Myopractic is not the same as chiropractic, although it does draw on the science of chiropractic care. Myopractic — which is Latin for "muscle practice" — is a type of bodywork that draws from a variety of therapies, including chiropractic, osteopathy, Bowen technique and traditional Chinese medicine. It was developed by an Australian, Dr Neil Skilbeck, and its prime aim is to realign the spine, but without the "back-cracking" associated with chiropractic.

Your first session would include a thorough medical assessment and examination. Existing problems, falls, injuries, X-rays, and past operations would be discussed, along with any psychological problems, including sleeping or eating disorders.

The myopractor will check for muscular irregularities or skeletal curvature, as well as more subtle abnormalities, including lymph "pooling" or swelling, hot or tender spots (areas where muscle fibres are "crystallised" are said to be hotter to touch), and pelvic misalignment.

The actual body work is quite different from a regular massage, involving small precise moves and firm flicking movements — the unique "cross-fibre" technique utilised by Tom Bowen — to break up muscles that have crystallised, as well as Chinese-derived deep, circular "organ massage" to kick-start the body's flow of qi (energy).

This is a gentle and relaxing therapy which is recommended for a wide range of musculo-skeletal complaints, such as headaches, back, neck and shoulder problems, and sporting injuries, as well as apparently unrelated problems of the digestive, reproductive or respiratory systems, which may in fact be caused by the spine or rib cage being out of alignment.

To find a practitioner near you, visit www.naturaltherapypages.com.au.

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