Stress Management & Relaxtion and Meditation

Another way to reduce stress in the body is through certain disciplines which fall under the heading of relaxation techniques, reiki healing and other forms of healing are great to reduce stress. Just as we are all capable of mounting and sustaining a stress reaction, we have also inherited the ability to put our bodies into a state of deep relaxation which Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard University has named "the relaxation response." In this state, all the physiologic events in the stress reaction are reversed: pulse slows, blood pressure falls, breathing slows and muscles relax.

Where the stress reaction is automatic, however, the relaxation response needs to be brought forth by intention. Fortunately, there are many ways of doing this. Sitting quietly by a lake or fireplace, gently petting the family cat, lying on a hammock and other restful activities can generate this state. There also are specific skills that can be learned which are efficient and beneficial. A state of deep relaxation achieved through meditation or self-hypnosis is actually more physiologically restful than sleep. These techniques are best learned through formal training courses which are taught in a variety of places. Books and relaxation tapes can be used when courses are not available or are beyond the patient's budget.