What Is The History of Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT)?

Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) is a specialised chiropractic method (practised here at Ewell Chiropractic) that focuses on restoring the delicate balance between your spine’s base (the sacrum) and the base of your skull (the occiput). 

This technique’s roots lie in the groundbreaking work of Major Bertrand DeJarnette, a chiropractor whose tireless research in the 1920s uncovered the importance of this relationship. SOT continues to evolve today, supported by ongoing research and dedicated practitioners around the world.

Who is the founder of SOT?

Sacro Occipital Technique owes its existence to the brilliant and determined Major Bertrand DeJarnette. His path into chiropractic was paved with personal hardship. 

After a severe injury from an explosion left him with significant disability, DeJarnette found himself dissatisfied with the limitations of conventional medical treatments. 

Refusing to accept a life of limited mobility, he went on to study chiropractic and osteopathic care – a decision that changed the trajectory of his life.

Fueled by his own firsthand experience with healing, DeJarnette immersed himself in the study of anatomy, physiology, and the intricate workings of the human body. 

Through years of meticulous research and observation, he began to uncover the profound influence of the relationship between the sacrum and occiput. This led him to develop the core principles of the Sacro Occipital Technique in the 1920s.

DeJarnette’s unwavering dedication to finding solutions where others saw none left a lasting impact. Other influential figures followed his lead, continuing to refine and expand the methods of SOT. 

Today, this technique is supported by ongoing research, with practitioners using it to address a wide range of health issues.

SOT Today

Sacro Occipital Technique is a recognised chiropractic method with practitioners worldwide. It has a growing body of research supporting its effectiveness. 

The following organizations are dedicated to promoting SOT education, research, and collaboration within the chiropractic community:

  • Sacro Occipital Research Society International (SORSI): The main organisation dedicated to SOT education and continued research. sorsi.com
  • SOT Europe: Promotes SOT throughout Europe. soteurope.org
  • SOT Methods Australasia: Supports and develops the presence and practice of SOT in Australia and surrounding regions. soto.org.au
  • SOT New Zealand: Represents SOT in New Zealand. www.soto.nz
  • Sacro Occipital Technique Organization – USA (SOTO-USA): Promotes the advancement of SOT practice within the United States. soto-usa.com
  • Sacro Occipital Technique Alliance – Japan (SOTA-J): Promotes and supports SOT in Japan. soto-japan.com

SOT is a much loved technic by chiropractors and people alike, it is great that it has such a strong global presence!

SOT in Europe

The introduction of SOT to Europe was a gradual process with some key milestones. After attending his first SOT seminar in the USA, Dr. Jonathan Howat revolutionised his practice in the UK. 

Motivated, he invited instructors from the Sacro Occipital Research Society International (SORSI) to the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC) in 1985 to teach a group of chiropractors. This marked the beginning of SOT’s journey in Europe.

As enthusiasm grew, the need for a dedicated European organisation became apparent. Dr. Howat, along with James Rousseau played a pivotal role in establishing SOT Europe.

This organisation has fostered a strong community of SOT practitioners across the continent, organising seminars and promoting continued education in the technique.

Today, SOT has a significant presence in Europe. SOT Europe provides education, training seminars, and events, enabling chiropractors to learn and develop their SOT skills. Their accredited membership website soteurope.org is a valuable resource for the continued advancement of SOT throughout Europe.

Clare Cullen
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Ewell Chiropractic
9A Cheam Road, Ewell, Epsom KT17 1SP

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Our practice is next to the central car park in the Ewell village if you travel by car. And just a 10-minute wander from both train stations in Ewell.

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