Relaxation Training

Relaxation training incorporates meditation training and biofeedback work. Meditation has its roots in Eastern religious traditions to correct imbalances of the mind, however, its health benefits are independent of spiritual aspects. Most types of meditation employ some form of concentration on breathing and a silent repetition of a word or prayer to release anxiety and extraneous stresses. It is recommended that individuals perform meditation one or twice a day for 10-20 minutes to reap the full benefits. The overall goal is to improve health in general and facilitate the healing of certain disorders by inducing mental tranquility and physical relaxation.

The reported benefits include reduction of stress, tension, anxiety, panic, high blood pressure, and lessening of chronic pain. Benefits also include reduced stress hormone levels, improved immune function, and improvement in mood. By calming the mind and relaxing the body, meditation may help alleviate the harmful effects of tension and stress and change negative coping responses.

Biofeedback involves training the mind to gain control over physiological reactions, often involuntary and automatic, through “feedback” information. Electronic equipment that measures body functions such as breath rate, perspiration, blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature and muscle tension allows patients to observe any changes that result from their behavior or thought processes. As patients attempt to control these functions, the electronic equipment allows them to monitor their efforts. In time, patients can learn to modify the targeted physiological activity. Patients can learn to reduce or eliminate symptoms by developing voluntary control techniques to changes those body functions. By learning to control various biological functions, biofeedback can help reduce stress and tension, lessen pain, and promote relaxation.

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