Exploring Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT): A Systems-Driven Approach to Chiropractic Care

In the realm of chiropractic methodologies, Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) emerges as a sophisticated, holistic system that prioritizes the body's innate ability to achieve balance and self-regulation. Developed nearly a century ago, SOT integrates structural, neurological, and functional elements to address imbalances, particularly through the sacrum-occiput relationship. This overview draws from foundational sources, including Dr. Major Bertrand De Jarnette's pioneering work and modern interpretations like Harvey Getzoff's analysis in the Asia-Pacific Chiropractic Journal. Whether you're a practitioner, patient, or wellness enthusiast, understanding SOT can illuminate its role in promoting harmony across the body's systems.

What is Sacro Occipital Technique?

SOT, also known as Sacro Occipital Technic™ or SOT® Methods, is a comprehensive chiropractic approach that views the body as a unified system of interrelated elements striving for equilibrium. It emphasizes the craniosacral respiratory mechanism (CSRM), which involves the rhythmic flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to nourish and protect the nervous system. Unlike isolated adjustments, SOT uses gentle, indicator-driven techniques to correct neurological interferences, structural distortions, and visceral dysfunctions, fostering overall stability and movement.

At its heart, SOT classifies body function into three primary systems, using objective indicators to guide treatments. This systems-driven method ensures that adjustments are precise, promoting dynamic energy flow and homeostasis.

The History and Development of SOT

SOT was founded by Dr. Major Bertrand De Jarnette, DC, an engineer and chiropractor whose 70-year career produced extensive research, over 100 publications, and innovative tools. Inspired by a life-saving spinal manipulation after a severe injury, De Jarnette began developing SOT in 1925, synthesizing engineering principles with chiropractic philosophy. His yearly seminar notes (e.g., from 1964, 1979-1980, and 1980-1984) detail the evolution of this method.

De Jarnette established the Sacro Occipital Research Society International (SORSI) to preserve his teachings, which continue through global affiliates. Modern contributors like Harvey Getzoff, DC, have expanded on SOT as a "systems thinking" approach, emphasizing interrelationships and emergence in patient care.

Core Principles: Harmony Through Systems Thinking

SOT's principles revolve around the idea that the body comprises dynamic systems that interact to maintain equilibrium and adapt to external stresses. Key tenets include:

• Dynamic Change and Energy Flow: Systems are continually evolving, requiring feedback and feedforward mechanisms for coordination.

• Homeostasis and Self-Regulation: The body strives for internal stability, but external interventions like SOT adjustments can facilitate necessary changes.

• Interrelated Components: A shift in one system (e.g., structural) affects others (e.g., neurological), with SOT indicators revealing these connections.

• Physiological Adaptive Range: The body compensates for stressors until overwhelmed, leading to symptoms; SOT restores this range.

Central to SOT is the sacroiliac joint's dual role as both a respiratory (aiding CSRM) and weight-bearing structure, highlighting the technique's holistic view.

Methods and Techniques: Categories, Indicators, and Adjustments

SOT's methods are organized into three categories, each targeting specific functional systems and using objective indicators for diagnosis and monitoring.

• Category 1: Focuses on the Primary Cranial Sacral Respiratory Mechanism (PCSRM), involving cranial-sacral motion, dural tension, and CSF flow to support the central nervous system. Indicators include heel tension and arm fossae tests.

• Category 2: Addresses the weight-bearing system, based on neurological sensory integration and muscle responses, often correcting sacroiliac imbalances.

• Category 3: Targets lumbar subluxations, disc lesions, and sciatica, involving adaptations in muscles like the piriformis and psoas. Techniques include the Step Out Toe Out maneuver to shorten the piriformis.

Core techniques include:

• Blocking: Wedge-shaped blocks placed under the pelvis allow gravity-assisted realignment, with indicators signaling when correction is complete.

• Cranial Adjustments: Gentle manipulations of cranial bones, sutures, and dural membranes to enhance CSRM and CSF pulsation.

• Indicators and Reflexes: Functional tests like tendon guard reflexes, muscle function differences, and observations guide treatments, ensuring objectivity in evaluation, adjustment, and prognosis. Chiropractic Manipulation Reflex Technique (CMRT™) addresses viscerosomatic reflexes.

Assessments involve posture analysis, leg length checks, and reflex testing for tailored, low-force interventions.

Benefits: Achieving Balance and Wellness

SOT offers numerous benefits by restoring system harmony:

• Pain Relief and Structural Improvement: Effective for back pain, sciatica, headaches, and postural issues through gentle corrections.

• Enhanced Neurological Function: Improves CSF flow, nerve transmission, and adaptive responses, boosting immunity and stress management.

• Holistic Wellness: Supports organ function, digestion, and overall vitality, suitable for all ages, including pregnant individuals and children.

• Objective Outcomes: Indicators allow for measurable progress, leading to efficient treatment plans and long-term stability.

Patients often experience quick responses and profound relaxation, with SOT aiding conditions like TMJ disorders, migraines, and sports injuries.

How SOT Stands Apart from Traditional Chiropractic

While traditional chiropractic may rely only high-velocity thrusts for spine and joint corrections with soft tissue work and rehab, SOT is low-force, systems-oriented, and integrative. SOT is a framework and technique to treat the entirety of the body. It emphasizes synthesis over isolation, using categories to bring "order out of chaos" and incorporating cranial, visceral, and soft-tissue elements. This makes SOT ideal for complex cases, serving as a comprehensive framework for chiropractic practice.

Conclusion: Embracing SOT for Modern Health

SOT represents a timeless yet evolving approach to chiropractic, blending De Jarnette's legacy with systems thinking for balanced healing. As healthcare demands holistic solutions, SOT's focus on equilibrium and self-regulation offers a path to enduring wellness. Here at Leap Chiropractic we incorporate SOT and many other techniques to address the body. Book to explore the potential of healing.

Dr. Elbert Chao

Leap Chiropractic