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The Relaxation Response

Definition:

The Relaxation Response is a physiological reaction of deep rest that changes, more effectively than rest alone, the physical and emotional responses to stress.

The Relaxation Response, an integrated set of mind/body responses, has been called an alternative to a chronic state of distress:

Effects of Relaxation Response	Effects of Chronic distress/stress The "Fight or Flight Response"
Blood pressure decreases	Vascular pressure increases
Muscles tension decreases	Muscles tighten and stiffen
Metabolism decreases	Cellular function increases
Breathing slows and deepens improving thought processes	Breathing is shallow, less oxygen available for nerve function
Circulation is restored	Circulation directed away from feet and hands (cold)
Digestion and appetite improve and may improve insulin sensitivity	Digestion and blood sugar become irregular
Skin and vision become more vibrant	Skin and eyes are less elastic and age more quickly
Sleep improves and energy increases	Sleep does not refresh the body or mind
Communicate effectively and manage life's demands	Memory and cognitive processing impaired

How stressed out are Americans?

Forty-three percent of adults suffer adverse effects from stress Two-thirds of all office visits to family physicians are due to stress-related symptoms Sixty-four percent of Americans say they are taking steps to reduce stress in their lives Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death----heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.

Source: "Mind/Body Health: Did You Know?" American Psychological Association

Often people neglect the warning signs of accumulating stress and tension by keeping very busy and distracting themselves. When they are irritable, anxious, tense and uncomfortable they sit down and try very hard to relax. If it doesn't work they try harder. They can become more tense about being tense and more anxious about being anxious.

Research

Once viewed as a luxury or indulgence, research has now proven that massage therapy and bodywork provides physical, mental and emotional benefits at all stages of life.

Organizations such as the American Massage Therapy Association, the University of Miami School of Medicine's Touch Research Institute, the National Institute of Health, the American Diabetic Association, the Dystonia Foundation, and other research organizations have published numerous studies on the benefits of massage and related forms of bodywork.

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Massage and the Relaxation Response

Massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, Zero Balancing have been shown to elicit the Relaxation Response more effectively than rest alone. Through progressive sessions the body and mind "set points" begin to return to more beneficial function " (somewhat like calibrating a thermometer). The individual can recognize and begin to release the stresses more easily. With more repetition comes greater facility----practice makes perfect in relaxation as in other learned functions.

An on-going lifestyle incorporating bodywork and other healthy choices maximizes an individual's potential. It promotes balance in many areas of life including Social, Cultural, Physical, Spiritual, Emotional, Intellectual and Environmental. And it is an enjoyable form of self-care.

Your Most Valuable Possession-Your Health

It requires more time, more energy, more resources, more research, and more focus to regain lost health than to maintain health. Balance the stresses of life by learning and experiencing the depth of the Relaxation Response.

Protecting your health by taking responsibility for prevention of the ravages of stress is your best investment for today and tomorrow.

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