What is Relaxation?

As previously stated, Relaxation Training is a technique of any method, activity, procedure or  process, that can help a person to gain a state of increased calmness or reduce levels of anxiety, stress or anger.  Relaxation techniques are often employed as an element of a wider stress management program and can help to decrease muscle tension, lower blood pressure and slow heart and breathing rates, among other health benefits

Since the 1960s, research has indicated strong correlations between chronic stress and physical and emotional health. Meditation was among the first relaxation techniques shown to have a measurable effect on stress reduction. In the 1970s,  self-help books teaching relaxation techniques began to appear on bestsellers lists, as a result of everyday living patterns becoming more stressful.

Research released in the 1980s indicated stronger ties between stress and health and showed benefits from a wider range of relaxation techniques than had been previously known. Conventional medical philosophy adopted this concept, as did the more modern practitioners of the day, who recommended using relaxation techniques to improve patient outcomes in most stressful situations. Relaxation techniques are also a mainstay of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) along with Behaviour Modification Methods.

Uses

Some of the reasons people use relaxation techniques are:

• Anger Management
• Cardiac Health
• Depression
• General Wellbeing
• High Blood Pressure
• Immune System support
• Insomnia
• Pain Management
• Panic Attacks
• Stress Management

Techniques

There are many techniques available to help facilitate the state of relaxation. Some methods are performed alone, while some require the help of another person. Some techniques involve movement, some focus on stillness and there are also other methods requiring different elements.
Relaxation techniques can either be performed in a group or privately. They can be performed as a movement-based exercise or a staying-still activity.

Some examples are:

• Biofeeback
• Deep breathing
• Muscle exercises
• Meditation
• Pranayama
• Visualisation
• Yoga Nidra

Examples of movement-based relaxation methods are:

• Walking
• Gardening
• Qi Gong
• Tai Chi
• Yoga

There are also some forms of bodywork that help in promoting a state of increased relaxation, such as:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Hot Baths
• Massage
• Reflexology
• Reiki

Listening to certain types of music or sounds can also help to increase feelings associated with relaxation, such as peacefulness and a sense of calm:

• Classical music
• Gregorian chants
• Mantra chanting
• New age music
• Sounds of nature

 Relaxation CD

Complementing this program is a Relaxation CD by William Forde which has proved very helpful in promoting a deep state of relaxation with listeners for over 30 years. The recording has been constructed to synchronise the natural breathing pattern with an increasing relaxed mind and body that exists immediately prior to sleep. Consequently, the Relaxation CD promotes good sleep, reduces blood pressure levels and assists in awakening more refreshed. The Relaxation CD draws upon the principles of Autogenic Training and should not be used while driving, or engaged in any precision activity and by persons who already have low blood pressure levels, brain damage and pregnant women.

To order your CD see below: