Sotaiho as a theory of motion. Sotaiho as ideology.

Sotaiho method is a therapeutic method that restores the body’s balance while looking for the direction in which the body can move comfortably. However, those who view the Sotaiho method only as a treatment method may be viewing my YouTube videos and perceive the Sotaiho method with a false perspective, such as, “Massage is not a Sotaiho method,” or “It is a sham because it measures the length of the legs. In reality, we do not measure the length of the lower leg bones, but rather we observe the balance of the entire body while comparing the length of the lower limbs visually.You can immediately feel that by moving your body in a comfortable direction with Sotaiho, you can restore balance to your body, as you can see in my YouTube video “Manipulative Bodywork Sotaiho You Can Do at Home (Sotaiho You Can Do While Sitting). Sotaiho ,Although manipulative body movements are performed in the direction of ease in order to relieve muscle tension, the actual action is on the brain, which controls muscle tension. In this sense, there is a fundamental difference in theory from approaches that attempt to restore muscle flexibility by physically stretching or physically firmer muscles.

“Sotaiho” is an exercise therapy that moves the body in a comfortable direction, stopping signals transmitted by the brain that force excessive tension, and guiding the brain’s information itself to a neutral state. This is where “exercise diagnosis” and “exercise therapy” come into play. The symptom to be improved is unbalanced tension in the muscles related to the motor cortex of the brain. Therefore, it is not possible to improve visceral reflex pain induced by visceral disease. This is one of the advantages of incorporating the “Sotaiho Method of Exercise Therapy” into daily relaxation therapy: by using the “Sotaiho Method,” it is possible to determine whether the pain is due to trauma, unbalanced muscle and joint tension caused by daily life, or a medical cause. It is also possible to determine the medical cause of the pain. Even if the medical cause of the pain is not known, it is possible to detect abnormalities and recommend early consultation.

 Many patients with stroke, myocardial infarction, gastric ulcer, gallstones, ureteral stones, acute leukemia, aortic dissection, cancer, and other diseases also come to our hospital complaining of pain in the motor function at the beginning. Of course, there is almost no improvement with Sotaiho. In addition, pain in the motor function induced by medical diseases is characterized by the fact that the pain continues even when the patient is at rest and there is no posture that does not cause pain.

When Sotaiho is viewed as a theory of exercise, the relationship between muscle function and the brain can be considered from a new angle. The concept of Sotaiho, which moves the stress of pain so that it is not transmitted to the brain, can evolve the way we practice sports. For example, in stretch training, flexibility can be safely and easily restored by starting with areas that are easy to stretch, rather than starting with areas that are stiff or painful. Similarly, in warming up for practice, starting with easy movements will make it easier for the body to move than starting with movements that are uncomfortable. It is also understood that, from Sotaiho perspective, massage works by rocking the muscles, not by strong acupressure or kneading that can cause pain. In daily life, it is understood that avoiding unbalanced stress helps to maintain balance.

It can be said that since humans acquired language and began to use tools in their daily lives, their bodies have become prone to an unbalanced state of bipedalism. In addition, the lifestyle of modern society requires more simple work in flat situations, and conscious exercise time is necessary to reset the body’s unbalanced state and return the brain’s function to a neutral state. This is where the theory of Sotaiho exercise becomes necessary.

It is not sotaiho-like to train the body by forcing it to do hard things. That does not mean that you should not force yourself and leave it to others. If you think that practicing more than others toward your goal will make you stronger, you will practice breaking your body; if you think Sotaiho-like, you will always find a way to practice that suits you differently from others, and you will continue to practice and see the results. A specific example is walking. By being aware of each step you take, your brain is constantly aware of the balance of your entire body, and feedback is repeated between the conscious and unconscious mind. When the brain is able to maintain body balance even in the unconscious state, the running form becomes more stable and the body becomes aware that the core muscles are being used properly.

What I have realized through my long practice of manipulative bodywork as the basis of my medical practice is that manipulative bodywork has become the foundation of my philosophy. If we look at manipulative bodywork as a theory of movement, we can say that the theory of manipulative bodywork is to bring the muscles into a neutral state through the feedback of conscious and unconscious brain activity. I believe that the idea of restoring the body’s unbalanced state while searching for a comfortable direction is important not only for exercise, but also for our thinking. There is an expression “seeing at ease. In other words, to see peacefully. If we treat each other with a harsh mind, conflict will arise. Problems that cannot be resolved in a debate can be resolved in a discussion. If we can have discussions that lead our relationship in an easy direction by recognizing each other’s way of life, we believe the world will change. If you live with an irreverent attitude, only irreverent friends will come to you. Irreverent friends are also irreverent in the way they betray you..

I am not able to develop the logic to understand the Sotaiho method as a system of thought. However, I am convinced that many people can experience a glimpse of the Sotaiho method as an idea that can be experienced by reviewing the current exercise theory and incorporating Sotaiho legal thinking into their lives by trying a treatment method that can be experienced by anyone.