The Pioneering Journey of Dr. Major B. De Jarnette: Unveiling the History of Sacro Occipital Technic

In the world of chiropractic, few names evoke as much reverence and curiosity as Dr. Major Bertrand De Jarnette. A relentless innovator and researcher, De Jarnette dedicated over three decades to developing Sacro Occipital Technic (SOT®), a comprehensive chiropractic method that goes beyond traditional adjustments to address the body's interconnected systems. His 1958 book, *History of Sacro Occipital Technic*, republished with updates in 2016 by the Sacro Occipital Research Society International (SORSI), offers a firsthand account of his groundbreaking work. This blog post distills the essence of that journey—from humble beginnings to revolutionary discoveries—into an inspiring narrative for chiropractic enthusiasts, practitioners, and anyone fascinated by holistic health.

From Curiosity to Chiropractic Revolution: The Early Years

Dr. De Jarnette's story begins not with grand ambitions of leadership, but with an innate inquisitiveness. Born an engineer at heart, he built model airplanes and pedal-operated cars before ever seeing the real things. A near-fatal injury in his youth led him to chiropractic, which he credits with saving his life—and later, his daughter's, when she battled cerebral spinal meningitis.

Graduating in 1924, De Jarnette quickly realized the limitations of early chiropractic practices, which often relied on forceful "popping" of vertebrae without specificity. Frustrated by inconsistent results, he founded SOT in 1925 as a "method of chiropractic" rather than just another technique. His goal? To explore uncharted territories in human physiology, focusing on reflexes between the sacrum and occiput.

One pivotal moment came in 1924 when treating a classmate's severe heart condition and brachial neuritis. Desperate, De Jarnette applied hot and cold water therapies, leading to dramatic improvements. This sparked his obsession with stimuli and inhibition over mere bone repositioning. By 1928, he introduced Vasomotor Control, using heat and cold to address spinal hyperemia and anemia. A chance discovery in 1928—relieving pelvic pain only to trigger occipital pain—revealed the sacro-occipital connection that would define SOT.

Breakthroughs and Experiments: Building the Foundations of SOT

De Jarnette's research was methodical, often grueling, spanning from 1929 to the 1950s. He accepted only "chiropractic failures" as patients from 1931 to 1940, turning his practice into a refuge for the hopeless—and a testing ground for innovations.

• Occipital Fibers and Reflexes: By 1930, he mapped reflexes between the spine and occipital bone, publishing his first book on the intercommunicating system in 1931. Experiments with electrical currents and pain localization revealed two primary spinal cord tracts, leading to the classification of occipital lines by 1949: Line 1 for cerebrospinal fluid issues, Line 2 for visceral (sympathetic) disturbances, and Line 3 for structural collagen changes.

• Spinal Distortions and Tools: In 1930, he invented the Distortion Analyzer to visualize sacral alignment. This evolved into techniques like the Master Test (1934) and later the I.B.A. Technic. His 1937 book *Spinal Distortions* detailed pelvic immobility theories and corrections.

• Innovative Therapies: The CO2 Technic (1932) equalized diaphragms and aided heart patients. Bloodless Surgery (1939) manipulated soft tissues to loosen adhesions and reposition organs. The R + C Factor (1946) addressed muscle contractions without force, emphasizing resistance and chemistry.

• Cranial and Extremity Work: By the 1950s, cranial involvement became central, influenced by a unearthed skull in 1933. He linked breathing to skull depressions and developed Respiratory Technic. Extremity adjustments, like ankle pronation corrections, addressed crooked spines.

De Jarnette's experiments were bold: inducing subluxations in volunteers, using tuning forks for abdominal percussion, and even smoking cigars on non-smokers to study sympathetic failures. He patented tools like the Vasometer and published over 138 books, including *Sacro Occipital Technic of Spinal Therapy* (1940) and *Chiropractic Bloodless Surgery* (1939).

Challenges abounded—financial strains, patient skepticism, and professional ridicule. Yet, as forward-writer Dr. Joseph F. Unger Jr. notes, De Jarnette embodied commitment: "Do more than touch—feel; do more than exist—live."

The Legacy: A Holistic Approach to Healing

SOT isn't just about adjustments; it's a full science integrating neurology, structure, and soft tissues. De Jarnette emphasized analyzing the occiput to guide treatments, using visual tools, palpation, and X-rays. His mantra: Position and direction over force.

By 1958, SOT had evolved to categorize distortions into three types, with quick analyses (5 minutes initially) and timed adjustments. He founded SORSI to preserve his work, distinguishing "Technic" (a precise, engineered system) from mere "techniques."

De Jarnette's influence endures through SORSI and international affiliates like SOTO Japan and SOTO-Europe. As Unger adds in the 2010 edition, amid modern healthcare chaos, SOT shines as a "steady light" for chiropractic purity.

Final Thoughts: Inspiration for Future Innovators

Dr. De Jarnette's history is a testament to perseverance. From poverty-stricken research years to global impact, he transformed chiropractic by questioning norms and embracing science. His parting words: "Research is a game... All of us thrill at finding the unknown."

If you're a chiropractor or health seeker, dive into SOT—it's not just history; it's a living legacy. For more, check SORSI's resources at www.sorsi.com or SOTO-USA at https://soto-usa.com. What unknown will you uncover next?

SOT is the main framework of care here at Leap Chiropractic in additional to many others.

Dr. Elbert Chao

Leap Chiropractic