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 learned, Sotai can be performed as a home care system to increase flexibility and ease of movement. This weekend course will cover the main principles of Sotai and you will finish the course feeling much more relaxed and aligned. You will also be much more aware of your general patterns of tension but will be armed with ways to change them. Marek Urbanowicz was first introduced to Sotai in 1998 when he studied Manaka style acupuncture. He has since furthered his studies in the UK and in the US.