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The relaxation response: psychophysiologic aspects and clinical applications
International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Continuous behavioral adjustment triggers the emergency reaction, potentially leading to diseases like hypertension. The relaxation response, a counteracting hypothalamic reaction, offers a therapeutic approach for prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychophysiology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Continuous behavioral adjustment activates the hypothalamic emergency reaction.
- Chronic stress and the emergency reaction are linked to diseases such as hypertension.
- The relaxation response may counteract the physiological effects of the emergency reaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe techniques for eliciting the relaxation response.
- To discuss clinical investigations using the relaxation response as therapy.
- To explore the relaxation response as a therapeutic intervention for stress-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Description of basic elements of relaxation response techniques.
- Review of clinical investigations employing the relaxation response.
- Analysis of physiological changes associated with the relaxation response.
Main Results:
- The relaxation response elicits physiological changes that counteract the emergency reaction.
- Clinical studies demonstrate the therapeutic potential of the relaxation response.
- Techniques for eliciting the relaxation response are detailed.
Conclusions:
- The relaxation response is an integrated hypothalamic response.
- It serves as a counter-mechanism to the emergency reaction.
- The relaxation response shows promise in preventing and treating diseases linked to chronic stress.