Spinal manipulation is an ancient art. The earliest written account of it has been found in a Chinese document, the Kon Fou, dated around 2700BC.

The early fathers of medicine, the Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen, practised spinal manipulation and preached the importance of the spine in relation to health.

As well as using manual adjustment, Hippocrates is credited with inventing a mechanical device for stretching the spine by traction; he also recommended sitting on patients if necessary!