Frequently Asked Questions
Our approach is about finding and fixing the source of your discomfort, rather than just masking the symptoms. We use the Sacro Occipital Technique to help balance the relationship between your spine and your pelvis. We also recognise that physical pain isn't always just about bones and muscles; the Neuro Emotional Technique helps us identify where lingering stress might be causing your body to stay stuck in a cycle of tension. Finally, the Activator for gentle, high-precision adjustments.
The following questions and answers aim to demystify these treatment methods and show you how a more integrated look at your health can lead to lasting results.
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Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT)
These are some common questions we get about Sacro Occipital Technique. Feel free to contact us directly of you have specific questions of your own.
SOT (Sacral Occipital Technique) is different from traditional chiropractic or manual therapies because it focuses on the relationship between the sacrum (base of the spine) and the occiput (base of the skull), and how this connection influences the nervous system and whole-body function.
Unlike forceful spinal adjustments, SOT uses gentle, precise techniques and body positioning—often with supportive blocks—to help the body correct imbalances naturally. It works with cerebrospinal fluid flow, pelvic alignment, and cranial function, making it a more subtle and holistic approach.
SOT also considers emotional stress, organ function, and neurological patterns, not just structural alignment. This makes it particularly suitable for people seeking a low-force, nervous-system-focused method that supports physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing together.
Sacral Occipital Technique is a specific method developed origionally by Dr. Major Bertrand DeJarnette in the 1920s. Unlike some of the more "forceful" manual adjustments approaches you might see in a some clinics, SOT is more systematic and subtle. It is based on the idea that the relationship between the sacrum (the base of the spine) and the occiput (the base of the skull) acts as a sort of "pump" for cerebrospinal fluid.
Because SOT (Sacro-Occipital Technique) relies heavily on gravity, padded blocks, and low-force adjustments, patients aren't subjected to the sudden, forceful "cracking" (High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude thrusts) that carries the (admittedly rare) risk of arterial tears or joint strain.
An SOT adjustment is not intended to be painful, and for most people, it isn't. In fact, compared to the often "forceful" style of traditional chiropractic , it's often described as relaxing or anti-climatic.
When lying on padded wedges (blocks) it can feel like a firm, constant pressure under your pelvis. If your sacroiliac joints are already inflamed, lying on a hard block might feel tender during treatment.
Working on the "Occipital" (skull) and neck in SOT is extremely light. You might feel slight pressure at the base of your skull or around your jaw.
It’s common to feel a bit stiff or "flu-ish" for 24–48 hours after an adjustment. This isn't the bones moving, rather it's usually a myofascial reaction—your muscles and nerves reacting to a change in their habitual resting position.
In Australia, the Chiropractic Board of Australia (under AHPRA) recognises SOT as a valuable technique for registered chiropractors to use and is taught as the postgraduate specialty.
Obviously, this depends heavily upon the underlying condition. The objective is to move your body from a state of "dysfunction" to a stable "Category". In most cases by the end of a month you should have a noticeable reduction in your primary complaint — whether that's lower back pain, headaches, or other associated indicators"
Every case evey condition is different. SOT treats underlying causes, rather than just symptoms. Peter will advise on the best treatment strategy and the prognosis from his initial session. If your dysfunction is deeply seated it can take time to re-establish a stable category pattern. In most cases you will notice a diffrenece in the the pain profile quickly, and with time and continued care the pain becomes managable or disappears altogether.
Its important to shift your paradigm from being a passive recipient to an active participant in recovery. In clinical circles, this is called "patient agency."
Keep a simple daily log for the first two weeks. Don't rely on your memory of how you felt three days ago. Pain is subjective and notoriously difficult to track accurately.
Be aware of you posture habits. Avoid prolonged sitting in chairs, and the dreaded "Tech Neck". Take movement breaks; Stand up, reset your pelvis, and take a walk if you can. SOT relies heavily on the "respiratory-sacral pump." Deep belly breathing has a proven beneficial effect.
Keep Hydrated. Dehydration affects the viscosity of your tissues and the buoyancy of your spinal discs. If you’re dehydrated, your fascia (the "cling film" around your muscles) becomes "sticky" and less responsive to gentle adjustments.
Give yourself time. A common mistake is to leave the clinic feeling great and immediately go out to do heavy gardening or lifting to "see if it’s fixed." Treat the 24 hours after an adjustment as a "rendering" period. Let the changes settle without spiking your activity levels.
Neuro Emotional Technique (NET)
Neuro Emotional Technique is a practice based on the phenomenon of our bodies physically 'storing' stress or difficult emotions. Here are some common questions regarding it.
Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is a mind-body approach used by trained practitioners to help resolve the physical effects of unresolved stress. It recognises that emotional experiences can become stored in the body through the nervous system and may contribute to muscle tension, pain, or other symptoms. Using muscle testing, focused awareness, and gentle spinal or body contacts, the practitioner helps identify and release these stress responses. The goal is to support the body’s natural ability to adapt and restore balance between emotional processing, the nervous system, and physical function. NET is commonly used alongside chiropractic and other healthcare approaches.
Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is a mind-body approach that helps identify and release unresolved emotional stress that may be affecting physical health or behavior patterns.
NET works by combining principles from chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, and cognitive techniques. A practitioner uses muscle testing (also called applied kinesiology) to identify stress responses connected to specific memories or emotional events. Once the emotional link is identified, the practitioner guides you to briefly focus on the related memory while stimulating specific acupuncture points along the spine.
This process helps the nervous system “reprocess” the stored stress response, allowing the body to release the emotional charge connected to it. The goal is not to relive trauma, but to help the brain and body disconnect the emotional reaction from the trigger.
NET is gentle, non-invasive, and aims to restore emotional balance while supporting physical and mental wellbeing
At your first Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) consultation at Domain Mind Body, we begin with a brief discussion about your health history, current symptoms, and any stresses that may be affecting your wellbeing. This helps us understand how physical and emotional factors may be connected.
During the session, gentle muscle testing is used to identify stress patterns affecting the nervous system. If a Neuro Emotional Complex is found, light spinal contacts are applied while you focus on the related memory or feeling.
NET aims to help the body release stored stress responses and restore balance between the nervous system, emotions, and physical function. Sessions are gentle, focused, and individualised.
Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is not designed to treat or diagnose specific medical conditions. Instead, it focuses on identifying and releasing stress patterns in the nervous system that may contribute to physical symptoms or emotional responses. Unresolved stress can sometimes influence muscle tension, pain patterns, or how the body adapts to challenges. By addressing these mind-body stress responses, NET aims to support the body’s natural ability to restore balance and function. It is often used alongside other healthcare approaches and may help people experiencing stress-related tension, recurring discomfort, or emotional stress patterns affecting their wellbeing.
Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) has been the subject of several clinical studies examining its potential effects on stress-related symptoms and physical conditions. Some research has suggested benefits in areas such as pain, stress, and quality of life. For example, studies have investigated NET in people with chronic low back pain and stress-related conditions, reporting improvements in certain outcomes.
While these results are encouraging, research on NET is still developing and more large-scale, independent studies are needed. NET is generally used as a complementary approach within healthcare, supporting the mind–body connection and working alongside other clinical treatments.
Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is not a form of psychological counselling or psychotherapy. While it involves awareness of emotions and life experiences, NET focuses on the connection between emotional stress and the body’s physical responses through the nervous system. Practitioners use methods such as muscle testing and gentle spinal contacts to help identify and release stress-related patterns stored in the body. The approach works through the mind–body connection rather than through discussion or talk-based therapy. NET may complement other healthcare approaches but does not replace psychological or medical care when those services are needed.
During a typical session, we begin with a brief conversation to understand how you’ve been feeling and what you’d like to focus on—physically, mentally, or emotionally. This helps guide the direction of the session and ensures it’s tailored to your needs.
If the session involves body-based work such as SOT or other structural techniques, you’ll lie comfortably while gentle assessments and corrections are performed. These are low-force and designed to support nervous system balance and alignment.
If we’re working with NET or emotional processing, we may use muscle testing to identify stress patterns and guide you through a short, focused process to help release stored emotional responses.
Throughout the session, the approach is calm, collaborative, and paced to your comfort. We finish with feedback, recommendations, and simple strategies to support your progress between visits.
The number of sessions required varies depending on your individual goals, health history, and how your body responds to care. Some clients notice meaningful changes within just a few sessions, particularly if they are addressing a specific or recent issue. Others with long-standing physical tension, chronic stress, or deeper emotional patterns may benefit from a more structured care plan over several weeks.
At Domain Mind Body, we focus on progress and results rather than locking you into a fixed schedule. After your initial consultation, we’ll discuss recommendations tailored to your needs and adjust the plan as you improve. Our goal is to provide the right level of support to create lasting, sustainable change.
Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) does not replace medical care or other healthcare treatments. It is used as a complementary approach that works alongside conventional healthcare. NET focuses on the relationship between emotional stress, the nervous system, and physical responses in the body. By helping to identify and release stress-related patterns, NET aims to support the body’s natural ability to adapt and function. Patients are encouraged to continue following the advice of their medical practitioners and other healthcare providers. When appropriate, NET can be integrated with chiropractic care and other health approaches as part of a broader wellbeing plan.
Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is generally a gentle and low-force approach, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. Individuals experiencing severe mental health conditions, such as acute psychiatric distress or untreated trauma, should seek care from a qualified mental health professional. NET should not replace psychological or medical treatment when those services are needed. If you have a serious medical condition or are under active medical care, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice. As with any healthcare approach, discussing your health history with your practitioner helps determine whether NET is appropriate for.