Kinergetics & RESET ATM (Kinergetics & RESET Jaw Technique)

Presentation

Kinergetics and the RESET ATM technique are two complementary systems developed in the 1990s by Philip Rafferty in Australia. Kinergetics is an advanced energy kinesiology system that uses pain as a priority indicator and integrates the innovative concept of 'energy hydration.' RESET (Rafferty Energy System of Easing the Temporomandibular joint) is a specific protocol, derived from Kinergetics, focusing exclusively on releasing tensions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its associated muscles.

Philip Rafferty developed these approaches after observing in his kinesiology practice that the temporomandibular joint played a central and often unrecognized role in overall body balance. The jaw, innervated by the trigeminal nerve (the most powerful cranial nerve), is connected to the spinal cord, lymphatic system, and all acupuncture meridians. Chronic tension in the masticatory muscles can therefore have repercussions on seemingly distant systems.

RESET's originality lies in its simplicity: it requires no muscle testing, making it accessible to non-kinesiologists and even self-treatment. Specific hand positions are held over the jaw muscles for determined durations, enabling progressive release of accumulated tensions.

Creator: Philip Rafferty — Australia, 1990s

Fundamental Principles

Kinergetics rests on several distinctive principles. The 'energy hydration' concept posits that many body imbalances are linked to poor distribution of hydric energy in tissues. This is not simply about drinking enough water — it concerns the body's ability to use water at the cellular level for energy conduction.

Using pain as a priority indicator distinguishes Kinergetics from many other kinesiology approaches. Rather than following a predefined protocol, Kinergetics asks the body to indicate, via muscle testing, which pain is the priority to address.

Regarding RESET, the fundamental principle is that the TMJ constitutes a major neurological and energetic crossroads. The trigeminal nerve, innervating the jaw muscles, is the largest cranial nerve with connections to numerous body systems. The masticatory muscles are among the most powerful in the human body and are often the site of unconscious stress-related tensions.

When jaw muscles are chronically tense, they affect skull alignment, cervical spine, and by extension the entire vertebral column. TMJ compression can disrupt cerebrospinal fluid circulation, lymphatic drainage, and acupuncture meridian flow through the mandibular area.

Technical Sheet

Full Name

Kinergetics & RESET (Rafferty Energy System of Easing the Temporomandibular joint)

Creator

Philip Rafferty

Development Period

1990s

Country of Origin

Australia

Theoretical Basis — Kinergetics

Energy kinesiology, energy hydration, pain-priority management

Theoretical Basis — RESET

Trigeminal neuroanatomy, TMJ biomechanics, meridian circulation

Muscle Testing

Required for Kinergetics, not required for RESET

Session Duration — Kinergetics

60 to 90 minutes

Session Duration — RESET

45 to 60 minutes (protocol in 2 sessions)

Accessibility

RESET is accessible to non-kinesiologists and self-treatment

Main Indications

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions — pain, clicking, limited mouth opening, disc displacement
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) — releasing muscle tensions responsible for nocturnal and daytime clenching
• Headaches and migraines — relief through temporal muscle release and trigeminal nerve decompression
• Neck pain — correcting the jaw's influence on cervical alignment
• Back and low back pain — cascading effect through the descending postural chain from TMJ
• Functional digestive disorders — Stomach and Small Intestine meridians traverse the mandibular area
• Emotional stress and anxiety — the jaw is a privileged storage site for emotional tensions
• Tinnitus — anatomical proximity of TMJ to the inner ear may contribute to ringing
• Learning difficulties — jaw release may improve cerebrospinal fluid circulation and cognitive functions
• Chronic pain resistant to treatment — Kinergetics uses pain as a priority gateway

Session Process

Kinergetics session: The session begins with a discussion about the client's pain and concerns. The practitioner uses muscle testing to identify work priorities, using pain as a 'thread.' The energy hydration protocol is often the first work performed. The practitioner then follows body indications via muscle testing to apply targeted energy corrections.

RESET session: The RESET protocol is structured in two distinct sessions, generally spaced one week apart. The practitioner does not use muscle testing — the protocol is standardized and follows a precise sequence. The client lies down, relaxed, eyes closed.

During the first session, the practitioner places hands in specific positions on the masticatory muscles. The first position covers the masseter muscles, held gently for approximately five minutes. The second covers the temporal muscles. The third targets the pterygoid muscles. Each position is held long enough for the transmitted energy to allow the muscles to release their tension.

The second session, one week later, follows the same protocol but deepens the release. Clients often report sensations of warmth, tingling, or pulsation under the practitioner's hands.

Variations and Sub-techniques

• Standard RESET (2 sessions) — complete base protocol for TMJ release, accessible to all
• Self-RESET — self-treatment technique taught to clients to maintain benefits between professional sessions
• Kinergetics Pain Protocol — systematic use of pain as a priority indicator to guide energy corrections
• Kinergetics Energy Hydration — specific protocol to restore tissue capacity to use water at the cellular level
• Kinergetics Advanced TMJ — full kinesiology version of TMJ work integrating muscle testing for personalization
• RESET for children — adapted protocol (reduced holding durations) for children with bruxism, concentration difficulties, or orthodontic-related tensions

Contraindications

• Recent mandibular or maxillary fracture — wait for complete consolidation
• Recent maxillofacial surgery — await surgeon authorization
• Acute orofacial infection (dental abscess, facial cellulitis)
• Tumor in the mandibular or cervical area — absolute contraindication
• Acute unreduced TMJ dislocation — requires prior medical reduction
• Dental prostheses or implants in healing phase — wait for consolidation
• Trigeminal neuralgia in acute phase — stimulation may exacerbate pain
• Kinergetics and RESET do not substitute dental, orthodontic, or maxillofacial treatments — they complement them