What is relaxation and what are its possible applications ?
What is relaxation and what are its possible applications ?
Relaxation brings together a set of methods and techniques aimed at reducing a subject’s muscular and mental tensions. It generally takes the form of exercises acting primarily on the psychic or physiological level of the patient, before implying a form of interactivity between the physical and mental. The aim of relaxation is to lead to an improvement in the subject’s overall well-being and emotional control.
Relaxation can take different forms, from deep breathing to sophrology. All techniques aim to reduce stress, anxiety or pain and to prevent or reduce certain mental disorders.
The methods of relaxation are many and varied. Among them are Yoga, Reiki, deep breathing, hypnosis, sophrology…
Whatever the technique used, the aim of relaxation is always to reduce the psychic or physiological tensions of the patient. This therapeutic approach is based on the link that exists between body and mind. Relaxing the body is a way to relax the mind. Reducing mental tensions can cure or relieve some physical suffering.
The ultimate goal of relaxation techniques is to achieve this overall reduction of tension by using this interactivity between the mind and the body.
Relaxation, in addition to other psychotherapies and drug treatments, may be recommended for patients with neuroses, phobias, anxiety disorders, stress or psychosomatic problems. It is also recommended in cases of chronic pain or in preparation for childbirth.
It is important to note that the important interactivity between the mind and organic functions, which relaxation implies, can awaken certain repressed traumas. This therapeutic approach is therefore not recommended for patients suffering from psychoses or serious physical problems (e.g. heart failure).