AAT Assessment Method

AAT’S SPECIALIZED ASSESSMENT IDENTIFIES DEFENSIVE RESPONSES

It is essential to identify substances that may be contributing to stress on the body to determine the root cause of a patient’s symptoms. AAT achieves this by using a biofeedback technique to assess the body’s stress responses.

The AAT treatment uses a dedicated and specialized stress assessment method, a refined Muscle Response Test (MRT), which enables practitioners to determine whether any system in the body is exhibiting a defensive response to a specific substance. AAT’s unique 4-step proprietary testing technique helps to significantly enhance consistency and accuracy for practitioners and supports reliable results. When performed correctly, stress testing (MRT) is an effective and valuable tool for quickly identifying substances that may be contributing to stress on the body.

The AAT Stress Assessment (MRT) is non-invasive, painless and conducted in person. The practitioner applies a digital signal representing the substance being tested directly to the client’s skin using a dedicated AAT treatment cuff. The practitioner can then assess the presence or absence of defensive responses in target muscle groups. The skin and muscles are assessed because they are innervated by the sympathetic nervous system, which serves as the body’s primary defense mechanism.

When a harmless substance is perceived as a threat, the muscle may momentarily freeze, followed by an immediate fight-or-flight response. During this brief window, an AAT practitioner can assess the change in muscle reaction and evaluate whether the stimulus is perceived as a threat based on the test results. If harmless substances like chocolate, pollen, or soy trigger a defensive response in the muscles, the body may be misinterpreting the substance as a threat, which can cause a temporary weakening response. Immediately after completing an AAT treatment, the practitioner can reassess the muscle’s response to determine whether the body is responding more appropriately to the previously misinterpreted substance. The change in the body’s perception of the substance can often be observed immediately.

AAT teaches this enhanced biofeedback technique to practitioners learning the AAT therapy; however, practitioners may also use their own biofeedback methods within their scope of practice.