Name: Sotai
SKU: 21355
Availability: InStock

Description

Sotai is a Japanese form of muscular or movement therapy invented by Keizo Hashimoto (1897-1993) a neurologist. The aim of sotai is to balance the musculoskeletal system via minimal effort. Like other systems of ‘bodywork’, such as the Feldenkrais Method for instance, it is based on the idea that rather than ‘correcting’ a muscular habit you exaggerate the existing pattern and from this there is a profound shift in the way in which the nervous system is organised. Predominantly isometric contraction is used but very gently based on close observation of the overall postural patterns. When these movements have been assessed by the practitioner, a series of gentle movements are employed to realign how the musculoskeletal system functions. Each movement is accompanied by working with the breath in a relaxed manner.

An overview of the patient’s alignment is made and often a chain of muscular tension is observed, beginning from the feet and seeing how the patient stands. The core of sotai is to work with pelvis since this is the pivotal area that affects what happens above and below it.

Sotai was incorporated into Dr Yoshio Manaka’s YinYang model of acupuncture as the third stage of his treatment protocol although he only included a few of the basic movements into his system. Once learnt sotai can be done as a home care system to increase flexibility and ease of movement.

This weekend will cover the main principles of sotai and you will finish feeling much more relaxed and aligned. You will also be much more aware of your general patterns of tension but will armed with ways to change them.

Dates

18-19 July 2026 (2 days)

Time

9.30am-4.30pm

Cost

£200

Location

International College of Oriental Medicine, Van Buren House, Green Hedges Avenue, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1DZ.

ICOM is located about 10 minutes walk from East Grinstead train station, with direct trains from London Victoria. For those coming by car, we have a private car park with plenty of parking spaces.

Eligibility

This course is suitable for Acupuncture students, practitioners and anyone with a bodywork qualification. Please send proof of qualification to [email protected] before booking

About the teacher

Marek Urbanowicz initially trained in Shiatsu in the mid 1970s, then in Swedish massage and reflexology. He enrolled at the College of Traditional Acupuncture in 1976 studying under J.R. Worsley and received a Licentiate of Acupuncture (Lic.Ac) in 1979. He was awarded a BAc in 1983 and an MAc in 1987. Since the late 1990s, Marek has been studying Japanese style acupuncture and has lectured at a number of Acupuncture colleges.

Marek encountered kinesiology in 1980 with Brian Butler and in 1983 he attended the first advanced kinesiology course in Holland with Dr. Sheldon Deal, continuing to study with him for over 10 years. In the late 1980s he attended the ICAK course with Chris Smith, passing the Clinical Competence exam in 1996. He has been a member of ICAK ever since. At the same time, Marek taught muscle testing alongside Robert Tisserand (author of The Art of Aromatherapy) for 5 years in the 1980s at the Raworth College.

In 2014 he was awarded MA from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama with a thesis on the diaphragm and voice. He has studied nutrition with Dr Stephen Davies and also Dr Lawrence Plaskett and has been in full-time practice since 1979, running a large multi-disciplinary clinic from 1994-2007.

Cancellation policy for CPD course bookings

Refunds for cancellations two or more months before the course commencement will incur a 15% administration fee.
Refunds for cancellations between two months and two weeks before the course commencement will incur a 25% administration fee.
Refunds for cancellations two weeks before the course commencement will incur a 50% administration fee.
No refund will be given for no shows or cancellations upon the course commencement.
Any amount overpaid by the student will automatically be refunded to the student’s account.
If for any reason a course is cancelled by ICOM, all money received will be refunded in full. ICOM will only cancel a course if absolutely necessary.

Photograph: “Netsuke” by judy dean is licensed under CC BY 2.0.