the meridians. The assessing and correction of these muscles is the “core” procedure of Touch for Health.