The preparatory set (PS) is proposed as a concept describing how organisms coordinate muscle tone, posture, breathing, autonomic functions, emotional state, attention, and expectations in response to environmental challenges, forming a foundation for approach/avoid behaviors. The authors argue that the PS offers a more nuanced and flexible perspective on stress response than current theories. They hypothesize that body-mind therapeutic and educational systems (BTES)—including meditative movement, meditation, somatic education, and body-oriented psychotherapies—work by intervening on the PS to remedy stress and trauma. The PS can be adaptive or maladaptive, and BTES interventions may restore adaptive PS. Supportive evidence is discussed, and future research directions are suggested.
A theory of human trauma and chronic stress, grounded in the practice of Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapy, proposes that these conditions arise from a functional dysregulation of a subcortical network—the core response network (CRN)—that integrates autonomic, limbic, motor, and arousal systems. SE guides attention to interoceptive, kinesthetic, and proprioceptive experience to complete thwarted self-protective responses and discharge excess autonomic arousal, restoring CRN functionality. A composite case study illustrates the approach. The authors argue that such somatic methods supplement cognitive and exposure therapies, and that similar mechanisms may underlie benefits of meditation and other somatic practices.
Meditative Movement (MM) combines exercise with meditative attention to body sensations such as proprioception, interoception, and kinesthesis. This review focuses on Qigong and Taijiquan, clarifying how they differ from conventional exercise and describing key methodologies. Evidence from reviews published since 2007 suggests MM may be at least as effective as conventional exercise or other interventions for reducing anxiety and depression. However, study quality is generally poor and many confounding factors exist, making definitive conclusions difficult. The authors call for more high-quality research and offer specific suggestions for future studies.