MIND BODY TECHNIQUES FOR RELAXATION AND STRESS

MANAGEMENTA THREE PART COURSE

Relaxation TechniquesPart I

AN OVERVIEW What is the mind-body connection?

What is stress? Why is the mind-body connection important to our health?

What are mind-body practices? How do they relate to relaxation and stress management?

ABOUT RELAXATION TECHNIQUES Combine breathing and focused

attention to calm the mind and body Requires very little instruction Can be practiced any where Most effective when practiced regularly

BENEFITS OF RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Changes the way your body functions physically

Creates a relaxation Response Induces sleep Increases a sense of well being Decreases blood pressure May counteract long term effects of

stress May reduce pain

TYPES OF RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Biofeedback Diaphragmatic breathing Mental Imagery Visualization Self hypnosis Meditation Tai Chi Yoga

HOW RELAXATION TECHNIQUES WORK

Consciously produces the relaxation response

Relaxation response slows HR Decreases Oxygen Consumption Lowers stress hormone levels Counteracts negative effects of Stress

RESEARCH EVIDENCE Anxiety Asthma Depression Fibromyalgia Headache Heat disease High BP Insomnia Pain IBS

DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING

MENTAL IMAGERY

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES CONCLUSION

No formal credential or license to teach or practice

Effective in treating stress May help with many other heath conditions Generally safe Not meant to postpone visit to health care

provider Meant to compliment scientifically proven

treatments Tell your health care provider about any

complimentary treatments you use.