What is Dōsa-hō?

Dōsa-hō (meaning “process of self-striving”) is a unique therapeutic modality developed in Japan by Dr. Yasuhito Naruse. This approach focuses on enhancing body awareness, self-control, and the connection between intention and movement. It’s considered a psycho-rehabilitation method primarily used to support individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental challenges.

How Can Dōsa-hō Help You?

Dōsa-hō offers individuals a way to develop a deeper understanding of their bodies and how their intentions translate into physical actions. This therapy can assist in the following ways:

• Improved motor skills: Dōsa-hō promotes greater control and coordination of movements, enhancing overall motor function.
• Enhanced attention and focus: Dōsa-hō emphasizes mindfulness of the body and its actions, training an individual’s attention and focus.
• Increased self-awareness: Dōsa-hō cultivates a heightened awareness of internal intentions, physical sensations, and the connection between the two.
• Reduced distress: The focus on movement and body awareness in Dōsa-hō can have calming and regulating effects, potentially reducing distress.
• Greater self-efficacy: Dōsa-hō builds confidence in one’s ability to control their own body and movements, fostering a sense of self-efficacy.

What is Dōsa-hō Good For?

Dōsa-hō is primarily used to address challenges experienced by individuals with the following conditions:

• Cerebral palsy: Dōsa-hō can help improve motor control, coordination, and reduce spasticity in individuals with cerebral palsy.
• Down syndrome: Dōsa-hō can support individuals with Down syndrome in developing greater motor control and body awareness.
• Developmental coordination disorder (DCD): Dōsa-hō can help with movement coordination and planning in individuals with DCD.
• Other developmental challenges: Dōsa-hō may be beneficial for individuals with a range of developmental delays or challenges affecting movement.

Benefits of Dōsa-hō

Dōsa-hō offers potential benefits to individuals across the lifespan:

• Improved movement coordination: Dōsa-hō can lead to smoother, more controlled, and efficient movements.
• Enhanced daily life functions: Improved motor skills in Dōsa-hō translate to better performance of everyday tasks and activities.
• Increased self-confidence: Dōsa-hō fosters self-confidence and a sense of agency over one’s body and actions.
• Boosted independence: Improved motor skills and self-efficacy through Dōsa-hō contribute to greater independence in daily life.
• Enhanced quality of life: Dōsa-hō can positively impact various aspects of well-being, leading to an overall improved quality of life.

What to Expect from Dōsa-hō with a Practitioner

A Dōsa-hō session is typically conducted with a trained therapist and follows these general principles:

• Observation: The Dōsa-hō therapist carefully observes the individual’s movements, postures, and patterns.
• Gentle guidance: Using gentle touch and physical manipulation, the therapist guides the individual’s movements.
• Focus on intention: The therapist emphasizes awareness of internal intentions and their connection to physical movements.
• Individualized approach: Dōsa-hō sessions are tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each individual.

Similar Modalities to Dōsa-hō

Other therapeutic modalities share similarities with Dōsa-hō:

• Feldenkrais Method: The Feldenkrais Method uses gentle movements and guided exploration to enhance body awareness and movement efficiency.
• Conductive education: Conductive education is a holistic approach for individuals with motor disorders, focusing on developing motor skills and cognitive abilities.
• Occupational and physical therapy: These therapies often incorporate body awareness, movement coordination, and strategies to improve daily function.

Final Thoughts

Dōsa-hō provides a unique framework for individuals seeking to improve their motor control, body awareness, and overall well-being. Its emphasis on the connection between intention and movement makes Dōsa-hō a valuable tool, particularly for those with developmental challenges. If you or a loved one are seeking support with motor function and coordination, exploring Dōsa-hō might be a transformative step in your journey.

Scientific References

While peer-reviewed scientific research on Dōsa-hō specifically is limited, here are references exploring related concepts and therapies with overlapping principles:

• Knox, S. H., & Beamer, S. B. (1996). Evaluation of behavioral treatment of sensory integration problems in children with autism. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 16(2), 73-92. doi:10.1177/153944929601600201 
• Rinehart, N. J., Bell, E. C., & Greenfield, D. B. (2017). Perspective of caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder on sensory-based intervention: A qualitative study. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(5), 7105190020p1–7105190020p8. doi:10.5014/ajot.2017.024835
• Feldenkrais, M. (1972). Awareness through movement: Health exercises for personal growth. Harper & Row.

Recommended Reading

Since much of the foundational literature on Dōsa-hō is in Japanese, here are some resources on related therapies to deepen your understanding:

• The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science by Norman Doidge (2007). Doidge, N. (2007). The brain that changes itself: Stories of personal triumph from the frontiers of brain science. Viking.
• Move into Life: The Nine Essentials for Lifelong Vitality by Anat Baniel (2009). Baniel, A. (2009). Move into life: the nine essentials for lifelong vitality. Harmony Books.
• Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John Ratey (2008). Ratey, J. (2008). Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain. Little, Brown and Company.