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Sotai (self practice)

操体法

A listing is not a recommendation.

Origin: Japan · Tradition: Sotai, associated with Keizo Hashimoto and others · Movement

What it is

A Japanese body method in which you slowly move in a comfortable direction, opposite the direction of pain or limited movement, and organise the body in the moment you let the effort go. Simple forms are also done as self-practice.

A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)

1. Do not force movement toward the painful direction. Move slowly toward the comfortable direction while breathing out.
2. At the peak of comfort, let the effort go and return with the body relaxed.
3. For a first attempt, it is safer to learn from an introductory session with a teacher.

Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice

• Low back pain
• Stiff shoulders
• Muscle stiffness
• Posture
• Hip discomfort

Related symptom videos

• Low back pain
• Stiff neck & shoulders
• Stiffness / flexibility
• Posture
• Hip pain

Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)

D: Traditional use only. This review did not find enough clinical research on the practice itself

The sources were not confirmed in this review.

There are clinic and case reports, but a high-quality RCT or systematic review of sotai itself was not found in this review. Treat it within the range of gentle movement for pain.