clinokinesis

Clinokinesis is a term used in parapsychology and fringe literature to refer to the alleged ability to influence the movement, orientation, or behavior of physical objects or living systems through mental intention or focus, sometimes in clinical or experimental contexts. It is not recognized by mainstream science and remains controversial and unproven.

The word appears to be formed from a combination of a root related to movement (kinesis) and a prefix clin- whose precise origin varies by source; in practice, the definition centers on intent-driven manipulation of matter at a distance or via contact. Proponents describe the phenomenon as a directional influence exerted by focused attention, while critics emphasize the lack of reliable demonstrations.

Supporters claim that clinicians or researchers can observe small non-contact responses such as object movement, changes in device orientation, or subtle shifts in living tissue when a practitioner concentrates on them. They sometimes invoke explanations such as biofields, psychokinetic energy, or resonance with the observer's intent, although no reproducible mechanism has been established.

Critics point to the lack of robust, replicable evidence and argue that reported effects can be explained by biases, ideomotor actions, placebo effects, or methodological flaws. In mainstream science, clinokinesis remains controversial and is not accepted as a validated phenomenon.

In culture, clinokinesis has appeared mainly in speculative fiction, occult magazines, and some parapsychology discussions, rather than in formal scientific journals.