The Relaxation Response: Psychophysiologic Aspects and Clinical Applications

Benson, Herbert; Greenwood, Martha M.; Klemchuk, Helen P.

doi:10.2190/376w-e4mt-qm6q-h0um

Cited by 209 publications

(103 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…25 The physiologic changes accompanying relaxation breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing, effectively form a counterpart to, and are therefore incompatible with, the emergency 'fight or flight' reaction characterizing anxious individuals. 90 It is difficult to be tense and to breathe from your abdomen at the same time. 91 Because of this, relaxation breathing has been used effectively across a wide range of situations to combat anxiety.…”

Section: Diaphragmatic or Relaxation Breathingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Management of fear and anxiety in the dental clinic: a review

2013

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People who are highly anxious about undergoing dental treatment comprise approximately one in seven of the population and require careful and considerate management by dental practitioners. This paper presents a review of a number of non-pharmacological (behavioural and cognitive) techniques that can be used in the dental clinic or surgery in order to assist anxious individuals obtain needed dental care. Practical advice for managing anxious patients is provided and the evidence base for the various approaches is examined and summarized. The importance of firstly identifying dental fear and then understanding its aetiology, nature and associated components is stressed. Anxiety management techniques range from good communication and establishing rapport to the use of systematic desensitization and hypnosis. Some techniques require specialist training but many others could usefully be adopted for all dental patients, regardless of their known level of dental anxiety. It is concluded that successfully managing dentally fearful individuals is achievable for clinicians but requires a greater level of understanding, good communication and a phased treatment approach. There is an acceptable evidence base for several non-pharmacological anxiety management practices to help augment dental practitioners providing care to anxious or fearful children and adults.

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Section: Diaphragmatic or Relaxation Breathingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Management of fear and anxiety in the dental clinic: a review

2013

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“…[15][16][17][18] A limited number of scientifically rigorous research studies have explored Reiki's effectiveness, 19,20 and a review suggests beneficial effects on pain, fatigue, mood, and quality of life. 18,20 RRT teaches subjects to evoke the relaxation response, [21][22][23] which helps them replace negative thoughts with less frightening and more positive images (cognitive restructuring). A recent meta-analysis examining autogenic training and self-relaxation demonstrated that each technique had positive effects in patients with tension headaches, coronary artery disease, asthma, pain, Raynaud syndrome, anxiety, depression, or sleeplessness.…”

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confidence: 99%

Effects of complementary therapies on clinical outcomes in patients being treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Beard

Stason

Wang

et al. 2010

Cancer

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BACKGROUND. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the clinical effects of 2 complementary (CAM) therapies, relaxation response therapy (RRT) and Reiki therapy, in men being treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRx) for prostate cancer. METHODS. Study participants were randomly assigned to weekly RRT, Reiki therapy twice weekly, or wait-list control. Well-validated instruments measured anxiety (STAI), depression (CES-D), and quality of life in cancer patients (FACT-G) at randomization and 3 subsequent time points. RESULTS. Fifty-four men were randomized, and 16 of 18 (89%) of RRT and 15 of 18 (83%) of Reiki patients completed the intervention protocol. No statistically significant difference was found between the RRT, Reiki, and control groups on total scores for the STAI, CES-D, or FACT-G instruments at any time point. However, at the end of the intervention, significant improvement was found on the emotional well-being subscale of the FACT-G quality of life scale in the RRT group compared with the Reiki and control groups (P ¼ .01). In participants who were classified as ''anxious'' at baseline, statistically significant improvement occurred in the RRT group (P ¼ .02), and a positive trend was found in the Reiki group (P ¼ .10). CONCLUSIONS. This pilot study documented the feasibility of conducting a RCT of CAM therapies in men undergoing EBRx for prostate cancer. Relaxation response therapy improved emotional well being and eased anxiety in participants. Reiki therapy also had a positive effect in anxious patients. A larger study to verify and better define the benefits of these therapies in men with prostate cancer is warranted. Cancer 2011;117:96-102.

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“…In essence, relaxation techniques consist of focused attention, a passive nonevaluative approach to thoughts, relaxation of muscle tone, and a nondistracting environment. [112][113][114] The hallmark of the relaxation response is a reduction in sympathetic nervous system activity.…”

Section: Meditation and Relaxation Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 99%