Written by Heather Fraser
This article was first published by the Australian Kinesiology Association in their twice yearly magazine, In Touch (Autumn/Winter, 2026).
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What are testing vials?
The 20th century practice of energetic testing and applied kinesiology fostered the development of the electromagnetic signature vials. Testing with vials was and is a convenient and rapid way to help build an energetic narrative. The glass vials hold water imprinted with electromagnetic frequencies that represent what is indicated on the label – which may be a physical substance, an emotion or even a thought. These vials are used by chiropractors, nutritionists, device-based practitioners and more.
As energetic testing and AK modalities became more common amongst determined wellness practitioners in the 1970s, the availability of the vials also grew. Early vials kits focused on pollens, foods, and environmental pollutants. But soon, the variety and scope of signatures grew to include body systems, biochemistry, cell structure, geopathic stressors and even emotions and beliefs. This, in turn, contributed to notions of what was possible in a clinical setting. Modalities such as Touch for Health, Natural Bioenergetics and electroacupuncture explored the idea that identifying and shifting energetic patterns or blockages can inspire biological changes.
History of the vials in energetic testing
Energy vials were first used by German physician Dr. Reinhold Voll (1909–1989) in the development of Electrodermal Screening (EDS) during the 1950s. Also known as Electroacupuncture According to Voll (EAV), the device and protocol combined traditional Chinese acupuncture with galvanic skin response measurements. With a probe and grounding bar, Voll used the device to measure the movement of energy at specific meridian points. The points he tested were mainly on the hands and feet.
While testing with the EAV device, Voll discovered that placing homeopathic vials or remedies near the patient or in their field affected the bioelectrical conductance at the meridian point. This suggested that the meridian was unable to maintain a stable current. According to Voll, a stable reading of 50 indicates that the meridian is in balance. Readings over 100 indicate the presence of an inflammatory process.
Voll noticed that a patient’s readings might stabilize when he introduced certain homeopathic remedies. Further, he was able to adjust the dose of a remedy related to an organ system when it balanced the reading at 50. This work led to the development of testing vials (or ampoules) containing a wide range of substances – the next step was to produce the energetic signal of that substance and imprint it in water.
AK Testing with Vials
The potential for testing vials was greatly expanded in 1964, when American chiropractor Dr. George Goodheart introduced to the world Applied Kinesiology. AK is core to a range of modalities. Muscle testing, in one form or another, is in widespread use as well. A fundamental principle behind this testing is that muscles are weakened or strengthened simply by bringing stressors into the body’s energy field. Here, signatures are perceived by the body/mind as dissonant or resonant – which begs the question of how energy moves and works in and around the body – muscle testing may also be used to identify broken energetic communication within the body/mind complex.
Signature vials are used in manual AK modalities to help identify and balance energetic stressors. As digitized frequencies, however, the signatures have been incorporated into device-based treatments and even wearables. And yet, even practitioners using biofeedback devices with built-in frequencies rely on vials. Vial making is also a craft and makers can pivot to produce signatures for emerging stressors -- from Long haul illness to Political movements, from Fracking to AI data centres.
The continued popularity of the vials reflects the curiosity and commitment of practitioners in sourcing new ways to help their clients. And in an age of intense automation, use of the vials and AK reflects the value we place on a personalized path to wellness.