Did you know that relaxation is one of the most commonly
used forms of complementary medicine? In fact, relaxation therapy has been used
to treat several medical disorders such as eczema, nausea and vomiting related
to chemotherapy, high blood pressure, gastroesophageal reflux, epilepsy, irritable
bowel syndrome, heart attack, mental
health problems and pain (Freeman, 2009).
There are two types of relaxation. One is somatic, which refers to muscle relaxation through
listening to the body’s sensations. The
second is cognitive relaxation. Cognitive relaxation refers to using a mental
image, focusing on a thought, a sound, or breathing. In addition to using a
mental focus, the practice of having a nonjudgmental attitude is included. This
relaxes the body and the mind at the same time (Freeman, 2009).
When relaxing, the body causes the autonomic system to go
into a calm state. The autonomic system is the system that when excited causes
the fight-or-flight response. When relaxing, it goes into a resting phase. This resting phase has health benefits on the
cardiovascular system and it also boosts the immune system. Relaxation causes a
release of endogenous (within the body) opioid
type substances called endorphins. This is how pain can be decreased
through relaxation (Freeman, 2009).
Reference:
Freeman, L. (2009). Complementary and alternative medicine: A research-based approach (3rd ed.).
St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
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