Relaxation Techniques: What You Need To Know

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/relaxation-techniques-what-you-need-to-know?nav=govd Relaxation techniques are practices to help bring about the body’s “relaxation response,” which is characterized by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate. The relaxation response is the opposite of the stress response. There are a variety of relaxation techniques, including progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, self-hypnosis, and breathing exercises. Relaxation techniques may be helpful for pain, anxiety, and stress. When used on their own, they don’t seem especially promising for helping people sleep. However, they are sometimes used as part of a more comprehensive form of treatment called cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.