How Nutrition Response Testing Works

The body has an extraordinary ability to heal itself when given the proper support. Nutrition Response Testing is one of the most powerful tools I use to uncover hidden imbalances and guide patients toward lasting wellness.


-Dr. Alicia Armitstead

Dr. Alicia Armitstead in blue shirt stretches arm of person lying on massage table. Bookshelf and window in background explaining How Nutrition Response Testing Works

Unlocking the Body’s Natural Healing Power with NRT

My Journey to Nutrition Response Testing


When I first began practicing in Manhattan, I met countless patients who felt frustrated. They had seen multiple doctors, undergone endless tests, and yet still struggled with fatigue, digestive issues, or chronic pain. Their lab results often came back “normal,” but their bodies told a different story.


That’s when I discovered Nutrition Response Testing (NRT). It gave me a way to listen to the body in a language beyond lab reports — a way to uncover hidden stressors and nutritional imbalances that were keeping people from feeling their best.


What Exactly Is NRT?


Nutrition Response Testing is a non-invasive system of analysis that uses gentle muscle testing to identify areas of stress in the body. By applying light pressure to reflex points, I can see how the nervous system responds. A weakened response often points to an organ or system under strain.


From there, I design a personalized nutrition program using whole-food supplements and dietary guidance. It’s not about quick fixes — it’s about giving your body the exact support it needs to heal itself.


Why I Believe in It


Over the years, I’ve seen patients transform through NRT.


  • A young professional who couldn’t get through the day without coffee discovered hidden food sensitivities and nutrient deficiencies. Within weeks of following her plan, her energy soared.


  • A mother struggling with digestive discomfort finally found relief after we identified stressors in her gut and provided targeted nutrition.


These aren’t isolated cases. Time and again, I’ve witnessed how the body responds when we remove obstacles and provide the right fuel.


Balancing Science and Experience


I want to be clear: Nutrition Response Testing is not yet widely recognized in mainstream medicine. Some critics argue that muscle testing lacks scientific validation. I respect that perspective — and I always encourage my patients to continue working with their medical doctors. But I also cannot ignore the real-life results I see every day in my practice. For me, NRT is not about replacing conventional care; it’s about complementing it. It’s about giving patients another tool to unlock their body’s natural healing power.


How a Session Feels


Patients often tell me they’re surprised by how gentle and straightforward the process is. There are no needles, no machines, no invasive procedures. Just me, applying light pressure and observing how your body responds.

The beauty of NRT is that it’s personalized. No two nutrition programs are alike, because no two bodies are alike. That’s what makes it so powerful.


Healing Arts NYC: A Sanctuary for Wellness


At Healing Arts NYC, Nutrition Response Testing is part of a larger integrative approach. Alongside chiropractic care, Reiki, and detox therapies, NRT helps us address the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. Living in Manhattan can be stressful. My goal is to create a space where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered to take charge of their health.


My Takeaways for You


  • Your body has an incredible ability to heal itself — if we give it the proper support.
  • Nutrition Response Testing helps uncover hidden stressors and imbalances.
  • It’s safe, drug-free, and personalized.
  • While not a substitute for medical care, it can be a powerful complement.


Final Thoughts


As a doctor, I’ve learned that healing is rarely about one magic pill or procedure. It’s about listening — truly listening — to what the body needs. Nutrition Response Testing allows me to do just that. If you’ve been searching for answers, feeling stuck, or simply wanting to optimize your health, I invite you to explore NRT with us at Healing Arts NYC. Together, we can unlock your body’s natural healing power.

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