Relaxation technique

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Relaxation techniques are used by people who wish to relax, for a wide variety of reasons. Since the 1960's, research has indicated strong correlations between stress levels and physical and emotional health. Meditation was among the first relaxation techniques shown to have a measurable effect on stress reduction. In the 1970's, self-help books teaching relaxation techniques began to appear on bestsellers lists. [1] In 1975, The Relaxation Response by Harvard Medical School professor Herbert Benson, MD and Miriam Z. Klipper was published. Their book has been credited with popularizing meditation in the United States. [2]

Research released in the 1980's indicated stronger ties between stress and health and showed benefits from a wider range of relaxation techniques than had been previously known. This research received national media attention, including a New York Times article in 1986. [3] Public awareness about the health benefits of relaxation techniques grew, and so did the numbers of people who practiced them. Conventional medical philosophy adopted the concept and its early Twenty-first Century practitioners recommend using relaxation techniques to improve patient outcomes in many situations. Relaxation techniques are also a mainstay of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Six out of ten of the most commonly used CAM therapies are relaxation techniques.

Contents 1 Used for 2 Techniques 3 See also 4 External links 5 References

[edit] Used for

People use relaxation techniques for the following reasons, among others:

• Anger management
• Anxiety attacks
• Cardiac health
• Depression
• General well-being
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Immune system support
• Insomnia
• Pain management
• Stress management

[edit] Techniques

Some techniques include:

• Biofeedback
• Deep breathing
• Exercise
• Homeopathy
• Humor
• Listening to music
• Massage
• Meditation
• Prayer
• Reflexology
• Self-hypnosis
• Visualization
• Yoga

[edit] See also

• Stress management
• Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Autogenic training

[edit] External links

• Mind Body Medical Institute
• Can stress kill?
• Quick and Long-Term Relaxation Techniques
• Relaxation Techniques for Relief of Anxiety and Stress
• Relaxation Breathing Meditation

[edit] References

• 1970s Bestsellers URL accessed on May 23, 2006.
• eBay synopsis of The Relaxation Response - shown under "More information" URL accessed on May 23, 2006.
• Relaxation: surprising benefits detected by Daniel Goleman, The New York Times, May 13, 1986, retrieved May 23, 2006.