Relaxation Therapies

relaxation therapies

It is well know that stress ages an individual.  Finding the perfect stress relief techniques from the many relaxation therapies may seem a bit of a task, but try a few of them and see which is the right one to suit your individual needs. Always remember that relaxation is a real boost for anti-aging and keeping those wrinkles at bay.


Finding the Right Relaxation Therapy to Suit You

The most successful relaxation therapies and practices aim to harmonize physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Most derive from eastern philosophy which maintains that if the spirit becomes detached from the body the imbalance is psychically disabling. The holistic mind, body and spirit approach is ultimately the most unifying and healing. Use one or more of the techniques described below whichever appeal to you most will be the most successful.


Autogenic Relaxation

Autogenic relaxation was devised by German psychiatrist Johannes Schults in the 1930s, autogenics is like putting yourself into a light hypnotic trance. You command your limbs to feel heavy and warm, your breathing and heart rate to steady your stomach to relax and your forehead to feel clear and cool.

Then you repeat the command most relevant to your stress symptoms; for example, you tell your forehead to cool to ease a headache. As you repeat this command, cross your fingers. With practice this action will eventually become a relaxation trigger.  Autogenic relaxation is highly effective relaxation method.


Meditation

Meditation is an ancient Eastern technique that switches off the mind, preventing overload. There are several methods you can use to shut out the world. Begin each by finding a comfortable position and make sure you can stay warm and quiet for at least 20 minutes.

relaxation therapies - meditation

Breath meditation is a simple technique. Begin with deep breathing until your body begins to relax. Empty your mind of everything but your breathing and concentrate on your breath as it comes in and goes out. Allow yourself to feel your ribs and stomach rising and falling. If you have trouble concentrating, try counting your breaths in sequences of ten.

Mantra meditation is the method taught in Transcendental Meditation (TM). Purists believe your mantra, or personal secret word, can only be given you by a guru. Certainly the word should have no intellectual meaning or relevance, but it still works if you choose it yourself. If you can`t decide on a mantra, the classic “Om” (the Eastern seed word for the infinite, or universal love) is a powerful relaxation ally. Repeat your mantra slowly and steadily in time with your breathing. Concentrate on the sound of it and nothing else. If conscious thoughts float into your mind, breathe them out and focus on your mantra again.

Object meditation focuses on a small object instead of a word. Traditionally; this is a candle, but you can use a crystal or stone, which is easy to carry around. Place it a few feet away from you at eye level or just below to prevent the eye muscles becoming tired. Concentrate on the object’s shape, texture and smell. Sense its weight and energy.


Visualisation

The imagination has been used to heal and relax for centuries by traditional shamen, or tribal healers. Make sure you’re comfortable and imagine a pleasant scenario. It might be somewhere where you’ve been happy or relaxed or a totally fictitious destination, such as a desert island. Let the colours, sounds and scents flood your minds eye and wash over you.


T’Ai Chi

Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese technique combining Taoist philosophy with the art of movement.

Practised by millions of Chinese daily, it encourages the balance of yin and yang energies so that chi, or life force, can flow through the body smoothly. It consists of a series of fairly complex posture and breathing techniques, performed slowly in a balletic sequence.  All improve muscle control, but are not strenuous.  Their main aim is to promote grace, tranquility and full use of your energy.


Yoga

This most famous Indian technique has inspired countless Western methods and is one of the most popular and successful means of de-stressing, strengthening and unifying the mind, body and spirit. The asanas, or postures, are a series of gentle stretches which promote balance, flexibility strength and muscle control. They work the entire body, including the internal organs, which are “massaged” by specific movements.

Yoga is particularly well known as a stress relief technique.