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Jonathan Howat DC
Founder of Cranio Fascial Dynamics
A Note on the Founder
Jonathan Howat was the founder of Cranio Fascial Dynamics (CFD) and the developer of the Howat 8 Step Protocol. His decades of clinical practice, research, and teaching contributed significantly to advancing the understanding of cranial structure and neurological relationships within chiropractic.
The work he began continues today through the Howat Protocols of Cranio Fascial Dynamics, under the leadership of Katherine Howat and a faculty of practitioners who trained directly under his mentorship. Together, they remain committed to preserving the integrity of his work while continuing to educate and support practitioners in the responsible application of these protocols.
Professional Background
Jonathan Howat graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, in 1970. He then returned to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to practise alongside his father, David Howat, a 1938 Palmer graduate.
In 1975, he attended his first Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) seminar in England. This experience led him to study the work of Major Bertrand DeJarnette, founder of SOT, and to further develop his clinical understanding of cranial and pelvic dynamics.
Following political upheaval in Zimbabwe, Jonathan and his family emigrated to England in 1984, where he established the Oxford Chiropractic Clinic in Oxford.
From this base, he began teaching Sacro Occipital Technique and, in 1986, founded SOTO Europe, a postgraduate teaching organisation delivering training across the UK and Europe. SOT formed an important foundation for the later development of Cranio Fascial Dynamics.
Clinical Experience & Teaching
Jonathan Howat practised chiropractic for over five decades and lectured internationally for more than thirty years. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to advancing clinical understanding and sharing his work with practitioners around the world.
From 1987 onwards, he was regularly invited to teach internationally, delivering postgraduate seminars across the United Kingdom and Europe—including France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands—as well as in Australia and the Far East, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. His teaching also extended to South Africa, South America (including Chile and Brazil), and the United States.
Over the course of his career, his seminars and lectures reached thousands of practitioners worldwide, including chiropractors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals.
Awards & Professional Recognition
Jonathan’s contribution to the chiropractic profession was recognised through numerous honours and professional appointments.
Notable awards included:
- Chiropractor of the Year – Sacro Occipital Research Society International (1990)
- Chiropractic Literary Award (1999)
- SOTO Europe Chiropractor of the Year (2015)
He also held several distinguished professional fellowships and recognitions, including:
- Diplomate of Craniopathy
- Fellow of the International Craniopathic Society
- Fellow of the Cranial and Paediatric Faculties of the College of Chiropractic
- Fellow of the European Academy of Chiropractic (Craniopathy)
- Fellow of the British Chiropractic Association
In 2008, he was appointed Ambassador for Palmer College of Chiropractic for Global Development, recognising his longstanding contribution to chiropractic education and international professional collaboration.
Publication
The Dislocated Brain: A New Perspective : Innovation in Traumatic Brain Injury and Irrigation
In this landmark publication, Jonathan Howat presents the theoretical framework underpinning Cranio Fascial Dynamics (CFD). The book explores the intricate relationships between embryological development, fascial formation, ventricular dynamics, and neurological pathways, offering a model for understanding how traumatic forces may affect craniospinal integrity.
A central focus of the text is the concept of torque affecting the “central brain core components,” including the brainstem and spinal cord, and how such distortions can influence neurological processing and structural balance.
The Dislocated Brain remains an essential reference for chiropractors, therapists, and healthcare professionals studying Cranio Fascial Dynamics, providing both a foundational understanding and practical insight into the clinical application of CFD principles.
This has become a a must-have for practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise and integrate advanced cranial and neurological assessment into their practice.
Continuing Legacy
Jonathan’s work laid the foundation for Cranio Fascial Dynamics as it is taught today. His clinical inquiry, commitment to education, and dedication to patient care continue to guide the development and teaching of the Howat 8 Step Protocol.